During the earlier years of my trios, Norman Granz (my friend, mentor and personal manager) decided to book the Trio into the London House in Chicago. In its earlier years, and from what I gain from other jazz players, the London House, certainly during the fifties and sixties, was THE jazz room in Chicago. It was not only a new venture for me, but it also served to introduce me to a person who I became totally involved with musically and personally. I am referring to Audrey Morris, the vocalist. This lady with the mellow and emotional voice and lyrical understanding of tunes came into my life and shared the stage at the London House with me for many years. I became very close with Audrey and her husband Stuart, and would nightly marvel at the very personal, emotional, musical and lyrical reading of the various tunes that she performed. Not only I, but also the other members of my group, would sit countless nights after our performances and marvel not only at her musical interpretation of these songs, but most certainly the very personal and truthful reading she would give to the lyrics. I became very friendly with Audrey and her then husband Stuart, and had the great privilege of being their houseguest numerous nights over the years, during which we would share some incredible musical moments and reminiscences. Just recently I was informed that the City of Chicago was honoring Audrey Morris, and I was invited to attend this salutation to her. Unfortunately, on the plane home from the Far East, I caught the flu from another passenger, and was unable to pay tribute to her in person, along with all the other guests of the evening. In my disappointment in realizing that I would not be able to be there, I decided to write an honest salutation to this most musical lady whom I have admired and loved all these years. My wife Kelly forwarded the script to the Department of Cultural Affairs of the City of Chicago and requested that someone read it to the audience in my absence. I have loved Audrey Morris for many years, and shared this love with her late husband, Stuart Genovese, who some time ago passed away. I can only hope that the words that I composed to be read at the event in a small way let all those attending know how much I love Audrey Morris, not only as a wonderful artist, but more personally as a person (my Chicago landlady). Chicago, you are blessed by her presence and talent.




November 12, 2004
Dear Audrey,
First and foremost, let me apologize to you and the City of Chicago for my absence due to a recent bout of flu, which I have been fighting off. I'm writing this in the hope that someone will take the time to read it at this most special event for you.

I still vividly remember the first time I heard you in the now-defunct London House. I was immediately struck by the immense warmth and musical tonality that you had naturally throughout your performance. I honestly feel that over these years you have become in essence a musical monument for the city of Chicago. The musical gift that you have given to this city and to its visitors has been nothing but humungous. I must say that over the years whenever I looked over my upcoming itinerary and saw the London House on it, I would get the warmest of musical feelings immediately, and would always treasure the anticipation that went with it. Chicago has benefited from your musical talents, as I have. I learned a lot, sharing the bill at the London House with you, about approaching ballad playing and trying to interpret the meaning of its lyrics through the piano and my group. You may not know it, but you have been held in great esteem by the various members of the jazz world that have appeared with you in the London House, including yours truly. All I can say is, Chicago be proud, for Audrey is in the house.

All my love,
Oscar Peterson