Mural marks Oliver Jones' 80th birthday
A mural of Oliver Jones is dedicated to him in Montreal's Little Burgundy neighbourhood
Just two days shy of his 80th buirthday, Montreal jazz legend Oliver Jones was honoured in Little Burgundy Tuesday — on the same street where he grew up — with a giant mural.
"I am very, very impressed," Jones said.
The pianist, organist, and composer began playing the piano at the age of five in Little Burgundy's Union United Church, and was inspired by fellow Montreal Jazz pianist Oscar Peterson.
Jones says he never imagined he would be honoured one day.
"I am very hopeful that other children who have the same disposition that I did, because I was very, very shy with not a lot of confidence in myself, but I had people like (jazz pianist) Oscar Peterson to influence me. I hope I can do the same for youngsters in my area."
Jones provided the entertainment at his own party. Watch the video for a small taste.
There's also a special concert on Thursday — Jones' birthday — at the Segal Centre featuring Ranee Lee and Jones' young protégé Daniel Clarke Bouchard.