Member of the Order of Canada
Awarded on: 2002-10-10
Invested on: 2003-01-19
An icon in Canadian jazz circles, he has promoted and played this music for over 50 years. A bassist, he has brought many legendary musicians to Montréal and introduced jazz to small towns in Quebec. Owner of a popular club, he has given many young artists their first break. In addition, he organized a three-day festival that paved the way for the renowned Montréal International Jazz Festival. He has initiated and performed in countless benefit concerts and has long been devoted to advancing racial harmony. Often called "Monsieur Jazz Montréal", he is the recipient of the Oscar Peterson Award for his outstanding contributions to Canada's music scene.