Montreal pianist and jazz musician Oscar Peterson has been awarded a commemorative coin released today.
Peterson, who died in 2007, is remembered as one of Canada's most brilliant musicians and one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time. increase.
The Royal Canadian Mint will issue a $1 commemorative circulation coin to honor Peterson's "extraordinary talent and enduring musical legacy," the statement said.
"The whole city will finally realize that yes, the greatest pianist in the world lived here in this country, and that he was my friend. I'm very proud of you,' said collaborator and close friend Oliver Jones.
Montreal's Sun Peterson, who grew up in the Henri neighborhood, began playing for the predominantly immigrant and black communities on the south side of the city. Peterson gained international acclaim over the years, but always maintained connections with his local talent and Canadian artists.
The coin depicts Peterson playing the piano and the notes corresponding to his 1962 composition An Anthem to Freedom, This became an anthem for the civil rights movement of the 1960s.
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Jones says putting Peterson's image on the coin was more than the two imagined themselves.
"Our father never believed in what we had accomplished, and what a wonderful feeling it is to see him honored in this way." said Jones.
Peterson passed away in 2007 after a career of more than 60 years. He is remembered as a technical genius of jazz and deserves his place among the greats. I don't think there is any other, and when we talk about Oscar Peterson, he's the greatest jazz pianist in the world," Jones said.
Recognizing Peterson's Legacy
The Royal Canadian Mint says the commemoration is meant to celebrate Canada's fuller story.
"Our initial intention was to celebrate the tremendous musical and cultural legacy of Oscar Peterson. That's a welcome addition," said Mint spokesperson Alex Reeves.
See |Oscar Peterson's humble beginnings and how he rose to fame:
In 2020, a petition to rename Lionel - Groux after Peterson had over 25,000 signatures. In 2021, the city announced it would create a public plaza named after the musician as part of the renovation of McGill College Avenue. The
coin takes Peterson's memorial a step further, declaring his importance on the national stage, being the first black Canadian on a circulating coin and the first performing his Also an artist.
"Oscar Peterson is one of Canada's unique personalities. His legacy has been passed down through the generations."
This coin represents Peter It will go into circulation on Monday, August 15th, which is Song's 97th birthday.
For more stories about the Black Canadian experience, from anti-Black racism to his stories of success within the Black community, visit Being Black in Canada. A CBC project that Black Canadians can be proud of. Read more articles here.
