WIST

Who ever walked behind anyone to freedom? If we can’t go hand in hand, I don’t want to go.

Hazel Scott (1920-1981) Trinidad-American pianist, singer, writer
Ms., “Great (Hazel) Scott!,” by Margo Jefferson (Nov. 1974)

I’ve always known I was gifted, which is not the easiest thing in the world for a person to know, because you’re not responsible for your gift, only for what you do with it.

Hazel Scott (1920-1981) Trinidad-American pianist, singer, writer
Interview with Arthur Taylor, Notes and Tones (1977)
Original interview Dec 1972.

I have always respected everyone’s religion. As I say, there is only one God and a lot of confused people.

Hazel Scott (1920-1981) Trinidad-American pianist, singer, writer
Interview with Arthur Taylor, Notes and Tones (1977)
Original interview Dec 1972.

Hazel Scott
I think we musicians are emissaries. Every time we go before the public, we’re there to make converts. We can either be ugly and contemptuious in our behiavor, which will turn people off, or we can carry ourselves with dignity and pride. We can’t expect anyone else to respect us if we don’t respect ourselves. Why should they do more than us than we do for ourselves?
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Hazel Scott (1920-1981) Trinidad-American pianist, singer, writer
Interview with Arthur Taylor, Notes and Tones (1977)
Original interview Dec 1972.