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.
Portrait Of Jenny
Oscar Peterson Lyrics
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More precious to me
Than a masterpiece how ever famous it be
The portrait of Jennie
Is etched on my heart
Where her features have been sketched from the start
And the glow of her sprit divine
All cast in heaven's own design
With a portrait of Jennie
I never will part
For there isn't any portrait of Jennie
Except in my heart
For there isn't any portrait of Jennie
Except in my heart
The song "Portrait of Jennie" by Oscar Peterson is a beautiful and emotional tribute to a beloved person. The lyrics convey a deep appreciation and attachment to a specific individual, Jennie, who holds a special place in the singer's heart. The portrait of Jennie is symbolized in the song as an image that is more precious to the singer than any masterpiece, no matter how famous or valuable it may be. The singer declares that the portrait of Jennie is etched on their heart, where her features have been sketched since the beginning.
The lyrics evoke a sense of nostalgia for the past, and an enduring love that transcends time and space. The color and beauty of life, and the glow of Jennie's spirit, are portrayed as heavenly elements, designed by the divine. The singer expresses a deep and abiding affection for Jennie, declaring that they will never part from the portrait of Jennie, which will remain in the singer's heart forever.
Line by Line Meaning
A Portrait of Jennie
The artwork of Jennie, potentially a painting, drawing or photograph.
More precious to me
Holds much more sentimental value and importance than anything else.
Than a masterpiece how ever famous it be
Even if the artwork was renowned for its quality or significance, it still cannot compare to the value of Jennie's portrait in the singer's heart.
The portrait of Jennie
Referring once again to the artwork of Jennie, likely a painting or picture frame.
Is etched on my heart
The image of Jennie's painted or photographed self has been tacitly ingrained in the artist's being, as it is unforgettable and an important aspect of their life.
Where her features have been sketched from the start
From the beginning of the singer's memories of Jennie, they have been able to recollect her image in their mind's eye with great detail and precision.
Ah, the color and beauty of life
This line is somewhat poetic and used to express admiration and the beauty of life, perhaps even as it relates to the portrait of Jennie.
And the glow of her spirit divine
This line refers to Jennie's inner qualities, such as her aura and essence which are believed to be exalted and belonging to a cosmic or religious level.
All cast in heaven's own design
This line further emphasizes Jennie's heavenly and divine essence, which transcends the human realm and is beyond the reach of materialistic artwork.
With a portrait of Jennie
Once again referring to the artwork of Jennie, which holds great significance in the artist's life.
I never will part
The singer will always hold her portrait close to heart and cherish it indefinitely.
For there isn't any portrait of Jennie
This line further emphasizes the uniqueness and ireplacability of Jennie's portrait.
Except in my heart
Jennie's portrait may exist in materialistic form, such as a painting or photograph, but ultimately the truest and most cherished version of the artwork exists in the singer's heart and memories.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: GORDON BURDGE, J. RUSSEL ROBINSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind