Oscar Peterson, a late jazz pianist, is the first Black Canadian and the first musician to be recognised on a coin used in circulation in the nation.

On August 11, in Toronto’s Roy Thompson Hall, which Peterson was familiar with from his more than 60-year career, the Royal Canadian Mint debuted the $1 commemorative circulation coin in both coloured and uncolored varieties.

On the back of the coin, Ajax, Ontario-based artist Valentine De Landro depicted Peterson playing the piano with his hands fully in motion and two final bars of his well-known Hymn to Freedom. Below the main design is also a display of Peterson’s name. “

Throughout Oscar’s career, he received many awards and honours, each of which meant a great deal to him” said his widow Kelly Peterson.

At a young age, Peterson learned from his father and older sister Daisy the importance of a music education while growing up in Little Burgundy, the centre of Montreal’s black population.

He was brought up on the classics, mastered the piano, and developed his skills through popular music to become one of the most renowned jazz artists in the world.

More than 400 recordings were produced by him, and the renowned Oscar Peterson Trio toured the world.