Many of us walk by a portrait of celebrated jazz pianist Oscar Peterson who helped to transform music and is one of six Lakeshore Legends heroes whose mural grace a Sixth Street wall.
Many residents didn’t realize the Montreal-born musician had long ties to our community and had lived in Mimico for a number of years in the 1960s and 70s’.
Peterson, who was born in 1925 and composed more than 400 pieces, during the 1960s lived at Amadeo Garden Court Complex in two apartments overlooking Lake Ontario, according to local historians and residents.
“For years Peterson frequented the mom-and-pop stores along the Lakeshore,” and according to his widow, Kelly Peterson “loved spending time by the water.”
He was often seen in Marie Curtis Park, which he loved, before moving to Mississauga.
The portrait of Peterson made it into Lakeshore Legends due to his love for the area and its residents, according to the Lakeshore Village BIA, which sponsored the artwork.
Peterson died of kidney failure at his Mississauga home in December 23, 2007.
He loved the area because some of his musician friends as Horace Lapp, a silent film accompanist, and trombonist pal Butch Watanabe also lived in the area.
The word-renowned pianist was the winner of eight Grammy Awards and worked with top musicians as Ray Brown, Ella Fitzgerald and many others. His song “Hymn To Freedom” rose to become one of the top crusade songs of the civil rights movement led by Martin Luther King Jr.
He loved York University and served as the university’s fifth chancellor and was involved in the York music program.
Peterson was recognized by the City of Mississauga in 2003 when a street was named for him and he was presented with a Civic Award of Merit. He had postage stamp unveiled in his honour, along with his name on plaques and numerous schools. He was also inducted to the Order of Canada in 1972.
The mural, by Toronto artist Chris Irvine, pays tribute to fellow Lakeshore Legends like NHL star Dave Bolland, marathoner Jerome Drayton, skater Petra Burka, swimmer Lou Gamble and others who led extraordinary lives and contributed to the rich cultural fabric of our community.