Tributes are pouring in for Canadian jazz musician Oscar Peterson.
The legendary pianist, considered one of the greatest of all time, died Sunday at the age of 82.
Oscar Peterson addresses the crowd during a tribute to Prime Minister Jean Chretien at the Liberal convention in Toronto on Nov. 13, 2003.
(Canadian Press)
Peterson recorded more than 200 albums and won seven Grammy Awards in a career that made him internationally renowned.
Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean called him a "national treasure" and "one of our greatest ambassadors of Canadian jazz."
"Through his work, he has left us a rich legacy that will inspire many generations to come," she said in a statement that also recalled the courage Peterson demonstrated in the face of health problems, including a stroke that impaired the use of one hand.
Prime Minister Stephen Harper praised Peterson's most famous composition, Canadiana Suite, which pays tribute to each region of Canada.
"Oscar Peterson rose from humble roots in Montreal's Little Burgundy to storm the very heights of the music world," Harper said in a statement.
"A technical and creative master, he toured the globe in the company of the finest jazz artists of his era. More than four decades later the Canadiana Suite is secure as a signature element of the country's cultural fabric.
"A Companion of the Order of Canada and recipient of a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Peterson was not simply a giant in Canadian music, but a giant in music period."
Tributes also came from overseas, with French President Nicolas Sarkozy saying Peterson had been a "bright light of jazz."
Within the jazz world, artists and musicians are recalling Peterson as a role model and friend.
"Oscar was an old man who lived a very big life, a wonderful life," said Canadian singer Molly Johnson, who opened for Peterson in his later years. "He was just amazing. Just amazing."
Johnson said Peterson was generous in helping her develop a new fan base.
"He was very real," she said. "I always felt that I really had to be on my best behaviour when I was around him."
"I just thought Oscar would be around for another 100 years," said fellow pianist Hank Jones, a jazz legend in his own right. "This is one of the saddest days of my life."
A tribute concert for Peterson planned for Jan. 11 in Toronto will go ahead as scheduled, despite the absence of the guest of honour, organizers said.
Peterson student and jazz composer Oliver Jones of Montreal will play Peterson's works with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra as part the concert, which will feature artists from Canada and the U.S.
It is being hosted by The Canada Council for the Arts and the U.S.-based National Endowment for the Arts during a conference of jazz lovers
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