American jazz singer Nancy Wilson and Quebec singer Gregory Charles will perform at the free tribute concert for the late Canadian pianist Oscar Peterson on Saturday in Toronto.

Wilson, a three-time Grammy Award winner, joins Charles, host of CBC Radio Two's In the Key of Charles, and soprano Measha Brueggergosman as performers at the 90-minute Oscar Peterson: Simply the Best tribute at Roy Thomson Hall.

Nancy Wilson, shown performing at her 70th Birthday Celebration last August, will perform in the Oscar Peterson tribute concert in Toronto Saturday.
(Earl Gibson III/Associated Press)

Producer-composer Quincy Jones and Canadian jazz clarinetist Phil Nimmons, Peterson's friend and longtime collaborator, will share their memories of the great Canadian jazz pianist.

Peterson died at his home in Mississauga, Ont., on Dec. 23 at age 82.

Since his death, music fans have hailed the Montreal-born pianist for his virtuoso talent, stellar achievements, warm personality and memorable performances.

He was buried in a private funeral ceremony and this is the first public memorial to a musician who contributed his great talent to jazz for more than 60 years.

Peterson's daughter, Celine, 16, has agreed to join those who will pay tribute to her father.

Previously announced speakers are Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean, and avid pianist and former Ontario premier Bob Rae

Oscar Peterson died Dec. 23, 2007, and was buried in a private ceremony. He is being remembered as one of the world's best jazz pianists.
(CBC Archives)

Brueggergosman will perform Peterson's Hymn to Freedom, accompanied by  the Nathaniel Dett Chorale, the University of Toronto Gospel Choir, and the Sharon Riley and Faith Chorale.

Peterson was inspired by Martin Luther King to compose his Hymn to Freedom, a 1962 work that protests segregation and racism.

The performance is to be directed by vocalist, producer and CBC broadcaster Andrew Craig.

The band for the afternoon includes longtime colleagues and friends of Peterson, including Jeff Hamilton on drums, Dave Young on bass, guitarist Ulf Wakenius and Monty Alexander on piano.

Oscar Peterson: Simply the Best is free. Members of the public will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis starting at 3 p.m. ET.

It will be broadcast live at 4:05 p.m. ET by CBC Radio One and at 4:05 p.m. ET on Sirius 137.

The broadcast will be repeated at 8:05 p.m. ET on CBC Radio Two and SRC Espace Musique.