Oscar Peterson backs out of Toronto jazz fest due to illness
(Published: May 17, 2007)

Canadian jazz legend Oscar Peterson has cancelled a gig at next month's Toronto Jazz Festival because of illness.

Peterson, 81, will be replaced by American jazz pianist and composer Herbie Hancock. The nature of Peterson's illness was not disclosed by the festival. The musician suffered a mild stroke in 1993 that affected his left hand.

After a 50-year career in music, the Montreal-born Peterson is regarded as one of the world's greatest jazz pianists.

Among his many accolades are a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award in 1997, an International Jazz Hall of Fame Award and entry into several halls of fame.

He is also immortalized on a Canadian stamp, and in 1984 was made a companion of the Order of Canada, the country's highest civilian achievement.

Submitted By: jazzears