I MET HIM once. A generous smile. A quiet, humble, decent man. He spoke up and out about human rights. And he helped change jazz. Forever.I also bought his Powerbook 170 when he sold it to a Toronto used dealer. It was great to have him in Toronto. He'd pop up every once in a while, even in his later, post-stroke years, and his presence brought warmth and smiles from everyone. Jazz never had a better Ambassador. Toronto's lost another of our icons.
Here's some clips to show you what was lost:
With Ella!
And at Newport.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Peterson. Thank you for your gift to us all.
1 comment:
He was a real gentleman. I met him by chance for the first time in a little jazz bar downtown, he quietly came in and sat and the bar beside me, listening intently and appreciatively to the performers on stage but not wanting to attract attention to himself. I saw him a few times a year after that, always in a different spot, and he always remembered who I am and was eager to chat about a great band or CD or book that he liked. He will be greatly greatly missed for his talent and his humanity. Sail on, Oscar.
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