Screamin’ Scott Simon, the pianist of the rock ’n’ roll and doo-wop group Sha Na Na for over 50 years, has died at age 75 following a battle with sinus cancer.
Simon passed away on Thursday (September 5). The news was announced by his daughter, author Nina Simon, who wrote on Instagram: “My dad was a rock star. Literally. A member of Sha Na Na for over 50 years. He loved early morning diners and late nights onstage. But he loved his girls most of all.”
She continued: “Beloved husband, father, and grandfather (Boppa). Singer of songs, flipper of banana-blueberry pancakes. Funster and joy-bringer. Reader and thinker. Pink yoga pants wearer, banjo picker, kayfabe intellectual, boogie woogie piano king. Mensch.
“Boppa often said the secret to life is tour management. I feel so grateful I got to be with him as he prepared for his final tour. It was too soon, but as always, he was right on time for the big show. I love you forever.”
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. They performed six doo-wop numbers in the high school dance scenes.
He was also involved in the film’s best-selling soundtrack, writing ‘Sandy’ which was sung by John Travolta.
Simon remained with Sha Na Na for over 50 years, until the band eventually quit touring in 2022.