Screamin’ Scott Simon, longtime Sha Na Na pianist and co-writer of the hit song “Sandy” from Grease, dies at 75 after battling sinus cancer. He spent over 50 years entertaining fans.
Bollywood Fever: Screamin’ Scott Simon, who played the piano for over five decades with the iconic rock ’n’ roll and doo-wop group Sha Na Na, has passed away at 75. Simon died Thursday in Ojai after a prolonged battle with sinus cancer, as announced by his daughter, Nina Simon.
Simon joined Sha Na Na in 1970, two years after the group performed at Woodstock. Over his 52-year tenure with the band, Simon became known for his energetic performances, sometimes playing the piano with his feet. He delighted audiences with renditions of hits like Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin’ On” and Danny & the Juniors’ “At the Hop.”
In 1978, Simon and Sha Na Na made their mark in film history by appearing in the movie Grease as “Johnny Casino and the Gamblers,” performing six doo-wop numbers during the high school dance scenes. Simon also co-wrote the song “Sandy,” famously sung by John Travolta, which became a part of one of the best-selling soundtracks of all time, with over 30 million copies sold.
Simon further expanded his entertainment career when The Sha Na Na Show premiered in 1977. He appeared in all 97 episodes of the syndicated variety program, which ran for four seasons and featured legendary guest stars like Chuck Berry, James Brown, Bo Diddley, and the Ramones.
Sha Na Na also toured with numerous iconic artists, including John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Steve Martin.
Born on December 9, 1948, in Kansas City, Missouri, Simon grew up as a multisport athlete and was involved with United Synagogue Youth. During his early years, he performed in jug bands, founded a jazz quartet, and tried his hand at songwriting and musical parodies. He earned his nickname “Screamin’ Scott” while attending Columbia University, where he fronted a blues band called The Royal Pythons.
Simon joined Sha Na Na after responding to a newspaper ad at Columbia, eventually becoming both a keyboardist and a managing partner of the band. Though Sha Na Na primarily performed 1950s and 1960s hits, Simon contributed original compositions and solo works that were featured on records and television.
Simon is survived by his wife, Deborah, his daughters Nina and Morgan, his stepson Nick, and his granddaughters, Rocket and Naomi.
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