Assignment #6

February is Black History Month! It's a month for remembering the great contributions the Africans made to change World History. Mrs. Pollock, my History teacher, decided to give us an assignment where we get to choose a African-Canadian, Female or Male, that influenced Canada, and many others around the world.
I decided to choose, Oscar Peterson.


Oscar Peterson, was a Canadian Jazz pianist for over 40 years, and considered as one of the worlds greatest pianist! Oscar Peterson was born in a limestone house, on Montreal's Delisle Street, on August 15, 1925. Oscar was the fourth of five children to his parents, Daniel and Kathleen Peterson. It was his black neighborhood where he found himself surrounded by the jazz culture. By the age of seven, Oscar's father Daniel and his sister Daisy, taught young Oscar to play the piano. By the age of nine, Oscar played the piano with control that impressed professional musicians. In 1940, at age 14, Oscar won a national music competition, organized by the Canadian Broadcasting Competition. After that victory , Peterson wanted to drop out of school to become a professional pianist, but his father objected. Although Peterson did have a good time at school, playing the piano for many students, especially girls. Here is a quote from Oscar stating that, "the best way to have a bunch of girls come down. I became the guy."
When Peterson finished high school, he became a professional pianist, working at radio shows, hotels, and music halls.


Oscar Peterson has contributed so much to Canada and everyone else around the world. Oscar was named the worlds greatest jazz pianist. He was a successful musician, that was able to get the crowd on its feet. Peterson has released over 200 recordings, and was the first black, Canadian pianist to win seven Grammy Awards. Oscar, also helped out in many schools, to influence young children to follow their dreams, and advance schools on contemporary music. Oscar has accomplished so much that, people still look up to him and listen to his music, even after he died. Oscar died on December 23, 2007, because of health problems and a stroke. He left seven children, his fourth wife Kelly, and their daughter Celine (born 1991).

Interesting Facts
-he was called, "Maharajah(the great king) of the keyboard" by Duke Ellington(professional, American pianist)
-he was also called, "o.p" by his friends
-member of jazz royalty
-Oscar was influenced by, Teddy Wilson, Nat "King" Cole, James P. Johnson, and Art Tatum