In Memoriam: Clinton Scott

Published on: November 17th, 2016

906x680 Clinton Scott, Porsche Williams, Jeff Duperon, and K Balewa in 1996

Clinton Scott, Porsche Williams, Jeff Duperon, and K Balewa in 1996
Clinton Scott, Porsche Williams, Jeff Duperon, and K Balewa in 1996

Another longtime WWOZ DJ, Michael Gourrier (Mr. Jazz) with Clinton Scott and his grandson, jazz musician Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah at Jazz Fest [Photo courtesy Mike Gourrier]

Another longtime WWOZ DJ, Michael Gourrier (Mr. Jazz) with Clinton Scott and his grandson, jazz musician Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah at Jazz Fest  [Photo courtesy Mike Gourrier]
Another longtime WWOZ DJ, Michael Gourrier (Mr. Jazz) with Clinton Scott and his grandson, musician Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah at Jazz Fest [Photo courtesy Michael Gourrier]

WWOZ DJs in 1983

WWOZ DJs in 1983, Clinton Scott is in the upper right corner with glasses

We've lost another notable member of the WWOZ family this week. Clinton Scott passed away Saturday, November 12, 2016. He was a longtime WWOZ DJ, hosting the Sunday afternoon jazz show, Sittin' In With Clint, for many years. Clint was part of the first group of DJs that started at the station in 1981. Listeners of his program on WWOZ will remember how he promoted the music and second lines around the city with his gentle signature line, "leave your guns and attitudes at home."

Clint was an active New Orleans community member in a variety of facets. He was one of the co-founders of NOLA Records, a remarkable label active throughout the 1960s. NOLA Records had a number of hits, notably with Robert Parker's 'Barefootin'' and Smokey Johnson's 'It Ain't My Fault.' He was also a drummer himself, and promoted and produced concerts across the city. Clint brought many big name acts to New Orleans, including artists like John Coltrane, Lou Donaldson, and Grover Washington.

In addition to his prominent life in New Orleans music, Clint was a longtime member of Zulu and the banquet captain at the Omni Royal Orleans Hotel for many years. He was also the grandfather of Christian Scott and his twin brother Kiel Scott.

Below, we've got two short audio excerpts of Clinton's show. The second one is from a Christmastime show in which he wishes listeners a "cool yule and a happy one."

If you have thoughts or memories you'd like to share, please leave a comment.

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