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There was no mistaking the sound of Scatman Crothers\u2019 (1910-1986) distinctive voice, as low and throaty as it could be sweet and sharp. Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, he started his show business career at age 15, playing drums and guitar at age 15 in mob-ridden speakeasy clubs in the 1920s and \u201830s (among the patrons was Al Capone).<\/p>\n
Soon, he formed his own band, and life on the road was rigorous and often dangerous, as they were not always welcome in the towns where they entertained on stage. Frequently, Scatman had to scrape up enough money for his musicians to eat, cooking in his rented room instead of eating in a restaurant. <\/p>\n
Helen Crothers, his wife of 49 years and co-author (with James Haskins) of Scatman: An Authorized Biography<\/em><\/a> settled in Los Angeles with her husband, but funds were always tight, despite a demanding touring schedule that eventually led him to the Apollo in New York. He broke into films in the early fifties. One of his first was Meet Me at the Fair<\/em><\/a>, a Dan Dailey musical in which he was at the top of the supporting cast credits.<\/p>\n Among Scatman\u2019s highest profile projects were Sanford and Son, The Shining<\/em>, and Twilight Zone: The Movie<\/em> (in the \u201cKick the Can\u201d remake), and a recurring role on Chico and the Man<\/em>. He recorded several discs for Capitol. His many compositions include \u201cDearest One\u201d<\/a>. For the budget label Tops, he recorded the LP, I Wanna Rock \u2018n Roll<\/em>, a copy of which was in the collection of a young Steve Martin. <\/p>\n