In 1949, producer Norman Granz invited a little-known Montreal jazz pianist to the stage at Carnegie Hall to put his fingers to the keys.

That concert, which launched the international career of Oscar Peterson, was commemorated Friday night in New York on the same stage by a who's who of the jazz world.

Oscar Peterson, shown in 2004, was internationally acclaimed for his flying fingers.
(Canadian Press)

Wynton Marsalis, Marian McPartland, Hank Jones and other musicians from across the U.S. gathered for a tribute concert to the Canadian pianist, who has won eight Grammy Awards.

"No matter how high you excel in this world, we will always look up to Oscar," said jazz guitarist Russell Malone in an interview with CBC Television.

Peterson, 81, and in ill health, was unable to attend the tribute, the first of its kind in the U.S.

However, Peterson's wife Kelly and daughter Celine were at the 90-minute show.

"I wish him the best. I'll say a prayer for him," said jazz pianist Jones, among 21 musicians who performed songs composed and popularized by Peterson.

Peterson has performed at Carnegie Hall more than 30 times, but the first appearance was enough to make him an international name.

Granz, a producer who heard Peterson's rapid piano style on radio while on a trip to Montreal, flew the young pianist to New York for a concert involving the jazz greats of 1949.

He "spontaneously" invited Peterson to the stage, where he gave a performance that wowed New York.

Peterson, now living in Mississauga, Ont., has made more than 100 recordings in his career.

"I love you, Mr. Peterson. You're with me in my blood and my heart," said bassist Christian McBride, who played Tenderly, a tune Peterson first performed on the Carnegie Hall stage.

Clark Terry, a veteran trumpeter who like Peterson now uses a wheelchair, played Mumbles, another famous Peterson tune.

"Oscar Peterson means to me … jazz, greatness, beautiful," he said.