In the 1980s, Peterson formed a successful duo with pianist Herbie Hancock. He continued to compose, including creating music for motion-picture films such as Big North and The Silent Partner. Martin Luther King led the crusade song 'Hymn to Freedom,' a work that was composed by Peterson. As the school became more popular and well-known, students from all over the world traveled to Toronto to learn music at the school.Īs Peterson grew older, he began to devote more time to music composition. Peterson established the Advanced School of Contemporary Music for students who wanted to learn jazz. After Granz heard a live broadcast of a performance by Peterson that impressed him greatly, he created a deep professional and personal relationship with Peterson.ġ960s Advanced School of Contemporary Music Peterson met impresario Norman Granz by chance, which eventually became a turning point in his career. The trio performed at numerous venues and their performances were broadcast on a radio system in Montreaal. For some time, Ben Johnson played the guitar for the group. Peterson formed his own trio in 1948 consisting of Austin 'Ozzie' Roberts on the bass, Clarence Jones on the drums, and Peterson himself on the piano. After being featured on CBM's Rhythm Time, he became a national icon who made appearances on shows such as Light Up and Listen and The Happy Gang. On the Montreal radio station CKAC, Peterson had his own show titled Fifteen Minutes' Piano Rambling.

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