Hazel Dorothy Scott
Hazel Dorothy Scott (June 11, 1920 – October 2, 1981) was a Trinidadian-born jazz and classical pianist and singer; she also performed as herself in several films.
Born in Port of Spain, Hazel was taken at the age of four by her mother to New York. Recognized early as a musical prodigy, Scott was given scholarships from the age of eight to study at the Juilliard School. She began performing in a jazz band in her teens & was performing on radio at age 16.
She was prominent as a jazz singer throughout the 1930s & 1940s. In 1950, she became the first woman of color to have her own TV show, The Hazel Scott Show, featuring a variety of entertainment. Her career in America faltered after a scandalous affair with the married preacher & politician Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., & after she testified before the House Un-American Activities Committee during the McCarthy era. Scott subsequently moved to Paris in the late 1950s & performed in France, not returning to the United States until 1967
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