In Memoriam: Screamin’ Scott Simon of Sha Na Na Passes Away at 75
Screamin’ Scott Simon, a founding member of the iconic doo-wop revival group Sha Na Na, has passed away at the age of 75, following a lengthy battle with sinus cancer. The news was confirmed by his daughter, Nina, in a social media post.
A Rock Star’s Life
"My dad was a rock star. Literally," Nina wrote, sharing a photo of her father and family. "A member of Sha Na Na for over 50 years. He loved early morning diners and late nights onstage. But he loved his girls most of all."
Simon’s Background
Born in Kansas City, Missouri in 1948, Simon graduated from Columbia University in New York City in 1970. That same year, he joined Sha Na Na, the doo-wop revival group that rose to fame covering 1950s rock ‘n’ roll songs and even performed at Woodstock in 1969.
Songwriting and Film Career
As a member of Sha Na Na, Simon wrote many of the band’s songs. In 1978, the entire group appeared in the film Grease as "Johnny Casino and the Gamblers." Simon not only appeared on screen but also co-wrote the song "Sandy" with Louis St. Louis, which John Travolta sang.
Collaborations and Television Show
Over the years, Sha Na Na performed with legendary artists such as John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Steve Martin, Bruce Springsteen, and Billy Joel. They also had their own television series, Sha Na Na, which ran from 1977 to 1981 and featured guests like Chuck Berry, the Ramones, Dusty Springfield, Billy Crystal, and more.
Sha Na Na’s Legacy
Simon was a member of Sha Na Na until 2022, when the band stopped touring. During their illustrious career, Sha Na Na performed thousands of shows, entertaining millions of fans around the world.
Watch Screamin’ Scott Simon Perform on the ‘Sha Na Na’ Show
Conclusion
Screamin’ Scott Simon’s passing marks the end of an era for Sha Na Na, but his legacy will live on through the countless fans he entertained and the iconic music he created. Rest in peace, Screamin’ Scott.
FAQs
Q: When did Screamin’ Scott Simon pass away?
A: Screamin’ Scott Simon passed away at the age of 75, following a lengthy battle with sinus cancer.
Q: How long was Screamin’ Scott Simon a member of Sha Na Na?
A: Simon was a member of Sha Na Na for over 50 years, joining the group in 1970 and remaining until 2022.
Q: What was Sha Na Na’s claim to fame?
A: Sha Na Na was a doo-wop revival group that rose to fame in the 1970s, covering 1950s rock ‘n’ roll songs and performing at Woodstock in 1969.
Q: What was Simon’s role in the film Grease?
A: Simon co-wrote the song "Sandy" with Louis St. Louis, which was sung by John Travolta in the film Grease.
Q: What was the name of Sha Na Na’s television series?
A: Sha Na Na’s television series was simply titled Sha Na Na, which ran from 1977 to 1981.
