Songwriter and longtime Sha Na Na pianist Screamin’ Scott Simon has died, aged 75
nme.comA post shared by Nina Simon (@ninaksimon)Simon was born December 9, 1948, in Kansas City, Missouri. In his teenage years, he played in jug bands and jazz quartets and began experimenting with composing.Later, he moved to New York City to attend Columbia University, where he gained his nickname Screamin’ Scott.
It would go on to become his stage name throughout his career.During his time at Columbia, he fronted a blues band called The Royal Pythons, until 1970, when he answered an ad in the college newspaper for Sha Na Na — at the time a campus doo-wop group seeking a piano player and guitarist.The year before, Sha Na Na had performed directly prior Jimi Hendrix onstage at Woodstock, however, they were still relatively unknown.
After Simon graduated, he joined the group as the pianist. He was known for occasionally playing piano with his feet, often during covers of Jerry Lee Lewis‘ ‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On’ and ‘At the Hop’ by Danny & the Juniors.in 1977, the group premiered their variety series The Sha Na Na Show, which ran for 97 episodes over four seasons.
Guest stars included Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, James Brown and the Ramones.While touring, Sha Na Na performed with acts including John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Steve Martin, Bruce Springsteen and Billy Joel.Along with the rest of the band, Simon appeared in the seminal 1978 film adaptation of Grease as the fictional group Johnny Casino and the Gamblers.
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