HAZEL SCOTT at CAFÉ SOCIETY UPTOWN (1942-45) Set of 3 publicity portraits

[New York: Ivan Black, New Color Studio, 1942-1945]. Set of three vintage original 8 x 10″ (20 x 25 cm.) black-and-white print still photos. Date stamps, agency information and paper blurbs attached to two photos. Minor wear, with one showing wrinkling at top and bottom blank white margins. Overall near fine.

These portraits, including one of Hazel Scott at the piano, capture her effervescent, sassy and charismatic personality which made her a top favorite for radio, film and — what one of the image’s attached paper blurb indicates — star of Café Society Uptown. She performed as the resident pianist/vocalist for five years by 1945 and earned a place at the top of show biz.

Originally from Trinidad and Tobago, Scott moved to the US and was a child prodigy. The classic and jazz musician became one of America’s premier pianists of her time.

One portrait announces her marriage to Congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Two are agency portraits while the third shows her at the piano.