A day after Montrealers got to say their goodbyes at a public viewing at the City Hall to legendary jazz pianist Oliver Jones, a public funeral service will be held Thursday.
The ceremony is scheduled for the afternoon at Union United Church in the Little Burgundy neighborhood, where Oliver Jones began playing at the age of five.
The award-winning pianist, who passed away on July 22 at the age of 91, grew up in this underprivileged Montreal neighbourhood before becoming a star.
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The city’s flags were lowered Wednesday morning and will remain at half-mast until end of day Thursday to honour the musician who championed Montreal’s jazz scene and its musicians. The Quebec flag at the National Assembly in Quebec City will also be flown half-mast from dawn to dusk Thursday to mark the funeral.
During his life, he supported young musicians and was an important figure in the jazz community, in Montreal and elsewhere. Jones became a member of the Order of Canada and earned many other awards and distinctions in his life.
He was known for his lightning-fast right hand, phenomenal technique, and swinging style.
Representatives from the provincial and municipal governments, as well as members of the jazz community, are expected to attend the funeral on Thursday.
— With files from The Canadian Press
