Jazz music filled the hall of honour at Montreal’s city hall on Wednesday as people lined up to pay their respects to the family of legendary pianist Oliver Jones. The city’s flags were lowered in the early morning and will remain at half-mast until end of day Thursday to honour the musician who championed Montreal’s jazz scene and its musicians. The musician’s son, Richard Jones, carried an urn containing his father’s ashes to the front of the room. He laid the urn, which was decorated with a piano, next to a picture of the late musician and flowers from well-wishers. He also addressed the crowd to thank Quebecers for the love they showed his father throughout his life. “You have supported my father’s career for decades, and I’d like to tell you how honoured and special he felt throughout the many years by the love and gracious awards and accolades that were bestowed onto him,” Jones said. Early visitors to Wednesday’s visitation included musicians, city councillors and Montreal Mayor Soraya Martinez Ferrada, who signed a book of condolences for the jazz legend. The award-winning pianist died July 22 at age 91. He grew up in the impoverished Montreal neighbourhood of Little Burgundy before becoming a star. He was known for his lightning-fast right hand, a phenomenal technique and a hard-swinging style. During his life, he supported young musicians and was an important figure in the jazz community, in Montreal and elsewhere. Jones became a member of the Order of Canada and earned many other awards and distinctions in his life. A public viewing “is reserved for exceptional circumstances in order to highlight the remarkable contribution of a personality to Montreal or Quebec life,” said city spokesperson Nicky Cayer. “It offers the whole population the opportunity to express their gratitude and pay him a final tribute.” Representatives of the provincial and municipal governments as well as members of the jazz scene are expected to attend the funeral on Thursday at Union United Church in Little Burgundy. Tributes are scheduled from family and friends, including jazz singer Ranee Lee. Lee, who played with Jones for many years, said Wednesday that she would always remember his buoyant nature and his role in helping jazz shine in Montreal. “He is the very cornerstone of the jazz world of music,” she said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 19, 2026.
