TORONTO – As Oscar Peterson, one of the greatest musicians in jazz history reaches his 80th birthday Monday, August 15th, JAZZ.FM91 will dedicate the whole day to honoring his genius.
From the time Ralph Benmergui’s “Benmergui in the Morning” takes to the air at 6 a.m. right through to the wrap of a special edition of Brad Barker’s “Dinner Jazz” at 10 p.m., it’ll be all Oscar, all the time.
Throughout the entire day, all of the music played on JAZZ.FM91 will feature Oscar Peterson with on-air hosts guiding listeners through every phase of his brilliant career climb, from the 1940’s when he was “discovered” by jazz promoter Norman Grantz during a club gig in his home-town of Montreal to the decades-long status he has enjoyed as an international jazz icon.
There will be birthday greetings broadcast throughout the day from a list of jazz luminaries including Oliver Jones, Dave Young, Phil Nimmons, Charlie Watts, and John Pizzarelli.
During the 9 a.m. hour of “Benmergui in the Morning”, JAZZ.FM91 will broadcast the acclaimed Marian McPartland’s “Piano Jazz” program featuring Oscar Peterson. And as a highlight of late afternoon programming, host Larry Green will feature Peterson’s famous “Canadiana Suite” in its entirety during the 6 p.m. segment of his show.
At 12:30 p.m., JAZZ.FM91 will go live to HMV’s flagship store at Yonge and Dundas Streets in Toronto to bring listeners highlights of festivities underway at the birthday bash Universal Music will host there.
Benmergui will be on hand to guide JAZZ.FM91’s coverage of the event when Oscar Peterson will be joined for an unannounced appearance by one of the country’s most celebrated jazz artists.
Canada Post will commemorate both the occasion of his birthday and his brilliant and enduring musical career by unveiling a new Canadian stamp honoring the great Oscar Peterson, with the stamp scheduled to go on sale the same day.
