Hazel Scott playing two pianos at the same damn time with ease
Hazel Scott was a musical sorcerer and a civil rights hero. Ā She:
Ā was admitted to Julliard at 8. Ā
was performing in top venues by 16. Ā
pioneered āswinging the classicsā and made the equivalent of a million dollars a year doing it. Ā
was the first person of color to have their own national TV show. Ā
went to Hollywood but refused to be cast as aĀ āsinging maid.ā Ā Demanded and got control over her casting, her wardrobe, and how footage featuring her was cut. Ā
refused to perform in segregated venues and led charges for integration in several northern cities, notably Spokane. Ā
She was brought down by the House Committee on Unamerican Activities, and has been largely forgotten. Ā But she was a sorcerer, and a hero. Ā
@theladyragnell
Letās un-forget her.
