A commemorative event for the late Oliver Jones will be held at Union United Church, near the renowned jazz musician’s childhood residence where he kickstarted his illustrious career with a debut concert at the age of five.
Jones passed away on July 22 at the age of 91, and the upcoming service follows a public visitation that occurred at city hall the day before. Situated just moments away from Jones’s family house in the Little Burgundy area, Union United Church has been a cornerstone for the Black community for over a century.
Throughout his extensive musical journey, Jones received multiple accolades, including JUNO awards, honorary degrees, and prestigious appointments in Montreal, Quebec, and Canada’s orders of merit. He was a fixture in Little Burgundy and the Montreal Jazz Festival, gracing its stage regularly from 1981 to 1999.
Scheduled for Thursday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET, the service will feature various musical tributes, prayers, and speeches in honor of the iconic jazz figure.
