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Hazel Scott, a trailblazing entertainer and activist, was silenced. A PBS doc brings her to light

BBG News

It’s a pity that Hazel Scott isn’t as widely recognized as Billie Holiday or Lena Horne, given her exceptional talent in jazz and classical piano. As a child prodigy, she rose to become one of the most celebrated figures in entertainment during the 1930s and ’40s, gracing stages at famous New York City establishments like Café Society, the Cotton Club, and Carnegie Hall.

I, too, graced multiple films and made history as the initial Black artist to host my very own television show, “The Hazel Scott Show,” which aired during the summer of 1950. While Ethel Waters hosted a one-night special on NBC in 1939, I was the first to establish a series.

For a number of years, both in the musical world and the realm of civil rights activism, Scott’s name and her impact seemed to be lost from memory – that is, until Alicia Keys paid tribute to her during the 2019 Grammy Awards.

Titled “American Masters — The Disappearance of Miss Scott,” a documentary set to air on PBS this Friday, aims to shed light on the life and career of an underappreciated talent and historical figure by exploring why she remains relatively unknown. The film includes readings from Scott’s unpublished autobiography narrated by Sheryl Lee Ralph, along with interviews from country star Mickey Guyton, actors Amanda Seales and Tracie Thoms, jazz musicians Camille Thurman and Jason Moran, journalist Adam Clayton Powell III, who is also Scott’s son.

Music

During Alicia Keys’ captivating performance at the Grammys, where she played Scott Joplin’s “Maple Leaf Rag” while sitting side-saddle between two pianos, some may have observed that she paid tribute to Hazel Scott by mentioning her name.

Nicole London, the documentarian and producer behind the project, has a history of contributing to works focusing on Miles Davis, Sammy Davis Jr., and Marvin Gaye. Recognizing Scott’s significance, London had only gleaned a few facts about her life: she was married to Adam Clayton Powell Jr., a notable New York politician and pastor at the Abyssinian Baptist Church, and she notably played two pianos in the 1943 film “The Heat’s On.

London expresses that he wasn’t previously familiar with her accomplishments, but after exploring this movie, she stands tall among the greats. He hopes people will understand that she is an incredibly talented individual, whose career spans depth and breadth comparable to figures like Marvin Gaye, Sammy Davis Jr., or Miles Davis, warranting similar recognition.

Beyond being a gifted performer, Scott was also a prominent activist for civil rights in the years leading up to the ’60s protests. She refused to play for segregated crowds and included an integration clause in her performance contracts at music venues. As her acting career took off, she fought for herself and other Black artists, but a disagreement with a studio is said to have halted her film career.

Despite her ongoing calls for equality and respect, Scott thrived in this situation. Eventually, she was offered the opportunity to host a network television show, making her the first Black American to do so with “The Hazel Scott Show,” which debuted on DuMont. Within a few weeks, the television network increased the show’s broadcast frequency, airing it three times a week nationally.

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Her sense of justice and fairness towards everyone ran far deeper than what initially met the eye. Things appeared to be smooth sailing – that is, until the government became involved.

The documentary describes Scott getting ensnared in the Red Scare, as her name was listed in “Red Channels: A Report on Communist Influence in Radio and Television,” a document against Communism published in June 1950, which accused her of being a communist sympathizer. Powell remembered his mother’s determination to testify before Congress to defend herself and expose the harassment methods used by the government.

I clearly recall the night when my mother chose to appear before the House Un-American Activities Committee. At dinner that evening, it was my mother, my father, and myself. My father questioned her decision, saying, ‘Why are you doing this? You won’t succeed with these people. They’ll only cause harm to you.’ To which she responded, ‘They’re causing hurt to many more than just me. I must go and tell them they are the real un-Americans.’ My father disagreed, expressing his belief that she would not prevail.

Following her testimony, Scott’s television show was swiftly terminated, and opportunities for employment in the U.S. quickly diminished. This downfall seemed remarkably rapid. Eventually, she relocated to Paris, where her career continued to thrive. During her stay, she was immersed in a circle of friends and influential contemporaries, including a young Quincy Jones with whom she played chess. Despite being across the ocean, she maintained connections back home.

In another version, London mentions that one aspect they wish they could have incorporated into the movie was more of Nina Simone’s story. Simone had penned an inspiring letter to encourage her return, saying, “Things are taking off now, particularly in the ’60s. Things are moving now. It seems there’s a chance for change. How can they not recognize your name in this struggle?” London added that Martin Luther King Jr. also urged her to rejoin the movement, as the momentum had begun to shift significantly.

Scott found himself back in America amidst an altered and electrifying climate, as the grand era of big bands and jazz was winding down, and a stronger, vocal resistance against racial prejudice and discriminatory legislation was emerging.

Years after being in Paris, my mother told me, ‘Do you recall when dad said I wouldn’t succeed? Indeed, it led to the end of the television show. However, let me ask you, what became of Joseph McCarthy following that incident? He departed in disgrace,'” Powell recounts.

Scott remained an active participant in the civil rights movement, yet she felt that progress was being made and things were heading in the right direction, according to Powell. Her desire, however, was to be at home, cherishing her grandchildren. This dream came true when she was given a coveted opportunity to perform for as long as she wished at Kippy’s Pier 44 in New York City. Not long after, she started experiencing abdominal discomfort and was eventually diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

In narrating her account, London aims for listeners to grasp “the essence of Hazel’s story, understand her actions, appreciate her skills. Recognize her strength and bravery. This individual served as an inspiration in her era, yet there are valuable lessons to be gleaned from her narrative. Lessons about self-advocacy, showcasing your own abilities, and striving for personal freedom.

Powell remarks, “The title is ‘The Disappearance of Miss Scott.’ To me, this documentary serves more as the resurfacing or return of Ms. Scott.

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2025-02-21 14:34

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