RIP: Linard “Scotty” Scott, Origins: Orgy in Rhythm Host

Linard “Scotty” Scott: March 17, 1948 – August 3, 2015

Linard “Scotty” Scott was the host and producer of Origins: Orgy In Rhythm,”the Black Experience translated into music.”

A KUVO specialty program, Origins: Orgy In Rhythm traces the roots and explores the rich heritage of Black Music. A joyous celebration, Scott’s program took listeners on a soulful journey from Harlem to Dar es Salaam, from Trenchtown to Motown, from Ragtime to No Time, from Bebop thru Doo Wop to Hip Hop and other expressions destinations.

An avid collector and archivist of Black Music, Scott possessed a collection of more than 25, 000 albums, C.D’s, cassettes, books, and assorted memorabilia.

During a 29 year tenure hosting Origins: Orgy in Rhythm, Scott interviewed numerous artists including Oscar Brown Jr., Hugh Masekela, McCoy Tyner, Eddie Palmieri, Jay “Hootie” McShann, Peter Tosh, Ricardo Lemvo, Al Bell (founder of Stax Records), Sam Mangwana, Bo Diddley, Lucky Dube, Jay Hoggard, Warren Smith, Jimmy Sabater, and Jimmy Hopps.

Scott was born in 1948 in New York City, NY and was raised in “Spanish Harlem”. Scott attended the prestigious Howard University of Washington D.C. from 1964 to 1967.

A Denver resident since 1977, Scott was a respected participant, lecturer and moderator in seminars, symposiums and workshops regarding Black Music, art, and culture. Most recently, Scott conducted workshops for the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, Veteran’s Administration, Lamont School of Music, and the Denver School of the Arts.

A disc jockey for clubs and events, Scott provided the groove for the following annual conventions: National Black Skiers Association, The Association of Black Psychologists, and The Cleo Parker Robinson Dance Company Holiday Gala.

As an emcee, Scott had the distinct honor of introducing Nina Simone, Pharoah Sanders, Wayne Shorter, Femi Kuti, Habib Koite, King Sunny Ade, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Branford Marsalis, Parliament / Funkadelic, Ziggie Marley, Jimmy Cliff, Cesaria Evora, Thomas Mapfumo and the Marshall Allen led Sun Ra Arkestra among others.

A published poet, essayist and writer, Scott was also a recently retired kindergarten teacher at the nationally recognized and innovative Gilpin Elementary School.

Scott was also actively involved in numerous community activities in addition to being a collage artist. His artistry have been exhibited in New York City, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, at the annual Colorado Black Arts Festival, Denver Jazz on Film Festival, Five Points Jazz Festival, Metropolitan State College, and many other locations.

Scott is survived by his son Ryheim, daughter Stephanie, sister Cheryl, father Joseph and many nieces and nephews.

Final services are being planned and will be announced as soon as they have been finalized.

We welcome KUVO listeners to share condolences and memories of Scotty in the comment section below. Please be respectful.