In celebration of Women's History Month, prolific jazz/classical pianist and outspoken advocate of civil rights, Hazel Scott’s legacy has recently been the subject of a new PBS AMERICAN MASTERS documentary, The Disappearance of Miss Scott, in which Hazel Scott biographer, Karen Chilton is a contributor along with Hazel Scott’s son, Adam Clayton Powell III.
In a career spanning over four decades, Hazel Scott became known not only for her accomplishments on stage and screen, but for her outspoken advocacy of civil rights. Her relentless crusade on behalf of African Americans, women, and artists made her the target of the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) during the McCarthy Era, eventually forcing her to join the Black expatriate community in Paris.
After nearly 15 years of research and writing to unearth Scott’s legacy, Karen Chilton traces the fascinating arc of this brilliant and audacious American artist from stardom to ultimate obscurity. Chilton's book HAZEL SCOTT :
The Pioneering Journey of a Jazz Pianist from Café Society to Hollywood to HUAC is a must read.
Karen Chilton spoke recently to WBGO's Sheila Anderson about the doc, her book and the trailblazing pianist and singer.
You can SEE Sheila Anderson's entire interview with Karen Chilton here.
