Skip to main content
Back to Show
American Masters

When Hazel Scott started jazzing the classics

At just 15 years old, Hazel Scott was playing as an intermission pianist at 52nd Street for headliner Frances Faye. Because the club didn't want her playing the same songs as Faye, she started "jazzing" or "swinging" the classics, or playing classic songs at an uptempo and with improvisation, displaying her mastery of the piano.

Support Provided By
Season
American Masters Season 39
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:22:55
Discover how celebrated cookbook writer Marcella Hazan shaped Italian cuisine in America.
Hannah Arendt: Facing Tyranny
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:45
Discover Hannah Arendt, one of the most fearless political writers of modern times.
Janis Ian: Breaking Silence
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:51:14
Trace the life and music of “Society’s Child” folk icon and LGBTQ+ advocate Janis Ian.
Art Spiegelman: Disaster is My Muse
1:36:59
Explore the career of cartoonist Art Spiegelman and his award-winning graphic novel Maus.
LIZA: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:42:06
Take an intimate look into the life and career of screen and stage icon Liza Minnelli.
The Disappearance of Miss Scott
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:25
Learn about jazz artist Hazel Scott, the first Black American to have their own TV show.
Brenda Lee: Rockin' Around
Unlock with PBS Passport
52:55
Discover the life of singer Brenda Lee and her musical hits spanning genres and decades.
Julia Alvarez: A Life Reimagined
1:23:57
Explore the story of writer Julia Alvarez, who blazed a trail for a generation of Latino authors.
Blake Edwards: A Love Story in 24 Frames
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:23:35
Explore the story of filmmaker Blake Edwards, known for his comedies like the "Pink Panther" series.
Thought Leaders
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:40:39
Discover the intellectual evolution and political legacy of William F. Buckley, Jr.
Moynihan
Unlock with PBS Passport
1:43:31
Discover the life and legacy of former U.S. Senator and diplomat Daniel Patrick Moynihan.
HOPPER: An American love story
Unlock with PBS Passport
53:03
Discover the secrets behind Edward Hopper’s most iconic and enigmatic works.
Active loading indicator