Scott Simon, who Nina Simone, the legendary American pianist who spent 52 years playing piano with the doo-wop band Sha Na Na, died Thursday in Ojai, California, at the age of 75 after a long battle with sinus cancer, his daughter announced.
Nina shared the news on Thursday in a social media post. “My dad was a rockstar. Literally. In the band Sha Na Na for over 50 years. He loved having early dinners and staying up late on stage. But he loved his girls more than anything,” she wrote in the caption alongside photos of her father and family.
Known as “Screamin' Scott” Simon, he remained a member of Sha Na Na from 1970 until they stopped touring in 2022. Simon and the band appeared in the popular 1978 film fat He also appeared in the high school dance scenes in the film, as “Johnny Casino and the Gamblers”. He also collaborated with Louis St. Louis to write the song “Sandy”, which John Travolta sings in the film. The song reached number two on the UK Singles Chart, and stayed there for 15 weeks.
In 1977, Sha Na Na aired the popular variety TV series, Sha na nawhich aired until 1981. Each 30-minute episode featured the band performing popular 1950s and 1960s hits and comedy bits. Simon performed on all 96 episodes of the show alongside a star-studded roster of guests including Chuck Berry, Fabian, Chubby Checker, the Ramones, Kim Carnes, Dusty Springfield, Billy Crystal, Barbara Mandrell, Stephanie Mills and more.
During the tour, Sha Na Na performed with John Lennon, Yoko Ono, Steve Martin, Bruce Springsteen, and Billy Joel. Simon wrote many of the band's songs and solo albums, while also helping to manage the group.
Simon was known for his frenetic energy on stage, sometimes playing the piano with his feet while singing hits like Jerry Lee Lewis' “Whole Lotta Shakin' Going On'” and Danny & the Juniors' “At the Hop.” Sha Na Na's eccentric performances included a whirlwind of dances, costume changes, and audience participation.
In her post, Nina recalled her father telling her, “The secret to life is to manage the tour.” She added, “I feel so grateful to have been with him as he prepared for his final tour. It was so early, but as always, he made it just in time for the big show. Love you forever.”
