Oscar Peterson
Subtitle: the will to swing
By: Gene Lees.
Publisher: Prima Pub.
Published: 1990
Place of publication: Rocklin, CA
Language: eng
Number of pages: 293
Subjects: Peterson, Oscar, 1925-; Jazz musicians -- Biography; Pianists -- Biography
Genres: Biography.
Description: In 1949, from relative obscurity, Montreal-born Oscar Peterson blazed on the scene with a Carnegie Hall debut. He was 24 and offered a unique "swing" style punctuated by the dazzling virtuosity that no one had seen before. Lees recounts Peterson's childhood and what it meant to be black and talented in 1940s Canada. He provides vivid description of his father, Daniel, a railway porter and severe taskmaster, anxious for his children's future and opposed to his son choosing jazz over classical music (Peterson's brother and sister both being accomplished musicians, themselves).
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 283-286) and index.
Reprint. Originally published: Toronto, Canada : L. & O. Dennys Publishers, c1988.