Oscar Peterson quotes

Oscar Peterson was a Canadian jazz pianist and composer, acclaimed for his exceptional virtuosity and swing. His performances and recordings influenced generations of musicians and captivated audiences around the world. He is remembered as one of the greatest jazz pianists in history. Here are 14 of his quotes:

If you have something to say of any worth then people will listen to you.

Oscar Peterson

The music field was the first to break down racial barriers, because in order to play together, you have to love the people you are playing with, and if you have any racial inhibitions, you wouldn't be able to do that.

Oscar Peterson

You not only have to know your own instrument, you must know the others and how to back them up at all times. That's jazz.

Oscar Peterson

I play as I feel.

Oscar Peterson

It's the group sound that's important, even when you're playing a solo.

Oscar Peterson

I am the worlds laziest writer.

Oscar Peterson

We're not like pop musicians who have to perform the same top ten tunes every night of a tour.

Oscar Peterson

I don't do something because I think it will sell 30 million albums. I couldn't care less. If it sells one, it sells one.

Oscar Peterson

I don't believe that a lot of the things I hear on the air today are going to be played for as long a time as Coleman Hawkins records or Brahms concertos.

Oscar Peterson

Too many jazz pianists limit themselves to a personal style, a trademark, so to speak. They confine themselves to one type of playing.

Oscar Peterson

I have no one style.

Oscar Peterson

Montreal was a very active jazz center until club owners started putting in strippers instead of music. Before long, there was nothing to hear.

Oscar Peterson