Hazel Scott was a famous American jazz and classical pianist and singer. She was the first African American to host her own television show called "The Hazel Scott Show" as well.
Scott was a musical prodigy from a young age. She moved to New York City when she was four and had received scholarships at the age of eight. She ended up studying at the Juilliard School and would perform shows while still in school.
Scott would regularly perform on the radio at the age of sixteen, gaining popularity fast. She would play in various nightclubs, spreading her name out. She ended up being the lead attraction at all branches of the Cafe Society. Cafe Society is a platform where all races ad ethnicities could perform. By this time, Hazel Scott was known nationally, and she would be making 75,000$ a year. 75,000$ back then is the equivalent to what would now be 1.1 million dollars.
Hazel Scott Playing Two Pianos
If you don't believe she was amazing at playing the piano after all of this, watch the video above. She is seen here playing two pianos, one black and one white.
Hazel Scott was also committed to civil rights activism. She would not play at segregated venues. She brought a law suit to the owners of a restaurant in Washington, because a waiter refused to serve Scott and her friend because "they were Negroes."
Scott eventually moved to Paris when her career had been faltered. Her career was damaged during the time period of the Red Scare. Her name would appear in Red Channels, so she made an appearance before the "House Un-American Activities Committee. Her television show would be cancelled a week later.
When Scott moved back to America in 1967, she continued to perform occasionally in night clubs. She ended up dying of cancer in 1981 at 61 years old.
No comments:
Post a Comment