Takin' A Chance--Hazel Scott

[@Vwjl1207]

Young people, especially young black people, read about your history. I'm kind of surprised so many people have never heard of this gifted woman. She was truly amazing.

[@barbaraobach]

Oh please, it doesn't matter what color the young people are today, they almost all like garbage gangster rap or bieber crap which is nothing next to the far superior jazz or blues or swing, which is what the great Hazel Scott's music is .

[@FooeyMcgooey]

I'm learning about her now. Amazing!

[@dolcifioricakes]

Makes me proud to be a Trini!

[@fumikoadullaha449]

Barbara Bach well not all of us .... I love Jazz, Rock,Afro beats,Soca,Kpop The rap music 🎶 that’s good can motivate You in the gym .... This Lady was a child prodigy and her Husband was the leader of my Mothers Church Next Tme I go to the AA Smithsonian. I going to look for her artifacts ... I saw Ella Fitzgeralds but not hers ...

[@alexanders562]

@@barbaraobach actually, I teach young people music, and I find they have very little prejudice about styles, they have access to everything (via internet) and have no problem with race, sex, generation, class, or much else. If they like it, they like it. Now show biz is always selling cheap garbage, so we can not rate everyone by what that industry is selling.

[@lwml1]

The reason there isn't much on this most brilliant and talented lady is because she refused to perform any place where blacks were not allowed to attend...and because of her convictions on this matter consequently her performances were very limited...I sure wish there were more live videos of her...surely a musical wonder!!!!!

[@chloeedmund4350]

And she still made $1,000,000!

[@jebbushu711]

She was also essentially kicked out of hollywood and blacklisted during the red scare... all because she wouldnt accept black people being treated worse in the movies (or anywhere else). I'm glad now we have the internet to learn about talented people like her who aren't talked about because of discrimination.

[@youtubecommenter2]

On the one hand it's a shame, because she deserved to be so much more famous, and could have been if she didn't insist on limiting herself like that. One the other hand it's very strong of her to stand by her principles.

[@barbaracataldo566]

She was also blacklisted in 1950 accused of being a Communist sympathizer (it was guilt by association, having been married to Adam Clayton Powell who campaigned for an avowed Communist and performing at an integrated night club whose owner's brother had Communist ties.)

[@judylaprade405]

Joe McCarthy and his House on UnAmerican Activities Committee targeted her and ruined her career.

[@acappellaification]

MY Dad on Bass,BEAUTIFUL!!!

[@varadero1839]

Hi April Callender, I'm so glad to hear from you! I posted this, and just knowing that you saw your father is an enormous plus! Once again, Thank You! varadero

[@vincentl4691]

Wow, that is awesome. Did he accompany Hazel often?

[@silpoll]

😮

[@MrBongoagogo]

April Callender the one and only red calendar on bass one of the best.back in the day like mingus Paul chambers .

[@acappellaification]

My Dad actually taught Mingus the Bass @@MrBongoagogo. I miss them both!!! Thank you!!!

[@jv3331]

wow ... Hazel needs to be rediscovered by new generations ... phenomenal ...

[@varadero1839]

+jv3331 Hi jv3331, Wish I'd more of Ms. Scott to contribute, but here on YT there are quite a few others. I'm sure you will have found them by now. Can't have been easy being beautiful, and a musical genius at the same time, but Ms. Scott did both with little trouble. Please read more about her; she led a fascinating life, both musically and otherwise! Thanks for your message, varadero

[@mightyobserver12]

Hollyweird glamorized marilyn monroE

[@danawinsor1380]

That super-fast stride bass is mind-blowing. Ms. Scott had great talent and personality.

[@neetrab]

Yes!

[@CodyCole80]

She walked in like A BOSS! 👍🏾

[@neetrab]

Haha!! Yes she did!!

[@lisabautista-sellers7044]

That's what she was!

[@stevehyman259]

Like she OWNED the joint!

[@imeldathornton3396]

Word!!!!

[@melita3333]

Now I understand why Nina Simone admired her so much!

[@bhinderbinder]

I'm always so amazed at how these piano geniuses make it look EASY! Just sittin' there, hands flying back and forth, all these notes flying out from their fingers, and they're smiling like it's nothing! What a genius!! Thank you for sharing.

