HAZEL SCOTT

Hazel Dorothy Scott

An American renowned unique swinging style and fusion of jazz and classical influences and activist.

Hazel Dorothy Scott, born on June 11, 1920, was raised in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, by her parents, R. Thomas Scott and Alma Long Scott. Her father was a West African scholar and teacher, and her mother was a musician and teacher of African and Scottish heritage.

At the age of four, Hazel displayed remarkable musical talent, playing the piano by ear. Recognizing her potential, her mother provided her with formal training, laying the foundation for her future career in music.

In 1928, Hazel and her family moved to New York City, where she continued her education and musical development. She attended the Juilliard School of Music, where she honed her skills as a pianist and vocalist, mastering both jazz and classical genres.

Hazel’s career took off in the 1930s and 1940s, making her mark as a virtuoso pianist and captivating singer. She performed in prestigious venues such as Carnegie Hall and became a trailblazer for African-American women in the music industry.

Beyond her musical talents, Hazel was a passionate advocate for civil rights and racial equality. She used her platform to speak out against segregation and discrimination, challenging societal norms through her activism.

Hazel Dorothy Scott was deeply involved in activism throughout her life, advocating for civil rights and equality, particularly for African Americans. As an outspoken critic of racial discrimination, she used her platform as a renowned musician to address social injustices and promote change.

During the 1940s and 1950s, Scott faced significant challenges due to her activism and refusal to adhere to the discriminatory practices of the entertainment industry. She openly opposed racial segregation and discrimination, refusing to perform for segregated audiences and speaking out against injustices faced by African Americans.

Scott’s activism, combined with her outspoken nature and refusal to compromise her principles, led to her being blacklisted during the McCarthy era. As a result, she faced scrutiny from government agencies and entertainment industry executives, who viewed her advocacy for civil rights as a threat to the status quo.

Despite the challenges posed by her blacklisting, Scott remained steadfast in her commitment to social justice. She continued to speak out against racism and inequality, using her voice to advocate for change. Her resilience in the face of adversity served as an inspiration to many and cemented her legacy as both a talented musician and a fearless activist.

Throughout her career, Hazel received numerous awards and honors for her contributions to music and activism. She was recognized by organizations such as the NAACP and the Urban League for her dedication to social justice.

During the McCarthy era, Hazel Dorothy Scott encountered severe repercussions due to her vocal activism and alleged ties to leftist organizations. Like numerous other individuals in the arts and academia, she became a target of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) because of her political views and associations. Despite vehemently denying any involvement with communist groups, Scott faced professional setbacks as a consequence of the anti-communist fervor prevailing at the time. She was effectively blacklisted from performing in the United States and encountered substantial obstacles in sustaining her career.

In response to the hostile climate in her homeland, Scott made the decision to relocate to France in the early 1950s. Paris provided her with a more hospitable environment where she could continue to develop her career as a musician. Throughout Europe, she showcased her exceptional talents as both a pianist and vocalist, captivating audiences with her performances. Scott found a renewed sense of artistic freedom in France, liberated from the constraints imposed by McCarthyism in the U.S.

In her later years, Hazel Dorothy Scott remained active both in her musical pursuits and her activism. She continued to perform internationally, contributing to the jazz scene and advocating for social justice. Despite facing health challenges that impacted her ability to perform, Scott remained dedicated to her principles and used her platform to champion equality and civil rights.

In France, Hazel Dorothy Scott’s impact was profound and far-reaching, contributing significantly to the country’s cultural landscape. As an esteemed jazz and classical pianist, as well as a captivating vocalist, Scott mesmerized audiences across Europe with her extraordinary talent and innovative performances. Her arrival in France during the 1950s injected new energy into the vibrant jazz scene of Paris, earning her widespread acclaim and admiration from both fellow musicians and audiences alike.

Scott’s presence in France not only enriched the local music scene but also served as a beacon of artistic excellence and cultural exchange. She collaborated with renowned French musicians, fostering cross-cultural dialogue and artistic collaboration that transcended national boundaries. Through her performances in prestigious venues and recordings, Scott introduced French audiences to the rich tradition of American jazz while infusing her interpretations with a unique blend of sophistication and soulfulness.

