In writing this blog Hazel Scott is a new discovery for me. Sure, I have heard of Hazel Scott, but preparing this blog has given me more of an appreciation of Hazel Scott, and her contribution to jazz and music. Jazz pianist and vocalist Hazel Scott has hosted her own TV show, and stood against the House Un-American Activities Committee. As a performer, Hazel Scott is known for her jazzy interpretation of classical music.
Born June 11, 1920, in Port of Spain, Trinidad, Hazel Dorothy Scott was given birth to R. Thomas Scott and Alma Long Scott. who was a classically trained musician who played piano and saxophone. Alma Long Scott developed friendships with Art Tatum, Lester Young, and Fats Waller. These connections made it possible for Hazel Scott to audition to Juilliard when she was eight years old, playing "Prelude in C-Sharp Minor", by Rachmaninoff. Hazel Scott received a scholarship and studied privately.
At 15 years of age, Hazel Scott appeared opposite the Count Basie big band at New York City`s Roseland Ballroom, where she won a competition to host a radio show. In 1938, Hazel Scott appeared on Broadway in a musical revue of "Sing Out the News". In 1939, Hazel Scott had performances in Greenwich Village at Cafe` Society. Cafe` Society was an integrated club where Billie Holiday ended her engagement, and insisted on Hazel Scott as her replacement. Hazel Scott would perform classical music, with improvisation and jazz lines, runs, and stylings in a full-bodied singing voice.
Eventually, Hazel Scott made her way to Hollywood, only to face a racist structure that wanted Hazel Scott to play roles of singing maids, which she declined. However, Hazel Scott appeared in five films as herself. Her film career ended in 1945. Hazel Scott took a stand against racism, by refusing to perform for segregated audiences, which was stipulated in her contracts.
Returning to New York City, and soon after her return, Hazel Scott had an affair with politician Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Hazel Scott and Adam Clayton Powell, Jr would marry, and give birth to their son in 1946, Adam Clayton Powell III.
In 1950, Hazel Scott was the first African-American woman to host her own TV show - The Hazel Scott Show, which aired to a national audience. Unfortunately, Hazel Scott`s TV show came to an end due to the Un-American Activities Committee. Hazel Scott was accused of "performing for organizations with Communist ties". The Hazel Scott Show was cancelled.
After her ordeal with the House Un-American Activities Committee, Hazel Scott continued on with her life and career. Hazel Scott divorced Adam Clayton Powell Jr. in 1960. In 1957, Hazel Scott moved to Paris, and became one of many Black expatriates to move there. However, Hazel Scott did return to the United States in 1967, performing for her audience base, as well as making a few recordings. Hazel Scott passed away on October 2, 1981, two month after her last performance.