[@carlosbowers1632]

She actually had her hands insured with the William Morris agency

[@TimmyTickle]

@@carlosbowers1632How much for?

[@ToneCanyon]

Wow. Ive been playing jazz since 1989 or something. Have a masters degree in music ed and a bachelors in jazz performance. Studied with amazing musicians (like John Coltrane’s teacher). NEVER HEARD OF HER UNTIL TODAY. Was looking up female jazz pianists for one of my students to motivater her. Hazel Scott is INCREDIBLE!!

[@ExtraordinaryArtists]

She really was like no one else.

[@Impex7]

YOU'RE KIDDING, RIGHT?

[@ToneCanyon]

@@Impex7 i swear to God. Not ONCE. Now I talk about her all the time to my general music kids

[@Impex7]

@@ToneCanyon UNFORTUNATELY, SHE WAS CAUGHT UP IN THE SO CALLED "RED SCARE" WITCH HUNT. ARE YOU FAMILIAR WITH DOROTHY DONEGAN?

[@manonscuttenaire2561]

I'm also looking for women composer and instrumentist in the jazz history. Did you find other interesting personnalities? (There are a lot but always happy to learn)

[@darkcadence938]

Love her improvisation

[@varadero1839]

She was truly unique, talented and beautiful! Thank You!

[@samson3000]

As I read these comments, I realized I was crying. This performance was incomparable and moved me. Did you know she was the first Black woman to have her own television show? I wish we had kinescopes of those episodes on the Dumont Network.

[@SCRIABINIST]

I'm mainly a Classical music fan, but Hazel Scott is one of the few jazz musicians that I love.

[@MissLionRose]

She's amazing!!! The person who said beauty, talent, and personality can't coexist, didn't know about Hazel Scott!! :)

[@varadero1839]

LionRoseProductions Hi!I don't know where I heard this quote, but it must have been from the '30s, or '40s! The quote being "You said a Mouthful!" I think you did, as regards amazing Ms. Scott! Her performance here barely scratched the surface of her onscreen and offscreen life! Her offscreen life may have even eclipsed her performances! Please find what you can online; you'll be amazed! Best regards, varadero

[@MissLionRose]

varadero1839 ok thanks! I'm learning about jazz and the blues :)

[@Marcel_Audubon]

nobody ever said that, hunny

[@Cormac-jd2kx]

Hey I’m the person that said it 😂

[@jermainebenson3230]

Her face at the end, pricelss "And You Better Love It" , and I did.

[@varadero1839]

Mr. Benson, I think she was so brilliant, and very easy to love! I'm so glad you agree! Best wishes, varadero

[@neetrab]

Lol I thought I was the only one who loved her facial expression at the end too lol

[@manurightz]

@@varadero1839 3:08 ??

[@stevenhs8821]

What a talented beauty, oozing charisma.

[@princeandrey]

She's superb! We so fortunate to have these films of her. She's terrifically talented, charmingly ebullient on camera, and simply beautiful!

[@rama-annawallace2823]

She was stunningly beautiful and talented !!!

[@Kuklapolitan]

Hazel could play anyone else right off the stage! What a great talent she was and thank GOD we have these videos to remind us.

[@weepeng]

Oh my, imagine the amount of time, sweat and tears she put to achieve this, practice after practice. WOW! I wish she was more successful and well known with more records put out.

[@varadero1839]

Hi Wee Peng, I apologize for the delay in my reply. Actually, she was very successful but not like today with YT/Twitter/FB, etc. Please, when you have some free time, Google her and you'll be amazed! Back in those days it might have taken months or even years before someone of her caliber was "discovered." This clip is from a 1943 MGM movie called "I Dood It!" It was silly, but featured so many amazing stars; Ms. Scott was one. Technology changes with different eras, and at the time for Ms. Scott to have been in film, believe me, it was miraculous! Such was her talent! Best wishes, varadero

[@shalenadiva]

OMG!!! My jaw is on the floor. MY God!!! This woman was AMAZING!!!! Lordt!!! I JUST discovered her. Whoa.

