The best jazz pianist ever.

I still remember when I bought in te sixties the LP entitled NIGHT TRAIN Nº 1. He discovered to me the sense of jazz. No one could express better what jazz means. Ih heaven exists he must fill one of its best places there. He deserves it ........

I have been listening to O.P. for fifty years. His music has made my life fuller, richer, more fun. I am so thankful that he shared his beautiful talent with us.

Although music was not mycollege major, I nonetheless possess a natural talent for the piano. That said, Oscar Peterson was hands down a master of the keyboard; the sheer complexity his arrangements and the ability to bring it all together was a skill that a very few possess. My favorites: Tenderly and Night Train are tunes that I still go out of my way to hear played by Oscar. And, some of my best memories of his performances were Ravinia in Highland Park, IL and, oh my goodness, his appearance at the University of California, Berkeley. Maybe in my lifetime I'll meet another jazz pianist with the masterful skill of an Oscar Peterson. Thank you.

Can anyone help - Did Oscar Petersen go to the Toronto Press Ball in 1959

Saw him at Birdland in New York City in 2007 - his last concert there in the company of my friend Gerry Coutinho who is himself a pianist. Gerry can still not get over the fact that he was able to see him live in concert but also get himself photographed with Oscar and press the flesh. It was a dream come true for him.

Hi dear Oscar the master pianoplayer jamming there in the heaven! Thanks a lot for your fabulous concerts here in Finland at the Pori Jazzfestival. It has been a great pleasure to listen to you. Your memory will live forever among us who like the jazz music. We miss you a ot.

LIfe will never be the same with out Oscar. It feels like the world is a little less brighter with out Oscar here to help us out. It is like you can not smile with out it hurting and feeling like part of you will never be the same.

I learned so much from him that I am sure that I will never be the same maggie that I was befor. His death did not effect me but everyone else.I loved his music like nothing else.

His music will continue to ring in my ears like a bell.

I first "discovered" Oscar at the London House in Chicago on July 29th, 1961 during the recording of the famous London House sessions on Verve Records. Oscar was the "Boss Man" from that day forward. As a jazz DJ on radio for many years, I made it a point to play at least one O.P. record on every show. I also had the good fortune of interviewing him around 1965. He was a gracious gentleman, incredibly talented, and a tremendous inspiration to all who appreciate jazz. Like so many others who have gone before, he will be so greatly missed. ...dave harold Indianapolis, IN

Oscar might be gone but his legacy will live forever.I'm a young pianist from South Africa and I'll forever remember him as "the man that defied human musical nature"

I recently discovered Peterson’s performances on YouTube and he had taken up residence in my mind. As I drove east on Interstate 80, the enormous full moon rose like a giant ghostly sun over Omaha. It looked like Oscar’s gigantic torso on the piano bench preparing to play to the Missouri river. I’m tempted to find his music on the ipod, but instead continue to listen to All Things Considered on the Omaha NPR station. I had the great fortune to see him live in 1964 at the University of Iowa’s grand ballroom with the other members of one of his legendary trios, Ray Brown and Ed Thigpen. It was an amazing night of incredible hard swinging jazz music. I was a drummer at the time and was watching Thigpen like a hawk, but Oscar was dominating everyone’s attention with such virtuosic mastery that it took my breath away. That night constituted one of the greatest gifts that my sister (a superb “gifter”) could have given me. Although my parents likely paid for the ticket, it was my sister who told us about the opportunity. Thanks Nancy. I rolled into Fort Madison without incident on what I would later learn was Oscar’s last night on this earth. I know everyone must die—that we have a limited time on this planet/plane—but when we lose people like Ella, Sarah and Oscar, I really start to wonder. They were probably worn out and ready to go and someone knew it was time, but at least they left a large body of work for those of us still here to enjoy and learn from. They are giants of music, but also tremendous role models for excellence, persistence and class among people of color. So thanks Oscar, not only for the wonderful concert so many years ago, but also for your example of superlative artistry and humanity. Thanks for guiding me home to see my mother. May you rest in peace and send me some of your impeccable sense of time and style.

Thankyou Oscar for bringing such magic into our lives. You never cease to amaze with with your pure genius. I can't go too long without listening to you: totally addictive. I don't know who can match your understanding of the mathmatics of music and how to deploy it to make it sound so easy!

He got me lisening to jazz and after that I gave every song a try.

He is the best jazz player I ever heard.

I liked his music more then anthing.

I used to hate jazz but Oscar Peterson made me like it.

I didn`t like jazz until Oscar Peterson told me what it was.

