Oscar Peterson's Jazzy Christmas

Oscar Peterson was a jazz piano virtuoso, one of the greatest of all time. Called "the Maharaja of the keyboard" by Duke Ellington, he won eight Grammy awards, blazed a trail by playing with a racially integrated trio, and passed his knowledge on to a new generation as a respected teacher. He played with many of the biggest names in jazz – Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Billie Holiday, Anita O'Day, Fred Astaire, Count Basie, Stan Getz, Dizzy Gillespie… the list goes on and on.

Five years ago today, just before Christmas, Oscar Peterson died. Today is a fitting day to remember him and the way he used his musical skill to celebrate the season. Here are a few of our favorite Oscar Peterson takes on holiday classics.

O Christmas Tree

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

Let it Snow

Silent Night

Written by Linnea Crowther