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Hazel Scott

Hazel Scott was a talented and accomplished musician and actress who broke barriers in the entertainment industry. Born in 1920 in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, Scott moved to New York City with her family when she was a child. She began studying classical piano at a young age and quickly gained recognition for her musical talents.

Scott attended the Juilliard School of Music and graduated in 1939. She went on to have a successful career as a jazz pianist, playing with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Benny Goodman and Artie Shaw. She also performed on Broadway and in Hollywood, appearing in several films, including "The Flame of New Orleans" and "The Heat's On."

Scott was a trailblazer in the entertainment industry, and her talent and determination helped pave the way for other black performers. She was one of the first black women to host her own television show, "The Hazel Scott Show," which aired on the DuMont Television Network in 1950. The show was a huge success, and Scott became the first black woman to be featured on the cover of TV Guide.

In addition to her talents as a performer, Scott was also an advocate for civil rights. She was a vocal critic of segregation and discrimination, and she refused to perform for segregated audiences. She was one of many black performers who were targeted by the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) during the Red Scare of the 1950s. Despite the challenges she faced, Scott continued to speak out against injustice and discrimination throughout her career.

Hazel Scott was a remarkable and talented performer who made significant contributions to the entertainment industry and the fight for civil rights. Her talent, determination, and courage helped pave the way for future generations of black performers and activists.


Sources:

Brandman, By: Mariana. “Biography: Hazel Scott.” Hazel Scott Biography, https://www.womenshistory.org/education-resources/biographies/hazel-scott. 

Chilton, Karen. “Hazel Scott.” University of Michigan Press, https://www.press.umich.edu/3298770/hazel_scott. 

Magazine, Smithsonian. “Hazel Scott's Lifetime of High Notes.” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 15 Oct. 2009, https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/hazel-scotts-lifetime-of-high-notes-145939027/. 


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