December 25, 2007 12:04

Musicians and leaders pay tribute to Oscar Peterson

Pianist and composer remembered by friends and admirers

Tributes are being paid to Canadian jazz pianist Oscar Peterson, who died on December 23 of kidney failure at his home in Toronto.

Peterson was famous for his fast piano playing style, and recorded over 200 albums throughout his career.

He won eight Grammy awards and performed with the likes of Nat King Cole and Charlie Parker.

Michaelle Jean, Canada’s Governer General, paid tribute to Peterson, describing him as a “national treasure”.

Nocolas Sarkozy, the French President, said he had been a “bright light of jazz”.

Fellow pianist Diana Krall said that Peterson had been the person she most looked up to, adding, “[He was] the reason I became a jazz pianist”.