Screamin' Scott Simon, Longtime Sha Na Na Keyboardist, Dies of Sinus Cancer at 75

Mar. 15, 2025

Screamin' Scott Simon performs at the celebration of the DVD release of ‘Grease Rockin’ Rydell Edition' in Santa Monica in September 2006.Photo:David Livingston/Getty Images

David Livingston/Getty Images

Screamin’ Scott Simon, the dynamic keyboard player for rock and roll revivalists Sha Na Na for more than 50 years, has died. He was 75.

Simon’s daughter Nina, an author,announced his death on Instagramon Sept. 5, paying tribute to her dad and his love for his family.

“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 loved his girls most of all,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “Screamin’ Scott Simon (1948-2024). Beloved husband, father and grandfather (Boppa).”

She continued, “Boppa often said the secret to life is tour management. 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.”

Simon died in Ojai, Calif. of sinus cancer while in hospice care,The New York Timesreported.

The rocker and his bandmates were possibly best known for their appearance in the 1978classic movieGrease, where they played Johnny Casino and the Gamblers at Rydell High’s school dance. The group sang six songs in the film, including “Tears on My Pillow,” and were nominated for a Grammy for the soundtrack.

Simon co-wrote “Sandy” for the soundtrack, taking care of lyrics while Louis St. Louis wrote the music. The forlorn love song famously got its moment in the spotlight whenJohn Travolta’s character Danny Zuko sang it at a drive-through theater.

Scott Simon (right) rehearsal for the musical play ‘Leader of the Pack’ in 2000.Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

Mel Melcon/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images

“His performance, with our musicians backing him up, and the rest of us watching, blew us away,” original member Donny York told theTimes. “His ‘Whole Lotta Shakin’ Goin' On’ was a savage attack on the piano and became one of the most impactful things in our live performances.”

Simon remained in the group until their final performance in 2020, and also appeared in nearly 100 episodes ofThe Sha Na Na Show, a syndicated variety program that aired for four seasons starting in 1977.

“Sha Na Na satisfied my collegiate dream, which was not to have to work for a living,” Simon toldThe Kansas City Starin 1987, per theTimes. “The idea was, you would do just what you liked and somehow the money would take care of itself.”

source: people.com