Oscar Peterson, whose early talent, speedy fingers and musical genius made him one of the world s best known jazz pianists, has died. He was 82. “He s been going downhill in the last few months,” McCallion said, calling Peterson a “very close friend.” “One of the bright lights of jazz has gone out,” French President Nicolas Sarkozy said.

“He was a regular on the French stage, where the public adored his luminous style.” His growing stature was reflected in the admiration of his peers. Duke Ellington referred to him as “Maharajah of the keyboard,” while Count Basie once said “Oscar Peterson plays the best ivory box I ve ever heard.” “Oscar Peterson redefined swing for modern jazz pianists for the latter half of the 20th century,” Hancock said. “I consider him the major influence that formed my roots in jazz piano playing. …

No one will ever be able to take his place.” ” He was one of the last of the giants, but his music and contributions will be eternal,” Jones said. McPartland said she first met Peterson when she and her husband, jazz cornetist Jimmy McPartland, opened for him in Toronto in the 1940s. The American jazz pianist Billy Taylor called Peterson one of the finest jazz pianists of his time. “He set the pace for just about everybody that followed him.” Born on Aug.

15, 1925, in a poor neighborhood southwest of Montreal, Peterson obtained a passion for music from his father. Daniel Peterson, a railway porter and self-taught musician, bestowed his love of music to his five children, offering them a means to escape from poverty. He became a teen sensation in his native Canada, playing in dance bands and recording in the late 1930s and early 1940s.