It nearly broke my heart to see Oscar perform quite recently on a recorded concert on one of the tv channels. Because Oscar is so legendary it was some time before I noticed that his left hand was hardly moving during the performance. It was only then that I realised that the stroke he had suffered prior to this programme had paralysed his left hand. What a tragic loss to the world!

Legends dont die,they only fade away till we meet again in the JAZZ BAND IN THE SKY. We owe you so much.

Mr Peterson One of the greatest pianist I've ever seen performing live. Sir rest in peace.

Oscar, if only I'd had been lucky enough to see you perform live, met you or even known you like many of the people on this site. You are an inspiration to Piano players and musicians across the globe... Your music dances within many of us...Tickling our souls!

I used to call him King Oscar because after Art Tatum passed he had no equals but Oscar. He was a giant that even playing solo sounded like an entire symphony orchestra. He must have realized that with great gifts came greater responsibility. We were the beneficiaries of that gift-wise. Although he was never officially given a name like Duke, Count or Prince Oscar Peterson will always be King Oscar to me.

I'm a Pianist and I always listen to Oscar Peterson as a kid ...I would try to play like him....lol lol ....but I couldn't he was "too Fast!!!"...I will truely miss him. and his music.. My favorite Pianist is Oscar Peterson, Wynton Kelly and Bud Powell God Blessings to his family Love A'daila Pianist/Singer/Composer

I met Oscar when I was 11 yrs old. I am now 71 yrs. old. I was the baby sitter for Marj & Hugh Sealey who were good friends of Oscars. I have followed his career since then. I would sit in the Alberta Lounge for hours in Montreal & in the piano lounge of the Sheraton Hotel in Calgary. Oscar was always glad to see me & talk about old times. I will miss him but his music will live on forever. My love for his music has been passed down through my family. My prayers are with the family.

He was and still is an inspiration to me both as a Canadian and as a piano player. He will be sadly missed and always remembered. My late father was a big fan of his, and now I am too. His legacy to the Canadian music industry lives on.

My memory was being involved with the Blue Orchid Ball, arranged by I.O.D.E at the Ritz Carlton Hotel, Montreal,Que, in the early part of the "nd World War. Peterson was still at school. The Ball nearly did nottake place for the hotel were refusing to have Peterson in the ballroom, for obvious reasons. But Johnney Homles' Band said they would walk out if this happened. The Band played on and we had a great night. By the way I thought Oscar went to Westmount High School - I happened to be a a pupil there!

I had the pleasure of seeing Oscar play in small clubs - I don't know how it was possible for one man to do what he did to that Bosendorfer - perfection!

When I started listening and collecting jazz recordings, Oscar Peterson was one of the first artist whose music I collected. Rest in Peace Oscar, your memory will live on forever.

Oscar you will well remembered for your outstanding performances in the 50 ,s. Unfortunately I missed you when I lived in Montreal and you performed at tha BLACK BOTTOM CLUB. Klaus Wagner Melbourne Australia

first recording i heard from oscar peterson was "wheatland" from the album great connections. i was 4, didn't know what jazz was, it was just my dad's music playing in the car, as far as i was concerned. but i have loved his music since then, dubbed him my personal god of music. he has played the soundtrack to my life and since there's so much of his music to discover still, he'll continue in his recordings. i so appreciative of his talent and his life.

My Teacher, Mentor and friend. I tried to meet you in person all my life to say thank you for teaching me through your recording. Your music will live on through me and many others that you inspired over the years. Thank you! The Visgar INN Chappies Bakers Keyboard Lounge Kim N. Patillo

dear oscar, you are an example to all of music and jazz lovers. your modesty and the greatest performence capacity will be a reall guide to all jazz comunity lovers. you will be always alive with us because your music will never die. God will bless you for your contribution to humanity.

As a 20 year old bass player in 1980, I had the pleasure of playing with Oscar at Geoff Brookes Steak Cave, Melbourne, Australia. Lovely man with a huge hand span on the piano. Raced out the next day and bought an album for him to autograph. Sadly missed.

