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Oscar Peterson Debuts at Carnegie Hall Commentator John McDonough remembers this night 50 years ago when a Canadian pianist named Oscar Peterson made his American debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City. We hear from the man who made it possible: jazz impresario Norman Granz. Peterson had been reluctant to perform, so the performance was not announced in advance: Peterson was called up from his seat in the audience during a jazz show to play. He went on to become a sensation.

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Oscar Peterson Debuts at Carnegie Hall

Heard on All Things Considered

Oscar Peterson Debuts at Carnegie Hall

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Commentator John McDonough remembers this night 50 years ago when a Canadian pianist named Oscar Peterson made his American debut at Carnegie Hall in New York City. We hear from the man who made it possible: jazz impresario Norman Granz. Peterson had been reluctant to perform, so the performance was not announced in advance: Peterson was called up from his seat in the audience during a jazz show to play. He went on to become a sensation.