A memorial service honoring the late Oliver Jones is scheduled to take place at Union United Church, situated near the jazz legend’s childhood residence where he held his debut concert at just five years old, setting the stage for his illustrious career. Jones passed away on July 22 at the age of 91.
This service follows a public visitation held at city hall the day before. Union United Church, a historic Black congregation established 119 years ago, is located a short distance from Jones’s family home in the Little Burgundy neighborhood.
Throughout his extensive musical journey, Jones received multiple accolades, including JUNO awards, honorary doctorates, and prestigious appointments to the orders of Montreal, Quebec, and Canada. He became synonymous with Little Burgundy and the Montreal Jazz Festival, gracing the stage there numerous times, performing annually from 1981 to 1999.
The service on Thursday will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET, featuring various musical tributes, prayers, and speeches to commemorate Jones’s legacy.
