By Steve Balkin
Clarence “Lil Scotty” Scott marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Rev. Jackson, and Rev. Sharpton; made buttons for Mayor Harold Washington, organized protests to try to save Old Maxwell Street, and evangelized on the sidewalks of Chicago for over 20 years.
He was born in South Carolina 66 years ago and became a civil right activist. Due to his activism, the Klan firebombed his home and he was burned over 90 percent of his body, leaving big scars which he still has today.
He later became a blues singer and sang all over the country, notably with Screamin’ Jay Hawkins, Little Johnnie Taylor, Muddy Waters, Albert King, Johnny Copeland, Big Momma Thornton, Solomon Burke, and Jimmie Reed.
For several years now, Lil Scotty has been in ill health from problems of a brain hemorrhage and brain surgery. He has a trach tube in his throat to help him breathe but he can still sing.
“It is amazing. He puts one of those permanent marker thick pens in his trach tube to hold the air in, and he can still belt out the blues. I think of it as a miracle. It is an inspiration to us old folks and all disabled people,” says Roosevelt University professor Steve Balkin.
His friends are doing a Blues Benefit to honor his birthday at the Water Hole Lounge, 1400 S. Western Ave, Chicago on Sunday, March 27, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
‘Lil Scotty’ and his Big Band, Killa Ray and Mz Peechez will perform. Lil Scotty will sing his latest tunes: “Hot Dog” and “She Put the Hoo Do on the Hoo Do Man.” The MC will be The GODFATHER.
Guest stars will include Otis Clay, Ciscero Blake, Junk-Yard Dog, ZZ Hill Jr., Lil Bobby Reynolds, Shirley Johnson, Ramblin Rose, Sherman “Moody” Thomas, Saxx Preacher, Brother Shane, Mary Lane, Kid Dynamite, and many others.
Politicians expected to attend include state Rep. Connie Howard, congressman Danny Davis, state Sen. Donne Trotter, community activist Bill ‘Doc” Walls, Minister ‘D’, Brother Webb Evans, and Lowreen.
A donation of $15 is requested.
“Give him his flowers while he lives,” says close friend Queen Portia.
There will be free food.
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Comments welcome.
Posted on March 16, 2011