The Television Show Hazel: A Pioneer of Music and Activism

Hazel Scott, a remarkably talented jazz pianist and singer, etched her name in history as the first African-American woman to host her own television show. Beyond her musical prowess, she courageously challenged racial prejudice in Hollywood and confronted the House Un-American Activities Committee during the McCarthy era. Her captivating performances, blending jazz interpretations of classical pieces, enthralled audiences both in the United States and internationally.

Born in Trinidad in 1920, Hazel Scott’s musical journey began early. By the age of three, she could play the piano by ear. Moving to New York City with her mother, a classically trained musician, Scott immersed herself in the vibrant jazz scene. She studied at Juilliard, honed her skills alongside legendary musicians like Art Tatum and Fats Waller, and made her Broadway debut at just 18.

Scott’s career blossomed at Café Society, New York’s first integrated nightclub. Her unique style of “jazzing the classics” captivated audiences, blending classical training with jazz improvisation. Her energetic performances and powerful vocals led to hit recordings and appearances in Broadway productions.

Scott’s move to Hollywood brought her face-to-face with racial discrimination. Refusing stereotypical roles as a singing maid, she demanded fair treatment and equal pay, ultimately curtailing her film career. However, she continued to use her platform to fight against segregation, refusing to perform for segregated audiences.

Her marriage to Adam Clayton Powell Jr., the first African-American Congressman from New York, placed her in the national spotlight. In 1950, Scott achieved a groundbreaking milestone: she became the first African-American woman to host her own television show, “The Hazel Scott Show.” The show featured her signature blend of classical, jazz, and boogie-woogie music and garnered positive reviews.

The show’s success was short-lived. Named in “Red Channels,” a publication listing alleged communist sympathizers, Scott testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee. Despite denying communist affiliations, her show was canceled. This event marked a turning point in her career.

Scott moved to Paris in 1957, immersing herself in the expatriate community and continuing to perform. Although the American music scene had shifted by the time she returned in 1967, she continued to perform for dedicated fans and made occasional recordings. Hazel Scott’s legacy endures as a testament to her extraordinary musical talent and her unwavering commitment to social justice. She remains a significant figure in American music and cultural history.