[@beasaroze5596]

Wow! I am so loving youtube these days. Finding all these legends is like a treasure hunt for the soul. I loved the way she worked that piano. So fab!

[@varadero1839]

+Beas Rose I'm so glad to hear from you! I love this lady too! Aside from being an amazing pianist, her personal life is a true "roller-coaster" ride! If you've time, read a little about her. She was lovely, talented, and picked some winners in her day! Thanks for writing, varadero

[@Ashemk]

+varadero1839 I had only seen an eight second clip of her mention in the documentary Scandalize My Name. I had no idea. The homunculus on that woman.

[@nanawilson5543]

+varadero1839 Ditto. Education is happening here :D

[@jerryj920]

June 11th: Happy birthday Classical-Jazz Pianist/Singer-Civil rights activist Hazel Scott (1920-2018)-first African American to host her own tv show-"The Hazel Scott Show," previously married to Congressman Adam Clayton Powell. Pure talent and class. Thank you and God bless. RIP....Thank you, varadero1839 for this upload. Blessings...

[@Max-do7me]

In case anybody doesn't know, she also has a part in the movie "Rhapsody in Blue" about George Gershwin. Her appearance and performance make for the best moments of this movie by far! Check it out!

[@neetrab]

Thank you!!

[@MrTrackman100]

A shame we haven't heard more from this lovely, talented lady! Beautiful playing and with and attitude!

[@geomanko4142]

she was the first choice to play Sam’s role in Casablanca.

[@WPM_in_ATL]

@@geomanko4142 Then Bogart would have had a terrible choice: Run away with the piano player and let Ilsa fend for herself.

[@breannamanassa4470]

How am I just finding out about this wonderful woman now? *-*

[@varadero1839]

+BreAnna Tosser Hi BreAnna Tosser, I posted this, and I asked the same question so long ago! This was one brilliant lady, and performer! PLEASE, Google her and you'll be astonished with the incredible life she lived! Grateful to hear from you! varadero

[@justuscooke6899]

On God smh hazel is and was the one

[@nysitay7396]

White euro barbaric jealous oppression

[@lisasellers8814]

BreAnna Manassa She was brilliant black abd female, therefore, hidden

[@titotutpal8480]

Same

[@kevind7422]

At the advanced age of 8, Ms. Scott - a Harlem transplant from Trinidad - studied at Julliard in Manhattan under Paul Wagner, personally (whether or not colored folk or children were otherwise admitted to the program in the late '20s is not verifiable by me). But she persisted. And excelled. And confounded everyone who expected her to follow either the European tradition or the American. She excelled at both and mixed it all up fierce on the ivories. Oh, she could sing, act, look good for the cameras and stand ferocious against injustice. Not a bad score card for a life - and why it's up to you to spread her legacy. Ain't nobody else gonna lift that load but you.

[@polimeque-vamos]

Quel talent, acquis précocement, et quel engagement ! Pas assez reconnue ! Merci !

[@FujishimaAkiko]

Who would dislike this? Hazel Scott was a DIVA! An amazing talent that if you have an ear for music blew you right out of the room the first time you ever heard her play. My grandfather was a huge Hazel Scott fan and I feel so fortunate to have heard her from a very young age. She was and will always be AMAZING! Not only was she an insanely talented natural at tickling those ebonies and ivories, she was stunningly beautiful as well. Just an amazing, talented, beautiful lady!

[@Obinna_Okerekeocha]

And she was so pretty and adorable too. WOW!!!

[@Jadedyxy]

This right here is a God given talent✨✨ you have to be born with it

[@enriquesanchez2001]

Stupendous LADY, Outstanding, prodigious TALENT! What a breath of fresh air to have discovered her!

[@GetTheGrandFunkOut]

First time finding this woman today!

[@varadero1839]

***** Hi,Hope it won't be the last! She was just amazing! I've only this one of her online, but there are others! I'm glad to hear from you, and would ask a favor. Since this is the 1st time finding this lady, would you check out some other aspects of her life, artistic, and seriously political? I'm a former New Yorker and remember hearing and reading about her from childhood. Please look her up! Sorry for the 5 day delay; I try to keep up! If not already, you'll soon be astounded! Best regards, varadero

[@GetTheGrandFunkOut]

Me, too!

