Mabel Scott

Although a classically trained pianist and vocalist, Mabel Scott rose to the scene as an actress and dancer. Debuting at age 15 while working at Harlem’s the Cotton Club with the likes of the Nicholas Brothers and Cab Calloway Orchestra, her career truly began after performing in many revues and short films. Her talents as a vocalist garnered her recognition by Wynonie Harris, and she soon became the lead female vocalist of Lorenzo Flennoy’s band.

After joining Leon Rene’s label, Exclusive, she collaborated with pianist Charles Brown, of Johnny Moore’s Three Blazers, to create her hit “Elevator Boogie. Her musical style was reminiscent of Billie Holiday, and Ella Fitzgerald. Some of her best tracks include “Elevator Boogie”, her signature song of her time “Baseball Boogie”, and the frequently covered “Boogie Woogie Santa Claus”.