Beyond her musical contributions, Scott’s activism and advocacy for civil rights resonated with many in France, where her principled stance against racial injustice and discrimination struck a chord. Her courageous defiance of McCarthyism and commitment to social justice inspired solidarity and admiration among progressive circles in France, further elevating her stature as a cultural icon and symbol of resistance against oppression.

Scott’s impact in France extended beyond the realm of music, as she actively engaged in promoting racial equality and challenging discriminatory practices both within the arts community and society at large. Her unwavering dedication to advancing the cause of civil rights served as a source of inspiration for future generations of activists and artists in France and beyond.

On a personal level, Scott’s life was marked by various relationships and experiences. She was married three times, with her second marriage to Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. being the most notable. However, their interracial relationship faced significant scrutiny and condemnation during a period of widespread racial prejudice in the United States.

In her final years, Scott’s health declined, but she continued to be involved in music until her passing. Her legacy endures as that of a talented musician, courageous activist, and trailblazing woman who defied oppression and left an indelible mark on the world of music and social justice.

On October 2, 1981, Hazel Dorothy Scott passed away at the age of 61 of cancer at Mount Siani Hospital in New York . She is buried at Flushing Cemetery in Queens, New York, near other musicians such as Louis Armstrong, Johnny Hodges, and Dizzy Gillespie (who died in 1993).

In addition to her accolades, Hazel left behind a rich legacy of groundbreaking performances and fearless advocacy. Her influence extended far beyond the realm of music, inspiring future generations to use their voices for positive change.

Hazel Dorothy Scott’s discography includes a wide range of jazz and classical recordings, showcasing her versatility as an artist. Her filmography features notable appearances in movies and television, where her talent and charisma shone brightly on the screen.

  • Swinging the Classics: Piano Solos in Swing Style with Drums (Decca #A-212 [78rpm 3-disc album set], 1941)
  • Her Second Album of Piano Solos with Drums Acc. (Decca #A-321 [78rpm 3-disc album set], 1942)
  • A Piano Recital (Signature #S-1 [78rpm 4-disc album set], 1946)
  • Great Scott! (Columbia #C-159 [78rpm 4-disc album set], 1947; Columbia #CL-6090 [10″ LP], 1950)
  • Two Toned Piano Recital (Coral #CRL-56057 [10″ LP], 1952)
  • Hazel Scott’s Late Show (Capitol #H-364 [10″ LP], 1953)
  • Relaxed Piano Moods (Debut #DLP-16 [10″ LP], 1955)
  • ‘Round Midnight (Decca #DL-8474, 1957)
  • Always (Image Records #IM-307, 1979)
  • After Hours (Tioch Digital Records #TD-1013, 1983)

Hazel Dorothy Scott received numerous awards and honors throughout her illustrious career. Some of her notable accolades include:

  1. The Spingarn Medal: Awarded by the NAACP in 1945, recognizing her outstanding achievements and contributions to the African-American community.
  2. The Urban League Award: Presented in recognition of her advocacy for civil rights and racial equality, highlighting her efforts to combat discrimination and promote social justice.
  3. The Thomas Dorsey Award: Bestowed upon her for her significant contributions to jazz music, honoring her talent and innovation as a pianist and vocalist.
  4. The Key to the City: Awarded by various municipalities in acknowledgment of her cultural impact and influence, symbolizing her esteemed status as a distinguished artist and activist.
  5. Induction into the International Women in Jazz Hall of Fame: Recognized posthumously for her pioneering role in jazz music and her enduring legacy as a female trailblazer in the industry.
  6. In 2020, she was the subject of the BBC World Service programme Hazel Scott: Jazz star and barrier breaker in the series The Forum
  7. In 2022, Dance Theatre of Harlem debuted a new ballet about the life of Hazel Scott

These awards serve as testaments to Hazel Dorothy Scott’s remarkable talent, unwavering commitment to social justice, and lasting impact on both the music world and the fight for equality.