Oscar: The Life and Music of Oscar Peterson

For 50 years, Oscar Peterson has been one of the leading players on the international jazz stage. With multiple Grammys and 200 albums to his name, Peterson has come a long way from his humble beginnings in Montreal. Reva Marin follows Peterson's inspiring life from his father's insistence that he play an instrument, to his lifting himself out of poverty, to his refusal to be cowed by racial prejudice. Marin also shows readers the world of a jazz musician: getting gigs, touring, composing, and dealing with artistic differences. The book contains photos, a glossary, and a reading and listening guide. Also included are mini-biographies of some of the great musicians who influenced Peterson: Ella Fitzgerald, Art Tatum, Nat Cole, and Duke Ellington, as well as an introduction to musical concepts and different piano styles.