One of the jazz world’s greatest living legends was bestowed one of his country’s highest honors this week, when the postal service of Canada unveiled a new 50 cent stamp commemorating the life of pianist Oscar Peterson. The event marking the occasion occurred in Toronto on August 15, Peterson’s 80th birthday, and is the first time that a Canadian stamp pays tribute to a living citizen.
With a more than 50 year career in music, 300 albums, numerous awards including seven Grammys, performances with such greats as Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong, Count Basie, Charlie Parker and Duke Ellington, Peterson is regarded as one of the world’s greatest jazz pianists. He has also received several honorary doctorates from educational institutions in the United States and Canada and was made a Companion of the Order of Canada in 1984.
He first learned music from his self-taught father, a West Indian immigrant to Canada who worked as a railway porter. Peterson studied both classical and jazz piano and got his big break when he won a contest on the Canadian Broadcasting Company, which led to appearances on a weekly Montreal radio show. He played Carnegie Hall in 1949 and soon after formed the Oscar Peterson Trio.
“I have always considered myself a person proud to be a Canadian,” a soft-spoken Peterson told assembled guests at the stamp unveiling ceremony. “But to have the honor of this stamp issued in my likeness goes beyond my wildest dreams.” Peterson then surprised everyone by playing a number he wrote entitled “Requiem” which he called a tribute to the many jazz artists who have died in recent years.
Four million of the stamps and 500,000 souvenir sheets have been printed and went on sale immediately. Collectors interested in the Oscar Peterson 50 cent stamp can order them online by following the links at the Canada Post website or by calling 1-800-565-4362 from the U.S. and Canada.
In recent years, commemorative stamps in the United States have been issued in honor of James Baldwin, Alvin Ailey and Paul Robeson, among others.
2 comments ↓
There’s also a new Civil Rights series of stamps coming out as well. Collecting these fill out the confidence, going higher, self esteem blanks, we rarely ever do. Once again a terrific article, three cheers to Bernie! Hip hip hooray!
Bernie, this is great post. I think I will have to order some of those stamps.