born Aug. 15, 1925, Montreal, Que., Can.
Canadian jazz pianist and composer.
Peterson grew up in Montreal and studied classical piano. His jazz playing, influenced by Art Tatum and Nat King Cole , is characterized by cascades of notes and an effervescent swing. After his Carnegie Hall debut in 1949 he became one of the busiest pianists in jazz , in demand as an accompanist, solo pianist, and leader of his own trio. An outstanding, extroverted improviser and sensitive accompanist, Peterson demonstrates in his performance his roots in swing as well as bebop .