[@varadero1839]

HI Get, I've no clue how this aspect works, but I'm honored to hear from you! I'm pretty convinced that no performer even came close to her talent! Also, her expertise, beauty and intellect made her a star! I'm so glad to hear from you! varadero

[@GetTheGrandFunkOut]

varadero1839 First time I EVER saw anyone play two pianos at once! The late Liberace had NOTHING on her! My parents have lied to me!

[@neetrab]

@@GetTheGrandFunkOut lol!

[@Obinna_Okerekeocha]

Didnt know about Hazel Scott till today. Awesomely gifted pianist.

[@varadero1839]

Hi Obi Okerekeocha, Honored to hear from you! Ms. Scott is, and was like none other. In all honesty I'm having a hard time even beginning to describe the whirlwind that was Hazel Scott! Please look for her: those amazing musical performances, and though not really pertinent here in the world of music, just some of her political affiliations! She was like a renaissance woman! Best to you! varadero

[@MusicandDancing4Ever]

Hazel Scott doesn't get enough recognition. People are always talking about Lena Horne, whom I like, but forget about Hazel. She was a talented, glamourous, beautiful woman as well, who fought against racism and stereotyping way before the civil rights movement. I love this scene, why couldn't Hollywood have done this more often, all the beautiful blacks are dressed glamourously, classy, and looking dignified, instead of appearing how Hollywood usually dressed them as homely maids and servants

[@stephenalexanderkuwadi]

Awesome ❤ she deserves more recognition

[@varadero1839]

Thank you! More and more of her appearances are showing on YT and elsewhere! Amazing talent from a beautiful lady! Many thanks! varadero

[@geraldjohnson848]

June 11: Happy birthday Ms Hazel Scott. thank you and God bless. RIP. Thanks for the post. Blessings

[@varadero1839]

Gerald Johnson I never knew that 6/11 was her birthday! Thanks for the update! RIP indeed; suggest she's orchestrating some other wonderful performances in Heaven! Lovely lady, amazing talent and her playing could stop a clock! Thanks so much for writing! Best wishes, varadero

[@bobcrestwood740]

A lot of posters ask why she isn't better known. It's because she got caught up in the McCarthy era. She had her own television show in 1950, the first black performer to do so. But her show was cancelled right after she appeared before the House Unamerican Activities Committee the same year. She was blacklisted and moved to Europe to continue working. She was a prodigy and won a scholarship to Juliard at the age of 8. She was the best female pianist of the jazz era. Too bad political fanatacism had to strike down her career at its height.

[@varadero1839]

Hi Mr. Crestwood…I'm the poster and I like your observation. With this particular clip I've responded many times asking writers to investigate what an all-around winner she was. I've known of her for years, and her history; the "Red Scare" really damaged many lives, including hers. She also left us way too soon. Thanks so much for writing! varadero

[@rastagirl007]

The talent in this movie is beyond amazing...Hazel Scott just blows you away with her dancing fingers...the ease and poise! WOW! Lena is too beautiful for words, too, with the voice of an angel...and what a joy to see the young Red Skelton! The stage was just full of GIFTS in the back-up singers, and musicians!Dignified, raw talent! Think about it...Andre' 2000 honors these talents in many of his movies and videos! CLASS!

[@jeanettemarkley7299]

I just found out about Hazel Scott. What a tragedy she isn't known today by many.

[@langa1533]

When talent came with class. Fully dressed 👗 and beautiful 👏🏽👏🏽🎉

[@mommymommy682]

I love how she plays piano! Smiling , looking at ppl, and showing that how to fun to play music!

[@jolietia]

Such Class and Talent!

[@varadero1839]

Thanks so much for writing! I'm always amazed at her accomplishments. She came to this country as a very little girl, but was already a prodigy at an early age! Scary to think that all that talent came in such a tiny package! I could type on and on forever, and still not have enough "characters" to describe her. Please, for a starter, just check her out on Wikipedia! Ms. Scott has one hell of a pedigree! Grateful again for your inquiry! Best wishes always to you!

[@rodesia2]

Yes Babiessss!!! Dress to impress and work that audition...Beautiful..

