From Music to Westerns, Cartoons to Porn

What if I told you there was performer who spanned Music, Movies and Television - From creating new musical styles, to Westerns, cerebral films, Horror to Cartoons. He even played a part in a Porn Movie?

Who is the super hero?
Sarge? No.
Rosemary, the telephone operator? No.
Penry, the mild mannered janitor? Could be!

Scatman Crothers was a multi-talented artist whose career spanned over six decades, leaving an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Born in Terre Haute Indiana in 1910, Benjamin Sherman Crothers adopted the nickname "Scatman" due to his skillful scat singing abilities, a talent he showcased in both music and film.

Crothers' diverse career began in the world of music, where he gained recognition as a jazz musician and singer, performing alongside legends like Louis Armstrong and Cab Calloway. His distinctive voice and charismatic presence soon caught the attention of Hollywood, leading to a transition into acting.

In the realm of film and television, Scatman Crothers proved to be a versatile performer, effortlessly transitioning between genres and roles. He showcased his comedic chops in classic sitcoms like "Sanford and Son" and "The Jeffersons," while also demonstrating his dramatic range in films such as “The Shootist” with John Wayne, or teaming up with Jack Nicholson twice for the Horror classic "The Shining" and "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest."

One of Crothers' most memorable roles was as the voice of Hong Kong Phooey, a beloved animated character from the 1970s. His rich, expressive voice brought warmth and humor to the character, making him a favorite among audiences of all ages.

Beyond his acting and musical talents, Scatman Crothers was also a skilled voice actor, lending his distinctive voice to numerous animated series and films. His voice became synonymous with characters that exuded wisdom, kindness, and a hint of mischief, making him a sought-after talent in the animation world, such as- The Harlem Globetrotters and The New Scooby Dew (as Meadowlark Lemon), the Autobot Jazz in the Transformers and Scat Cat in the Aristocats.

What about Porn? Look no further than Linda Lovelace for President, a 1975 American pornographic comedy where he plays “Super Black”

As we remember Scatman Crothers, I marvel at his talent and versatility. He was truly an inspiration to generations - and he definitely deserves more recognition than he receives.