Isaac Scott (musician) facts for kids

Isaac Scott III (born June 11, 1945 – died November 16, 2001) was an American blues guitarist and singer. He recorded several albums during his life. Isaac Scott was very important to the blues music scene in Seattle, Washington. He moved there in the early 1970s.

About Isaac Scott

Isaac Scott was born in Vancouver, Washington. His family later moved to Portland, Oregon, when he was a child. There, young Isaac learned about gospel music and blues. He taught himself to play both the piano and guitar.

His first musical experiences were playing guitar with gospel groups. He even toured the West Coast with a group called the Five Blind Boys of Mississippi. This was in the early 1970s.

Becoming a Blues Musician

By 1974, Isaac Scott moved to Seattle. He decided to focus on playing the blues. He was greatly influenced by another blues guitarist named Albert Collins. Isaac's music mixed blues, gospel, and soul.

Like Albert Collins, Isaac played his guitar by plucking the strings with his thumb. He did not use a pick. Isaac also admired Jimi Hendrix. In an interview, he said, "Jimi Hendrix for one, a big influence." He believed Jimi Hendrix had a deep blues feeling in his music.

Isaac Scott stayed and played mostly around the West Coast for almost 30 years. He helped create a special sound for the area. He was known as a "founding father" in the blues clubs along Seattle's First Avenue.

Later Life and Achievements

Isaac Scott faced health challenges throughout his adult life. Despite these, he continued to perform. In 1979, he recorded his first live album, The Isaac Scott Blues Band. Three years later, he released his only studio album, Big Time Blues Man.

In 1987, due to his health, he had to have his left foot and right leg amputated. But this did not stop him from playing music. He continued to perform in a wheelchair. He often wore black clothes to match his stage outfits.

In 1996, another live album, High Class Woman, was released. His music also appeared on other albums. These included Live at the San Francisco Jazz Festival and Live at the Roadhouse.

Isaac Scott received many honors for his music. He was added to the Washington Blues Society's Hall of Fame in 1991. He also received their lifetime-achievement award in 2000. He even performed at the opening of the Experience Music Project in 2000.

Isaac was very dedicated to his guitars. His former wife, Eloise DePoe, once shared a story. She found his guitar in the bathtub because he was stripping its varnish. He even used wood from her dresser to rebuild the neck of his guitar!

Isaac Scott passed away on November 16, 2001, in Edmonds, Washington. He was 56 years old.

Music Albums

Here are some of the albums Isaac Scott released: