Oscar Peterson was a celebrated Canadian jazz pianist and composer, known as one of the best in jazz music. Over a 60-year career, he made more than 200 recordings. He won eight Grammy Awards and received a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy. Peterson was nicknamed the "Maharaja of the keyboard" and played thousands of concerts worldwide. Within the jazz world, he was often called "the King of inside swing." Born in Montreal to parents from the West Indies, Peterson grew up in the Little Burgundy neighborhood where jazz was part of the local scene. He first learned classical piano before developing a love for jazz styles like boogie-woogie and swing. At age 14, he won a national music competition, which helped start his career. He left school to become a professional musician and later formed famous trios. He also worked with well-known musicians including Ray Brown and Joe Pass. Although he faced arthritis and other health problems, Peterson kept creating music and performing. In the 1970s, he formed successful trios and worked with artists such as Joe Pass and Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen. He also helped young musicians learn and played a key role in jazz education. Peterson left a lasting mark as one of the most skilled jazz pianists of the 20th century and influenced the whole jazz community.