[@danieb84]

She is amazing!

[@NewYorkCityBoxing]

A very talented and beautiful woman. I can see why she caught the eye of Adam Powell.

[@diemjones]

One of my Sheroes and all-time greats...we are blessed to have witnessed her grace.

[@varadero1839]

Diem Jones Thank you Mr. Diem Jones. Ms. Scott was an amazing lady; super-talented, absolutely beautiful, and politically inclined and connected! Grateful to hear from you! Best regards, varadero

[@kautique]

I just saw her on 'Broadway Rythm' and was blown away! She is one of the top talented pianist I have seen of her day and a beautiful woman and great smile. I am showing her videos to my children to inspire them to keep up their lessons.

[@nickw6617]

she's so confident and comfortable, amazing talent!

[@stacyjpoliticscommunityfai359]

She was amazinggggggggg. Beauty, brains, and talent.

[@ymniez]

absolutely amazing. what a legend!

[@avona14]

Beautiful! 💛💛💛

[@enriquesanchez2001]

ABSOLUTELY FABULOUS IN EVERY WAY ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

[@caseyjl949]

Wow! She's so beautiful and so amazing!

[@varadero1839]

+Casey Howard You're so right, on both counts! Beauty and talent; she was just born that way! Thanks so much for your notice! Best wishes, varadero

[@johnerdmann2700]

BELLA!!!! A GREAT PERSON!!!!!!

[@beauteefulhill3830]

Hazel Scott was so beautiful and talented. I wish it was more musical videos of her. Wow. ❤

[@akoripahs]

Truly remarkable! For those wondering who the bassist and drummer are -- they are George "Red" Callender and Lee Young (Lester's brother), respectively.

[@acappellaification]

My Daddy on Bass. Rest HIS SOUL

[@u47tube]

A joy to behold.

[@evgenylauck4893]

Левая рука просто фантастика!🎉

[@ebonynicole7233]

hazel scott was my daughters African american project in 2nd grade

[@varadero1839]

+Ebony Mitchell Hi Ebony Mitchell, I posted this clip of Ms. Scott, and I'm amazed every time I see it. She was an incredibly talented performer! Her personal life was even more fascinating than her artistic career! As for your daughter, then in the 2nd grade, she must be one of the most intellectually gifted children around! I hope she got a great grade for her efforts. Truly grateful to hear from you, and I wish both you and your daughter the best. Please keep in touch! Best wishes, varadero

[@hootinouts]

I am in awe of this beautiful and talented lady. Here you have nothing but pure talent being rendered by a lady with pure class.

[@IngridRollema]

Wow!!! She is lightning on that keyboard! Thanks for posting this.

[@chal3t]

My mom plays this song a lot. Ms. Scott was extremely talented!!!

[@WMEL5]

I too loved this take from the movie "I Dood It", featuring Hazel Scott and her band as well as having a cameo from Lena Horne. I was only dismayed that there was not more of the two of them but that was a sign of the times.

[@ashleyjohnson8213]

Watching this in 2021. She was simply amazing! ❤️

[@shockofthenew]

How did I never hear of her before?! My new favourite!

[@pafree4402]

OMG I have never heard of this my goodness thank you so much for sharing

[@NYMDgirl2u]

You're so right on that comment. I used to hear my grandparents talk about Hazel Scott when I was a little girl. Also she was once married to the Late Great Adam Clayton Powell Jr, who was like the Malcolm X in my grandparents hay days. She was a talented woman in her own right.

[@Stevarino1020]

Stunning virtuosity and musicianship .The great hazel Scott.

[@pianist.ohdonghan]

Wow That's awesome 👏👏👏👍

[@daveh9551]

Natural beauty and gifted . They don’t make em like this anymore. I feel like I missed out

[@varadero1839]

Me Too! And I posted this one! I lived in NYC at the time, but was too young to know how beautiful and brilliant she was. Grateful to hear from you!

