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James Haskins
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Scatman: An Authorized Biography of Scatman Crothers Hardcover – January 1, 1991

by James Haskins (Author), Helen Crothers (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 12 ratings
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Follows the career of entertainer Scatman Crothers from his birthplace in Terre Haute, Indiana, to his prohibition-era stage appearances, to his Hollywood stardom in key television and film roles
Previous page
  1. Print length
    224 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    William Morrow & Co
  4. Publication date
    January 1, 1991
  5. Dimensions
    6 x 0.75 x 8.75 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    0688085210
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0688085216
  8. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Haskins ( Mr. Bojangles ) tells the story of Benjamin Sherman Crothers (who called himself Scatman because of his predilection for scatting lyrics) from his early appearances in speakeasies through his career as a band leader, songwriter, character actor in films, voice-over artist and the first black actor on a regular TV series, the 1940s' Dixie Showboat . Crothers's big break came only late in life, with the role of Louie the Garbageman on the 1970s TV series Chico and the Man ; but the delayed fame did not discourage one of show business's happier personalities--a warm and even-tempered man who was undaunted by racial prejudice (he married a white woman in 1937, "before it was fashionable"), professional setbacks and illness. After Crothers died in 1986 at the age of 76, Haskins completed this affectionate biography with the cooperation of the performer's wife of 48 years. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

"Stick out your can, 'cause here comes the garbage man!" That was Crothers's introduction in the 1974 sitcom Chico and the Man . However, Crothers had been entertaining for 50 years by then, having begun his career in the speakeasies of Terre Haute. Biographer Haskins, author of Richard Pryor: A Man and His Madness ( LJ 6/15/84), chronicles his success in radio which led to 30 years of work in television, on shows ranging from Beulah to Hong Kong Phooey . Crothers's film credits run the gamut from "blaxploitation" flicks to Academy Award winners. Unfortunately, Haskins captures little of the wit and energy of the man, offering barely more than a laundry list of his many performances. The racism Crothers encountered is only hinted at, and the problems he faced with wife Helen in 49 years of interracial marriage receives sparse treatment. Recommended only for comprehensive film collections.
- Dan Bogey, Clearfield Cty. P.L. Federation, Cur wensville, Pa.
Copyright 1991 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ William Morrow & Co; First Edition (January 1, 1991)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 224 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0688085210
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0688085216
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 0.75 x 8.75 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 12 ratings

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James Haskins

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Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
12 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

Brosious Bart
5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulous and captivating read
Reviewed in the United States on September 25, 2019
Verified Purchase
Scatman lead a very interesting and different life. This book is a great place to gain knowledge of his life including some Scatman interviews from before his death and many details added by his wife of 50 years.
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Jesse Magee
4.0 out of 5 stars Great Book About An Underappreciated Entertainer
Reviewed in the United States on December 7, 2016
Verified Purchase
Excellent biography of a lucky man who knew and appreciated the luck that came to him. Scatman is one of those people that everyone of a certain age knows, even if they don't recognize the name. "Chico and The Man", "The Stand" and of course "Hong Kong Fooey" are the roles he's best known for, but Scatman stayed busy and in the public eye throughout a VERY long career. He's definitely one of the people I'd most like to have been able to sit down and enjoy a beer (or a "Sock Doobie"...Read the book) with and have a long chat. James Haskins and Scat's long time wife Helen did a lovely job of telling the story. Definitely worth a read.
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Susan Neal
5.0 out of 5 stars Mailed in a timely way and my hubby loved it! He is currently portraying Mr
Reviewed in the United States on June 15, 2015
Verified Purchase
Mailed in a timely way and my hubby loved it! He is currently portraying Mr. Cruthers in a play and this book was extremely helpful!
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on January 23, 2018
Verified Purchase
Thank You!
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Dirk Sauer
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2014
Verified Purchase
Perfect! Thank you very much!
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miss miriam
5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars
Reviewed in the United States on July 10, 2014
A very thorough book and a great read.
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.
2.0 out of 5 stars Scatman: An Authorized Biography of Scatman Crothers
Reviewed in the United States on February 19, 2001
Scatman is a very good book at the begining but gets really
boring towards the middle. I think whoever wrote the book
shouldn't have concentrated on so many dry facts in Scatman's
life, by telling more of a story. Everytime the writer attempts
to tell stories in the book it's interesting but evertime he
keeps refering back to small details that shouldn't have made
it in the book. The most interesting thing that I learn in the
book is how Rap (Hip Hop of Today)has been around for decades!
Back in the 1920s jazz musicians where using a style refered
to as scat jazz in which they used their voices to make sounds
of various instruments. This required a great deal of patience
and intellegience to come up with a style like this. As black
male I think this is a good book to read for this month Black
History month to let us know what types of racisms we as a people
had to face to accomplish things in the past.
3 people found this helpful
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LH
3.0 out of 5 stars "Number One Super Guy"
Reviewed in the United States on August 19, 2010
If you're a Scatman Crothers super fan like myself you'll probably find this book a little lacking. Still a fine read and definitely worth checking out if you have even a passing interest in Mr. Crothers. I just wish it was a little more in depth.
2 people found this helpful
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