Scope and Content Note
The Hazel Scott Papers chronicle the life of an accomplished jazz and classical pianist, singer, and actor. The collection consists of writings, correspondence, clippings and promotional materials, photographs, datebooks, business papers, and other items that document her career and history of political activism. Scott's Writings contain drafts and notes for an unpublished autobiography, along with poetry, song lyrics, quotes, and various thoughts jotted down on scraps of paper, envelopes, and notebooks. Her Correspondence consists of letters from business associates, family, and friends. Significant correspondents are identified when noteworthy. Subject Files include a variety of personal and professional materials, including contracts, financial papers, programs, and itineraries. Of particular interest are handwritten lyric sheets for songs with Scott's chord choices interspersed within the text. Headshots and publicity photographs of Scott and her performances and appearances are found in the Photographs series. Also included are candid photographs of Scott, her family, and friends. Clippings and Promotional Materials consists of fliers and loose clippings that advertise or review Scott's many appearances and also document her highly publicized marriage to Congressman Adam Clayton Powell Jr. The Datebooks and Address Books provide insight into Scott's professional and social calendar. The Music series was a later addition to the collection and consists of several manuscript arrangements of songs for big band. The arranger is identified if known.