[@daveh9551]

varadero1839 You know they talk about how bad racism was back then but in a lot of ways I think it’s worse today. Here you have a black entertainer with her own feature who isn’t being exploited . What entertainer can say that today? She was def on top of her game . Highly gifted Trinidadian woman indeed

[@varadero1839]

You're right on time! I'm grateful for your knowledge of those great men who accompanied this most amazing of artists. She's miraculous, but miracles need help, and you've supplied the names! Thank you!

[@valerieskoumalova7977]

She is absolutely genius!!! I love her... And she is also beautiful...:)

[@amirperrymusic]

She's amazing!!!! Wow!!

[@ranjaniewickramaratne7740]

She is the most talented woman I had seen l am a fan of hazel scott she is so fast in her left hand no one could beat her

[@varadero1839]

Brilliant lady, but her career, like many others, was ruined by false accusations of Communism during the Red Scare in the '50s.

[@neetrab]

Ranjanie, she was the first and only person I ever heard had their hands insured by an insurance company lol

[@danavixen6274]

A music history lesson indeed! Happy belated birthday up there Ms. Hazel Scott!

[@Ashemk]

ugh. my heart! I can't. this is unreal.

[@varadero1839]

+Ashemk Hi Ashemk! It's hard to believe that this really happened, but it did! Brilliant Hazel really knew how to work out! Outlandish talent, intellect and beauty were all "Hazel!" So happy to hear from you. varadero

[@Concetta20]

I hadn’t heard of her until seeing the biopic on Gershwin. So glad I have now! What a talent! And so engaging to watch! Get on a biopic for her, Hollywood!

[@ivocaponio4797]

Wooow. Think, she's the best female piano player i've ever heard! fantastic🙏🏼❤️☀️

[@passorfail4828]

That is phenomenal

[@emilyfeister2091]

I can't even understand how wonderful she is.

[@varadero1839]

It's not easy! I posted this and I'm grateful to hear from you! She was this gifted genius at the piano, and a very lovely lady. Please read some more about her life; it was actually equally as amazing as her artistic career. Thanks again! varadero

[@emilyfeister2091]

I actually have been reading up on her more. I see she appeared in films and was also a civil rights activist! What a full life!

[@PepperWilliams_songcovers]

Unbelievable! A female Art Tatum and Fats Waller. She was so gifted and beautiful!!! I'm speechless.❤❤❤❤❤

[@jaynette2011]

Breath taking

[@antoniomarine1567]

So beautiful - and talented!! What a combo!

[@kathymichael7224]

Happy birthday, Hazel Scott Lee!

[@redwoods7370]

Just discovered this awesome woman and her videos today! What an incredible and brilliant woman on every level. Thank you for posting this. Every human on this planet but especially African Americans should know about this woman and her accomplishments. So inspiring.

[@TheAndrei1960able]

I Love Hazel! Thank you for posting

[@stephenjoeagi]

Indeed a superb pianists. I think that she is the pianist that also appeared in Rhapsody in Blue. Her playing is very fluent and very even. It should be the envy of classical as well as jazz pianists. Another pearl from Indigo1045.

[@songforthemute8087]

so amazing

[@khardy8787]

She was amazing!!

[@JJamJ]

That stride is amazing and so accurate😲

[@RSTAR2009]

I stumbled across Hazel Scott while reading a SMOOTH or EBONY magazine critic's review of a non - fiction on her biography. Truly she is stunningly beautiful and equally talented as a jazz pianist. I feel honored that my maiden's name is Scott too!

[@fanpim]

She was gorgeous!!!

[@ra15899550]

Red Skelton snuck in with the Hazel Scott entourage.

[@WilliamMitchell-t2h]

A great pianist and stunning beauty. Why have they not made a movie about Hazel Scott?

[@krpurple2678]

I want to cry!

[@michaelgaines190]

Hazel Scott for President!

[@varadero1839]

No other candidates even came close! Thank you!

[@tehutimes1]

A human rights activist & great musician... Hazel Scott a gem from Trinidad & Tobago.

[@fiandrhi]

Gawd. She makes my heart thump.

[@ShatikaDoyle]

She was soooo beautiful and I just lover her talent!!!!

[@varadero1839]

+Shatika Doyle Thank you for writing! I posted this and agree with you 100 percent! If you have time, please read about her online or a biography of her life. She led one fascinating existence. Great hearing from you! varadero