A ceremony celebrating the life of Oliver Jones is set to be held at Union United Church, located near the jazz legend’s childhood residence where he performed his inaugural concert at just five years old, marking the beginning of his illustrious career. Jones passed away at the age of 91 on July 22. The memorial service, scheduled for Thursday, follows a public viewing held at city hall. Union United Church, a historic Black congregation established 119 years ago, sits a short distance from Jones’s family home in the Little Burgundy neighborhood.
Throughout his extensive musical journey, Jones received various accolades, including JUNO awards, honorary doctorates, and appointments to the orders of Montreal, Quebec, and Canada. He was closely associated with Little Burgundy and the Montreal Jazz Festival, gracing its stage numerous times, notably performing annually from 1981 to 1999.
The service on Thursday will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET, featuring musical tributes, prayers, and speeches to commemorate Jones’s remarkable legacy.
