'Sir' Walter Scott Recognized for Long, Impressive Music Career
“Sir” Walter Scott, 72, has played a guitar for as long as he can remember.
Scott performed with or toured with some of the biggest names in music ranging from The Jackson Five to B.B. King. But he acknowledges he is not a household name. In fact, he says his name was left off of some big recordings where he played lead guitar.
Earlier this month, however, a musical organization made sure the native of Chicago’s Bronzville neighborhood musical efforts were recognized and not forgotten by inducting him into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame (CBHOF).
Scott was inducted with about 20 other musicians at a ceremony at Buddy Guy’s Legends, 700 S. Wabash Ave. in Chicago.
“The idea is to give him recognition,” said Michael Packer, a blues musician and founder of CBHOF and a similar group in New York City. “It is very important to recognize him. No one really knows who he is… But we also want to recognize the side men and people have been playing music for many, many years. They should be recognized, especially a guy like Walter Scott. His guitar playing is phenomenal. I am not the only one who thinks that… Look at all the people he has played with.”
Scott replied, “I’m glad that someone has reached out and tried to help me.”
Scott has played the guitar since he was a child being reared on Chicago’s South Side.
Scott, the youngest of 10 children, first learned about playing the guitar by watching his mother, Ida Scott, played blues in her home. His father, Neal Scott, was killed by a train while working for a railroad company, Scott said.
Scott also learned a lot watching his older siblings play music who all played instruments. For a while, they formed their own singing group. They sang doo-wops.
Scott, eventually developed a reputation as great lead guitar player. His brothers also were good musicians.
For example, his brother, Buddy, became a rhythm guitar player for blues great Bo Diddley.
In the late 1950s, Scott and his brothers played Dixieland, polka, waltz and jazz in the Chicago area. Eventually, they were called simply the Scott Brothers.
In the 1960s, they played at upscale establishments like the “Whiskey-A-Go, Go” on the North Side.
“We really dressed well,” recalled Scott as he ate a grilled cheese lunch last week at Roy’s Soul Food, 403 E. 71st St. “We were paid really well. We were paid $400 each a night.”
Eventually, Scott said he would play back-up or tour with a variety of musicians, such as The Chi-Lites, Ray Goodman and Brown, Tyrone Davis, Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes, Johnny Taylor, Ernie Isley, Roberta Flack, B.B. King and The Jacksons.
Scott said he played in a house band for the Jackson Five in the 1960s.
“They were very talented,” Scott said about the group. “I never knew they were going to be that big. They were good hearted-guys. And it seems like I have played with 90 percent of the blues musicians. There aren’t too many people who I haven’t played with.”
One of Scott’s favorite musicians was B.B. King.
“I loved B.B.,” Scott said. “I liked him. He never acted funny. He was always the same man. . . It was hard seeing his family fight over his money after he died. He was not that type of guy.”
Despite the fast paced live-styles many musicians have experienced, Scott said he never used drugs.
“I don’t drink or get high,” said Scott, who was married twice and has four children. “I never tried a cigarette in my life.”
Scott also shared with the Chicago Citizen Newspaper his admirable work ethic.
“I am always going to give the best that I got. I don’t like being late. I am never late.”
Scott continues to perform in Chicago area clubs.
“At this point, I am glad my career hasn’t stopped,” Scott said with a smile.
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