A tribute service for the late jazz legend Oliver Jones will be held at Union United Church, located near his childhood home in Little Burgundy where he began his illustrious music career at just five years old. Jones passed away at the age of 91 on July 22.
The service, scheduled for Thursday, follows a public visitation that took place at city hall the day before. Union United Church, a historic Black congregation established 119 years ago, is situated just minutes away from Jones’s family residence.
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 was a fixture in Little Burgundy and the Montreal Jazz Festival, gracing its stages annually from 1981 to 1999.
The upcoming service, set to run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. ET on Thursday, will feature various musical tributes, prayers, and speeches in honor of the iconic musician.