A tribute service for the late Oliver Jones is scheduled to be held at Union United Church, situated near the jazz legend’s childhood residence where he gave his debut performance at just five years old, marking the beginning of his illustrious career.
Jones passed away on July 22 at the age of 91. The service, set for Thursday, follows a public visitation that took place at city hall a day earlier.
Union United Church, established 119 years ago as a Black congregation, is located just a short distance from Jones’s family home in the Little Burgundy neighborhood.
Throughout his extensive music career, Jones received numerous accolades, including JUNO awards, honorary doctorates, and prestigious appointments to the orders of Montreal, Quebec, and Canada.
Renowned for his association with Little Burgundy and the Montreal Jazz Festival, Jones graced the stage at the festival multiple times, performing annually from 1981 to 1999.
The service on Thursday will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET and will feature musical tributes, prayers, and speeches in honor of the late jazz icon.