Oscar Peterson to be honored with Canadian postage stamp

Mr. Peterson might have only a slight history as a vocalist, but he
has certainly earned this honor through his work as a composer,
instrumentalist and accompanist to many great singers (Louis, Ella,
Sarah, Anita, etc.)

JOHN STEWART
THE MISSISSAUGA NEWS
Aug 10, 2005

The new Canadian postage stamp honouring Oscar Peterson will be
unveiled in the presence of the jazz giant himself, on his 80th
birthday.

Canada Post, Universal Music Canada (Peterson's record label) and HMV
Canada are throwing a birthday bash for the king of the keys, the day
the long-time Mississauga resident turns 80.

The birthday party, which includes a "special musical tribute" by a
so-far unnamed guest, will be held Monday, Aug. 15 at the HMV
Superstore at 333 Yonge St. in downtown Toronto beginning at 12:15
p.m.

"This is the first time we've ever been quite so secretive about a
(stamp) design," Cindy Daoust of Canada Post media relations, said
from Ottawa Friday. "We're keeping it pretty close to our hearts until
the 15th."

Daoust said the stamp, which was created by veteran designer Tiit
Telmet, is spectacular. "In my opinion, it's stunning," she told The
News. "It captures the essence of the man and the essence of the
music, and that's hard to do on such an extremely small canvas."

The event will be relatively short with speeches from officials of the
post office, Universal and HMV, the secret musical performer and
comments by Peterson.

He has been the recipient of numerous national and international
awards including the Order of Canada and a Lifetime Grammy Achievement
Award.

Canada Post announced earlier this year that Peterson would become the
first living Canadian ever honoured on a stamp for his lifetime works.

There have been four million stamps printed, and they will be
available Aug. 15.