Trinidadian-born American pianist, singer, actor and television pioneer who moved to Paris in 1957 and became a host within its Black expatriate community.
Hazel Scott moved from Trinidad to New York as a child and showed unusual ability at the piano. Her performances joined classical repertory to jazz, blues, and boogie-woogie, a combination that carried her from Harlem clubs to recordings, films, and concert halls.
She challenged Hollywood studios over the presentation of Black performers and refused roles she considered demeaning. In 1950 The Hazel Scott Show made her the first Black American woman to host her own television program.
Scott married the Harlem minister and congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. in 1945. Her television program was canceled in 1950 after her name appeared in Red Channels and she testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee.
The combination of political pressure and a failing marriage narrowed her options in the United States. Scott moved to Paris with her son in 1957.
In Paris, Scott joined a Black expatriate community that included musicians, writers, and artists. She performed on the European nightclub circuit, and her home became a gathering place for visitors and residents from that community.
Scott returned to the United States in 1967. She continued to perform and record, though the center of popular music had moved away from the jazz and nightclub world in which she had become famous. She died in New York in 1981.
Born in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
Marries Adam Clayton Powell Jr.
Becomes the first Black American woman to host her own television show.
Performs for servicemen at Naval Station Great Lakes during the Second World War.
Moves to Paris with her son.
Tours internationally from her Paris base, including a visit to Israel.
Returns to the United States after a decade in Paris.
Dies in New York City.
Married to · 1945–1960
Scott married the Harlem minister and congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. in 1945. Their son, Adam Clayton Powell III, was born the following year; the marriage ended in divorce in 1960.
Met · 1957–1967
In Paris, Scott belonged to the Black expatriate circle that included James Baldwin and hosted artists and activists in her home.
Met
Holiday was like an older sister to Scott and recommended her to take over the Café Society engagement that made Scott a headliner at nineteen.
Met
Gillespie was Scott's friend for decades and played a muted-trumpet serenade at her hospital bedside as she died.
Married to · 1945–1960
Scott married the Harlem minister and congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. in 1945. Their son, Adam Clayton Powell III, was born the following year; the marriage ended in divorce in 1960.
Met · 1957–1967
In Paris, Scott belonged to the Black expatriate circle that included James Baldwin and hosted artists and activists in her home.
Met
Holiday was like an older sister to Scott and recommended her to take over the Café Society engagement that made Scott a headliner at nineteen.
Met
Gillespie was Scott's friend for decades and played a muted-trumpet serenade at her hospital bedside as she died.
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