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Ronnie ScottJazzman and jazz club owner
Date of Birth: 28.01.1928
Country:  Great Britain |
Content:
- Biography of Ronnie Scott
- The Formation of Jazz Groups
- Opening Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club
- Musical Career and Legacy
Biography of Ronnie Scott
Early Life and CareerRonnie Scott, born Ronald Schatt, was born in 1927 in Aldgate, east London, England. He was of Russian Jewish descent on his father's side and had Portuguese ancestry on his mother's side. At the age of 16, he started playing in London clubs and had the opportunity to work with renowned bands, including Johnny Claes and Ted Heath. Influenced by the works of Dizzy Gillespie and Charlie Parker, Ronnie became one of the first bebop performers in England. In 1948, his album 'Boppin' at Esquire' was released.
The Formation of Jazz Groups
In 1953, Scott formed a nonet with Victor Feldman and later, in 1956, the group 'Jazz Couriers'. During this period, he also worked as a session musician for various bands, with one notable collaboration being his solo in 'Lady Madonna' by 'The Beatles'. In 1958, his album 'The Couriers of Jazz!' was released.
Opening Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club
Before opening his own club, Scott worked in several smaller venues, often attracting jazz musicians from the United States. One famous incident recounted in jazz circles is when he unknowingly played 'Now's the Time' by Charlie Parker while the club was being raided by the police. Scott and the other musicians and guests were arrested and spent the night at the police station. In 1959, Scott fulfilled his dream and opened his own club, 'Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club', in London. Located initially in the basement at 39 Gerrard Street in London's Soho, the club moved to its legendary address at 47 Frith Street, Soho, London in 1965. Scott hosted the club as a master of ceremonies and gained popularity with his humor and wit. The club became known for hosting the best jazz musicians of the time. After Scott's death in 1996, Peter King took over the management of the club, and in 2005, it was sold to theatrical impresario Sally Greene.
Musical Career and Legacy
During the 1960s, Scott played in various groups, primarily in his own quartet, and was a member of the popular European big band, The Kenny Clarke-Francy Boland Big Band. His albums 'The Night Is Scott and You're So Swingable' (1965), 'When I Want Your Opinion, I'll Give it to You' (1965), 'Live at Ronnie Scott's' (1969), and 'Serious Gold' (1977) received critical acclaim. In the 70s and 80s, Scott predominantly performed in his own club with his quartet or trio. In the 90s, he released several studio albums including 'Never Pat a Burning Dog', 'If I Want Your Opinion', and 'The Night Has a Thousand Eyes'. Ronnie Scott passed away on December 23, 1996, leaving behind a significant musical legacy. His music continued to be released posthumously. The legendary jazz musician Charles Mingus once said, "Of all the white musicians, Ronnie Scott, along with Zoot Sims, has more of the Negro blues feeling than any of the others."
