Hazel Scott was born in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on June 11, 1920 and raised in New York City from the age of four. Scott was a child prodigy enrolling as a private student at Julliard by the time she was eight and performing concerts shortly thereafter. She was known for improvising on classical themes and also played bebop, blues, and ballads. She was the first African American woman to have her own television show, "The Hazel Scott Show". However, she publicly opposed McCarthyism and racial segregation, and the show was cancelled in 1950 when she was accused of being a Communist sympathizer. It is sad that Scott is not better known in the jazz and music world who was a pioneer in African American culture.
Hazel Scott with fellow bombshell Lena Horne
In this clip from the movie Rhapsody In Blue (1945) Hazel Scott's nearly six minute cameo showcases her exceptional range as a vocalist and pianist.
Be Amazed!
Be Amazed!
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