Oliver Jones honoured at Montreal City Hall
Montreal jazz pianist Jones celebrates 75-year career
Jazz pianist Oliver Jones, the pride of Little Burgundy, was honoured today at Montreal City Hall.
Music lovers packed the hall to celebrate Jones' 75-year career and witness him being named a citizen of honour.
Singer Jonathan Emile serenaded the crowd with a cover of Otis Redding's "Sitting On the Dock Of the Bay." Mayor Denis Coderre led the audience in clapping along to Emile's rendition.
Young pianist and virtuoso Daniel Clarke Bouchard was also on hand to tickle the ivories.
The 79-year-old Jones grew up in Montreal’s Little Burgundy community. A child prodigy, the pianist began performing publicly at the age of five. He eventually became an icon of the city’s — and the country's — jazz scene.
Jones said he was deeply touched by today's honour.
"It's just a wonderful honour and I'm so thrilled," he said. "Thank you, Montreal."