For many in the music world, the name Oliver Jones needs no introduction.
Montreal’s well-loved jazz musician has been keeping the world entertained for decades.
What some may not know, is he has also used his musical talent to quietly, discreetly give back to the community.
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Though the composer and pianist retired from performing professionally, the 82-year-old shows no signs of slowing down.
Jones has turned his energy to giving back to those he holds closest to his heart: children.
“When it come to doing something for youngsters, I’ll always be there,” he told Global News.
Community worker Gemma Raeburn-Baynes recalled a time, seven years ago, when a nine-year-old violin player wanted the chance to play with her idol at her camp’s final concert.
“I called Oliver. Right away, he said ‘absolutely,'” she said.
“He said ‘you are going to come to my house and we are going to practice,’ so we make a big splash on that day.”
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Jones grew up in Little Burgundy and there are tributes to the local music legend everywhere — from Jazzmen Park to a giant mural on a neighbouring building.
He learned very early on that music has the enormous power to transform lives, which is why he is being honoured with the Sheila and Victor Goldboom Awards, which celebrates Quebecers doing remarkable things for the English community.
“Regardless of your background and where you came from, talent was there and if you constantly explore things, yes, you can make it,” he said.
Jones said he owes his success to his teacher, Daisy Peterson Sweeney — jazz legend Oscar Peterson’s sister.
He also credits her for teaching him about the importance of giving back.
That’s why he has spent his life following in his teacher’s footsteps, donating his time and raising money for schools and the community — all the while, not understanding what all the fuss was about.
“I couldn’t understand why I was receiving awards for doing something that was very normal to do: giving back to the community or things from my church,” he said.
The jazz star said he’ll continue on with his community work, because no matter how famous he got, he was never too far away from his roots.
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