Scott Simon, who dedicated 52 years playing the piano for doo-wop group Sha Na Na, died Thursday in Ojai, California, at the age of 75 after a long battle with sinus cancer, his daughter Nina Simon announced.
Nina shared the news on Thursday in a social media post. “My dad was a rock star. Literally. 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,” she wrote in a caption with photos of her father and their family.
Known as “Screamin’ Scott” Simon, he remained a member of Sha Na Na from 1970 until they stopped touring in 2022. Simon and the band appeared in the iconic 1978 film Grease as “Johnny Casino and the Gamblers” in the adaptation’s high school dance scenes. He also collaborated with Louis St. Louis to co-write the song “Sandy,” which was performed by John Travolta in the movie. The single reached Number Two on the U.K. Singles Chart, remaining there for 15 weeks.
In 1977, Sha Na Na premiered the popular syndicated variety television series, Sha Na Na, which aired until 1981. Each 30-minute episode would feature the band playing Fifties and Sixties hits and comedy skits. Simon performed in all 96 episodes of the show alongside a star-studded list of guests that included the likes of Chuck Berry, Fabian, Chubby Checker, the Ramones, Kim Carnes, Dusty Springfield, Billy Crystal, Barbara Mandrell, Stephanie Mills, and more.
While on tour, Sha Na Na performed with John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Steve Martin, Bruce Springsteen, and Billy Joel. Simon composed multiple songs and solo albums for the band, while also helping manage the group.
Simon was known for performing on stage with feverish energy, sometimes playing the piano with his feet as he he sang hits like Jerry Lee Lewis’ “Whole Lotta Shakin’ Going On’” and Danny and the Juniors “At the Hop.” Sha Na Na’s gonzo performances included a whirlwind of choreography, costume changes, and audience participation.
In her post, Nina remembered her father telling her that “the secret to life is tour management.” She added, “I feel so grateful I got to be with him as he prepared for his final tour. It was too soon, but as always, he was right on time for the big show. I love you forever.”