I would agreed with the Duke, Mr. Peterson, was the best in the business of jazz. He will be well miss. David Jazzman Johnson Ivory Coast Jazz Show

You a GOD sent there will never be another like you Jazz musicians in the Fiji island will sadly miss you You will always be here with us

As a student in the 70s I listened many times times to the Oscar Peterson Trio at Ronnie Scotts Club in Frith Street, Soho, London. Three sets - starting at 9.30 and finishing at 3.00 am - alternating with the house band and Ronnie's jokes. I can remember listening at two in the morning with perhaps only three dozen in the audience, before getting onto my moped and heading home. Completely intoxicated - but not with anything other than the utter musical genius of Satin Doll, Someone to watch over me, Tricotism, Hymn to... and so on. I remember, one evening Dizzy Gilespie in the audience - also a regular at the club. Ray Brown, a young Neils HOP, Martin Drew - just the very best. My only regret is that I did not spend more time there. Thirty years later I saw him again - at the Albert Hall, 2005 and 2006. Genius, genius, genius .... top di top. Thank you.

driving taxi in bay area late 80,s weatherman noted a 1 degree temp. rise in san fran over oakland,oscar must have just started his set.

Oscar was a total knockout. I didn't get to see him as often as I would have liked, but everytime I did I would leave with a huge grin on my face. The last time I saw him was last year and even though his best years were behind him I was still amazed and what he could do. I'm a jazz pianist myself (although I can't play even remotely close to his style). I was always amazed at how his barin worked - how did he think of those amazing piano runs - let alone then be able to play them? The man was a true genius and will be sorely missed

Oscar is now a member of the heavenly choir. Rest in pece.

Oscar Peterson helped to launch Artists Against Racism, a renowned Canadian charity, in the '90s. His funding and moral support helped to take our educational message internationally, and he did so because he sadly understood racism at its core. Fortunately, for all of us, he rose above the ignorance he experienced, and was recognized for his talent and intelligence worldwide. We will be forever grateful for knowing this great soul and for his believing that we could help make a difference. He was one of our greatest inspirations.

I have been a follower of Oscar for many years and have a vast number of recordings. I saw him at the Royal Festival Hall in London in the 1990s - the show was brilliant. The speed of the fingers was amazing. He will be remembered by me and so many jazz enthusiasts, never to be forgotten.

I once read that your father let you pursue music only if you promised to be "The Best". You were. Rest In Peace Oscar. Mark Ashurst, Rochdale U.K., and Parramatta, Australia.

Oscar has been a driving force behind my playing since 1974...I used to go to sleep with his LP's on repeat...I saw him live at Carnegie Hall in 1976...always dreamed of meeting him, unfortunately I never had the privilege...he has established a standard before me that I will probably never reach...but that standard continues to push me to strive for more...it is amazing to me how this man from Toronto, Canada that I have never met, has had such an impact on my life...I have been and always will be a student and a fan of the great Oscar Peterson...I sure hope he went to heaven...I'll look forward to meeting him there...thanks Oscar for playing the piano the way it ought to be played...even though I didn't know you personally sir, I met you in your music and it has become a part of me...there is an excitement as I marvel at the impact of this one man's life, and a wonder as I witness the end of an era...I ask myself who could possibly follow Oscar? Thank God there are countless recordings to preserve this great gift to humanity...Thank you God for Oscar! My thoughts & prayers are with his wife, daugter & family... With much respect, Your musical brother Stan Williamson

"I have listened to the music of Ocar Peterson for many years and he was truly my biggest inspiration for learning the piano. He was one of the greatest virtuosos of our time. He will be very sadly missed."

I loved his playing right from those early Clef recordings till the present.A great artist sadly gone,they play jazz piano like that any more.

I've listened to the music of Oscar Peterson for over 30 years and was deeply saddened by his death, but this great man has left a fantastic body of work to be enjoyed by others for many, many years to come. God Bless Oscar Peterson!!

I really love Mr Peterson music. the way he approach his music was the mark of a giant doing what love most. Playing a good jazz tune. may he rest in peace. by Joe Arias

Oscar Peterson was the finest and most accomplished jazz pianist. yes he sometimes played too many notes at breakneck speed, but when his approach was more measured, the results were often sublime. in my view, he played his finest music in his Trio with Ray Brown on bass and Ed Thigpen on drums. My favourite recordings are the live performances recorded at The London House, Chicago. Here the pace is more measured and there is not just technical brilliance, but an emotional range and depth of feeling, notably in Benny Golson's Whisper Not where his exquisite treatment of the theme is pure poetry. I love the creative improvisation at the start of Chicago before the swing sets in, the strong melodic lines in I remember Clifford, the bluesy feel of Blues in Nova Scotia, and the sheer joy in Cole Porter's I love you. I will always listen to Oscar Peterson for his easy swinging style, both in his groups and as an accompanist; it was a talent that too many critics took for granted. Oscar Peterson is irreplaceable, there will never be another like him, but his legacy will live on in his prolific recordings. My condolences and best wishes to his family.