The new loonie released by the Royal Canadian Mint pays tribute to Montreal-born Oscar Peterson, one of the greatest jazz pianists. Peterson passed away in 2007 and was one of Canada’s most decorated musicians and is remembered as one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time.
In a statement the Royal Canadian Mint said the tribune is in honour of his “extraordinary talent and enduring musical talent,” A collaborator and close friend of Peterson, Oliver Jones said “the whole city will finally realize that yes, we had the greatest pianist in the world, living here, in this country. And I’m so very proud that he was my friend,”
Peterson was raised in Montreal’s Saint-Henri neighbourhood. He started by playing for the predominantly immigrant and black communities of the city’s south side. He rose to international acclaim in the span of a few years but always kept in touch with his local roots.
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