Legendary Canadian jazz pianist Oscar Peterson says he is being subjected to racial taunts and slurs at his Toronto-area home.

"A bunch of idiots have been driving by in a car yelling obscenities at me," Peterson told CTV News.

"They said... dash dash dash dash you Oscar Peterson, fill it in for yourself. First word starts with an F."

The 81-year-old said he is disheartened and stunned that the insults include racial remarks.

Peterson said his attempt to live a quiet and peaceful life in suburban Mississauga has been invaded during the month-long campaign.

"If they want to start that kind of racial war, I'm ready for it. I've had enough of that," he said.

"I'm really mad now. I didn't come home to be subjected to this."

Peterson, who was born in Montreal, said he endured racial harassment much earlier in his life, but never expected the racist episodes to happen at his home in a tolerant country like Canada.

He said the taunts remind him of the racism against blacks that was prevalent in the southern United States decades ago.

Peterson said he has notified politicians and local police of the young men, but investigators do not have a licence plate number from the blue Toyota Corolla to go on.

Widely considered as one of the great jazz pianists of all time, Peterson has been honoured with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award, an International Jazz Hall of Fame Award and entry into several halls of fame.

In addition to being put on a stamp, Canada made him a companion of the Order of Canada, the country's highest civilian achievement.

But despite the accolades, Peterson still isn't getting respect from the men he calls "bigots."

"Regardless of what I do as a performer, I'm a human being," he said.

"I have a family that I'm proud of and I love, and if at any point (the suspects) put them in jeopardy, I lose my sense of balance.

"I'll defend (my family with) whatever it takes."