Born in Montreal, Canada, Peterson began learning trumpet and piano from his father at the age of five, but by the age of seven, after a bout of tuberculosis, he concentrated on the piano. Some of the artists who influenced Peterson during the early years were Teddy Wilson, Nat "King" Cole, James P. Johnson, and the legendary Art Tatum, to whom many have tried to compare Peterson in later years. In fact, one of his first exposures to the musical talents of Art Tatum came early in his teen years when his father played an Art Tatum record to him and Peterson was so intimidated by what he heard that he didn't touch the piano for over a week.
He soon developed a reputation as a technically brilliant and melodically inventive jazz pianist, and became a regular on Canadian radio. His United States introduction was at Carnegie Hall, New York City in 1949 by Norman Granz; owing to union restrictions his appearance could not be billed.
Some of his musical associates have included Lester Young, Ray Brown, Ben Webster, Herb Ellis, Ed Thigpen, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Louis Armstrong, Stéphane Grappelli, Ella Fitzgerald, Clark Terry, Joe Pass, Count Basie, and Stan Getz. An important step in his career was joining impresario Norman Granz's labels (especially Verve records) and Granz's Jazz at the Philharmonic package, with which he was able to play with the major jazz artists of the time. Granz was also his manager for most of Peterson's career. Some cognoscenti assert that Peterson's best recordings were made for the MPS label in the late 'sixties and early 'seventies. For some years subsequently he recorded for Granz's Pablo Records after the label was founded in 1973 and in more recent years for the Telarc label.
In 1993, Peterson suffered a serious stroke that weakened his left side and sidelined him for two years. However he overcame this setback and went back to touring, recording, and composing on a limited basis. In 1997 he received a Grammy for Lifetime Achievement and an International Jazz Hall of Fame Award. He died on December 24th, 2007 of kidney failure.
Lovely to Look At
Oscar Peterson Lyrics
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To light an eye, to win a heart;
They say a gown can almost speak,
If it is chic.
Should you select the right effect,
You cannot miss,
You may be sure,
He will tell you this.
Lovely to look at,
Delightful to know and heaven to kiss.
A combination like this,
Is quite my most impossible scheme come true,
Imagine finding a dream like you!
You're lovely to look at,
It's thrilling to hold you terribly tight.
For we're together, the moon is new,
And oh, it's lovely to look at you tonight!
What appeals to me
Is just your charm and dignity,
Not what you wear,
But just an air, of great repose.
You are quite perfect from your head down to your toes
Both night and day,
I am moved to say.
Lovely to look at,
Delightful to know and heaven to kiss.
A combination like this,
Is quite my most impossible scheme come true,
Imagine finding a dream like you!
You're lovely to look at,
It's thrilling to hold you terribly tight.
For we're together, the moon is new,
And oh, it's lovely to look at you tonight!
The lyrics of Oscar Peterson's song "Lovely to Look At" explore the power of appearance and the impact it can have on romantic relationships. The opening lines suggest that clothing and fashion choices can play a significant role in catching someone's attention and winning their heart. A well-chosen gown, if chic and stylish, can speak volumes and create a lasting impression. The song suggests that if one selects the right effect, they cannot fail, as the person they are trying to woo will undoubtedly acknowledge the impact.
However, as the song progresses, it becomes apparent that there is more to attraction than just appearance. The singer emphasizes that what truly appeals to them is the charm and dignity of the person they are singing to, rather than what they are wearing. It is the air of great repose and the overall character of the individual that captivates them. The lyrics imply that true perfection comes not from outward appearance but from inner qualities that shine through.
Ultimately, the song emphasizes the combination of physical beauty and inner qualities as the singer's "most impossible scheme come true." Finding someone who is lovely to look at, delightful to know, and heaven to kiss is the dream that has come to fruition. The lyrics celebrate the joy of being in the presence of this person, thrillingly holding them tight, particularly during a new moonlit night. The song revels in the sheer pleasure of gazing at the object of affection, highlighting the happiness and contentment derived from such a connection.
Line by Line Meaning
Clothes must play a part
The right attire is crucial
To light an eye, to win a heart;
To capture attention and affection
They say a gown can almost speak,
Clothing can convey a message
If it is chic.
If it is stylish and fashionable
Should you select the right effect,
If you choose the appropriate impression
You cannot miss,
You cannot go wrong
You may be sure,
One thing is certain
He will tell you this.
He will confirm it
Lovely to look at,
Visually pleasing
Delightful to know and heaven to kiss.
Wonderful to get to know and a joy to kiss
A combination like this,
A pairing such as this
Is quite my most impossible scheme come true,
Feels like an unattainable dream finally realized
Imagine finding a dream like you!
To discover someone so incredible
It's thrilling to hold you terribly tight.
It's exhilarating to hold you closely
For we're together, the moon is new,
In our togetherness, the moon shines brightly
And oh, it's lovely to look at you tonight!
And oh, you are captivating to behold this evening!
What appeals to me
What attracts me
Is just your charm and dignity,
Is simply your charisma and grace
Not what you wear,
Not the clothes on you
But just an air, of great repose.
But rather an atmosphere of tranquility
You are quite perfect from your head down to your toes
You are flawless from head to toe
Both night and day,
At all times
I am moved to say.
I am compelled to declare
And oh, it's lovely to look at you tonight!
And oh, you are captivating to behold this evening!
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Dorothy Fields, Jerome Kern, Jimmy McHugh
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind