Kenneth Kamal Scott facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kenneth Kamal Scott
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Kenneth Kamal Scott 2010
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| Born | May 3, 1940 Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
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| Died | February 1, 2015 (aged 74) Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
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| Nationality | American |
| Years active | 1945–2014 |
| Known for | Ballet, Opera, Musical Theatre, Vocal Technique (Bel Canto) |
| Spouse(s) | 1 Myrna White (1964 – 1972) 2 Etta Russell (2009 – 2015) |
| Children | Kenneth Jonathan |
Kenneth Kamal Scott (born March 3, 1940 – died February 1, 2015) was an American singer, dancer, and actor. He had an amazing career that lasted 65 years. He performed in many different styles and places. These included Broadway shows, jazz music, pop songs, opera, ballet, and modern dance.
Scott started singing when he was just seven years old. By age eleven, he was performing at the famous Apollo Theater. He was the main singer for musicians like Earl "Fatha" Hines. Later, in 1959, he danced with the Alvin Ailey company. From 1975 to 1979, he played the main role of The Wiz in the Broadway show The Wiz. In 1978, he had a hit song called Bolinas with Billy Cobham. He also performed with the Boston Pops orchestra, led by John Williams.
In his later years, Scott taught and explored a singing style called Bel canto. This is a beautiful way of singing opera. He even gave a special concert at Merkin Hall at Lincoln Center in 2004. Scott taught singing at the Mannes College of Music and the New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music. He was also an Artist in Residence at Morgan State University starting in 2012. He joined the Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia fraternity in 2013. Scott passed away on February 1, 2015, after being diagnosed with liver cancer.
Scott's Musical Family
Kenneth Kamal Scott came from a very musical family. His uncle, Irving Ashby, was a jazz guitarist. He played with the famous Nat King Cole Trio. Scott's mother, Phyllis Ashby, was a singer in big bands. His father, Leslie Scott, was a successful baritone singer. A baritone is a male singer with a deep voice.
Leslie Scott played the character Porgy in the musical Porgy and Bess in 1953. This show traveled around the country and the world. Later, in 1959, his father also played the character Jake in the film version. Kenneth Kamal Scott had two sons with his first wife, Myrna White. Their names are Kenneth and Jonathan. Jonathan became a well-known hip-hop artist, known as Dred Scott. He was married to the jazz singer Adriana Evans.
Broadway and Theater Shows
Kenneth Kamal Scott performed in many Broadway shows. Broadway is a famous theater district in New York City. Some of the shows he was in include:
- The Wiz
- Her First Roman
- I'm Solomon
- Hallelujah, Baby!
- Hello, Dolly!
- Golden Boy
When he played the main role in The Wiz, the Los Angeles Times newspaper wrote great things about him. They said, "Kamal shines. Kamal is a phenomenon...He could star in anything."
Scott also played Joseph in the very first show of Black Nativity in 1961. This was at Avery Fisher Hall in New York City. Later, in 1999, he played the Griot in the same play. This performance was with the Penumbra Theatre Company in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Images for kids
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Kenneth Kamal Scott in 2010
