Oscar Peterson - TV Tropes
- ️Fri Feb 14 2025
Oscar Peterson (August 15, 1925– December 23, 2007) was a Canadian jazz pianist and composer, widely regarded as one of the greatest pianists in jazz history. Known for his virtuosic technique, dazzling speed, and deep sense of swing, Peterson’s career spanned over six decades, during which he recorded more than 200 albums. He was sometimes referred to as “the brown bomber of boogie-woogie” and “master of swing”.
Born in Montreal, Quebec, Peterson showed prodigious talent from a young age, initially studying classical music before shifting his focus to jazz. He gained national attention in Canada as a teenager and was later discovered by impresario Norman Granz, who invited him to join the Jazz at the Philharmonic tours. Throughout his career, he collaborated with jazz legends such as Ella Fitzgerald, Count Basie and Herbie Hancock. Despite suffering a stroke in 1993 that limited his left-hand mobility, he continued to perform and compose into the 2000s, solidifying his status as a jazz icon.
Peterson’s influence on Canadian jazz was immense, helping to elevate the country’s status in the international jazz scene. He was a vocal advocate for jazz education, mentoring younger musicians and establishing institutions like the Oscar Peterson School of Music. Beyond Canada, his technical mastery and improvisational skills set a new standard for jazz pianists, with many citing him as a key influence.His honors include 8 Grammy Awards and a Juno Award. He has been inducted into the Canada Hall of Fame and International Jazz Hall of Fame. He was also inducted in the Order of Canada as a Companion. He was offered the position of the Lieutenant-Governor of the province of Ontario by then Prime Minister Jean Chretien, though Oscar turned it down due to ill-health (he was offered the same year he had his stroke).
Tropes:
- 12-Bar Blues: He recorded a number of songs with this format including C Jam Blues and Things Ain’t What They Used to Be.
- Cover Album: Oscar recorded albums that consisted of songs that were either written or popularized by other musicians, many titled “Oscar Peterson plays [musician]”. Artists covered included Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Cole Porter and Count Basie.
- Crossover: Collaborated with Buddy Defranco on “Buddy and Oscar Peterson Play George Gershwin” and with Ben Webster on “Ben Webster Meets Oscar Peterson” amongst others.
- Live Album: He recorded several throughout his career including “Nigerian Marketplace” (at the 1981 Montreux Jazz Festival) and “Saturday Night at the Blue Note” (at The Blue Note jazz club).
- Pop-Star Composer: Oscar provided the film score to the Canadian Thriller Film The Silent Partner and the Norman Mc Laren animated short Begone Dull Care.
- Something Blues: All Blues, C Jam Blues and Kelly’s Blues.