Who Is Oscar Peterson? Age in 2025:
Oscar Peterson would have celebrated his 100th birthday in 2025.
| Occupation | Musicians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | August 15, 1925 |
| Age | 82 Years |
| Birth Place | Montreal, Quebec, Canada |
| Horoscope | Leo |
| Country | Canada |
| Date of death | 23 December, 2007 |
| Died Place | N/A |
Popularity
Oscar Peterson's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Although specific measurements for Oscar Peterson are not widely documented, he was known for his commanding stage presence. He was approximately 6 feet tall and had a robust build that complemented his vigorous piano performances.
Peterson had arthritis from his youth, and in later years he had trouble buttoning his shirt. Never slender, his weight increased to 125 kg, hindering his mobility. He had hip replacement surgery in the early 1990s. Although the surgery was successful, his mobility was still hampered.
He then mentored the York University jazz program and was the Chancellor of the university for several years in the early 1990s. He published jazz piano etudes for practice.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Oscar Peterson was married twice. His first marriage was to Lila E. Harris in 1944, and they were married for 31 years before their divorce in 1975. He later married Arlette Levy in 1978, a union which lasted until his death. There is no publicly available information regarding any other significant relationships outside of these marriages. Oscar was known to keep his personal life relatively private.
Peterson grew up in the neighbourhood of Little Burgundy in Montreal. It was in this predominantly black neighbourhood that he encountered the jazz culture.
At the age of five, Peterson began honing his skills on trumpet and piano, but a bout of tuberculosis when he was seven prevented him from playing the trumpet again, so he directed all his attention to the piano. His father was one of his first music teachers, and his sister Daisy taught him classical piano.
Peterson was persistent at practicing scales and classical études.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2007, Oscar Peterson's net worth was estimated to be around $5 million. In the music industry, his legacy generates consistent earnings through record sales, royalties, and licensing of his music. In 2025, he continues to be celebrated and remembered, with his music still played globally, contributing to his enduring financial legacy.
Career, Business and Investments
Oscar Peterson's career was marked by numerous recordings and performances that showcased his unparalleled skill. He recorded over 200 albums, working with influential artists like Ella Fitzgerald and Dizzy Gillespie. Peterson also became a skilled entrepreneur, collaborating with record labels and producing his own music, which contributed significantly to his wealth.
In addition to his performance career, Peterson was involved in educational outreach, teaching jazz and piano to aspiring musicians and advocating for the jazz genre.
Oscar Emmanuel Peterson (August 15, 1925 – December 23, 2007) was a Canadian jazz pianist and composer.
As a virtuoso who is considered to be one of the greatest jazz pianists of all time, Peterson released more than 200 recordings, won eight Grammy Awards, as well as a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy, and received numerous other awards and honours.
He played thousands of concerts worldwide in a career lasting more than 60 years. He was called the "Maharaja of the keyboard" by Duke Ellington, simply "O.P." by his friends, and informally in the jazz community, "the King of inside swing".
Social Network
Oscar Peterson's presence extends to social networks today through fan pages and tributes celebrating his legacy. His official website, alongside profiles on various music platforms, serve as central hubs for fans to engage with his music and learn about his contributions to jazz.
Education
Oscar Peterson's early musical education began at home, where he was encouraged by his mother, a classical pianist. He later studied jazz and piano formally and mentored under renowned musicians. His education played a crucial role in shaping his unique style that merged classical techniques with jazz improvisation.
Peterson worked in duos with Sam Jones, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Joe Pass, Irving Ashby, Count Basie, and Herbie Hancock. He considered the trio with Ray Brown and Herb Ellis "the most stimulating" and productive setting for public performances and studio recordings.
In the early 1950s, he began performing with Brown and drummer Charlie Smith as the Oscar Peterson Trio. Shortly afterward Smith was replaced by guitarist Irving Ashby, who had been a member of the Nat King Cole Trio. Ashby, who was a swing guitarist, was soon replaced by Barney Kessel.
Their last recording, On the Town with the Oscar Peterson Trio, recorded live at the Town Tavern in Toronto, was said to have captured a remarkable degree of emotional as well as musical understanding among three players.
