Scatman Crothers
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Boomers may remember him as Louie Wilson on the TV sitcom "Chico and the Man" (1974~1978)."Chico and the Man" ~ Jack Albertson, Freddie Prinze and Scatman Crothers
Scatman Crothers was born Benjamin Sherman Crothers on May 23, 1910 in Terre Haute, Indiana. His musical career started as a 15-year-old drummer in a nightclub band. He played various instruments in different bands during the 1930s and 1940s. He played drums, guitar, piano, etc. He also sang. He became known as Scat Man Crothers when a radio director thought his given name was not catchy enough. It was Arthur Godfrey who later condensed Scat Man to Scatman.Scatman Crothers at UCLA in 1960
In about the late 1940s Scatman moved with his band to Oakland, California. He played piano in two nightclubs there. It was about the early 1950s when he moved to Los Angeles.Scatman recorded many records during the 1940s and 1950s. Scatman and Phil Harris recorded together the song "Chattanooga Shoe Shine Boy". Scatman became a regular guest on Phil Harris' show. They were good friends who collaborated on many projects over the coming years.
Scatman Crothers recording a song in 1976
Scatman made his official film debut as Enoch Jones in the movie "Meet Me At The Fair" (1953)."Meet Me At The Fair" ~ Dan Dailey, Chet Allen and Scatman Crothers
He went on to work in both movies and television ~ usually taking small parts."Sanford and Son" (1972-1977) Scatman Crothers and Redd Foxx
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