Billy Scott (9)

US singer, songwriter Scott had a long career in the music business. After getting his start by singing at bases while serving in the US Army, Scott went on to start a group with his wife in 1965. The group was first known as the “Scottsmen,” and later changed their name to the “Prophets.” Famous songs included gold record hit “I Got The Fever,” “California,” and “For The First Time.” Later in his career, Scott moved to North Carolina where he continued to record hits. Scott was among the first group of musicians to be inducted into the NC Music Hall of Fame in 1999. “From 1966 until 1975 the group had six national and regional hits charted in Cashbox magazine,” said a listing for Scott at the NC Music Hall of Fame. “They had another hit in 1981 with “I Ain’t Never” on the It will Stand label in Charlotte, NC. Two years later Billy signed with Lamon Records in Charlotte where he then called home. For the next ten years he had eight regional hits. Two of the songs recorded with Lamon Records were placed on the eligibility list for a Grammy.” Scott was best known for his presence on the beach music scene and was always popular at shows in South Carolina around Myrtle Beach. He was described by many as “the ambassador of beach music,” and won the Entertainer of the Year award at the Beach Music Awards show in Myrtle Beach in 1982. He was also inducted into Beach Music Hall of Fame, the R&B/Beach Music Hall of Fame, the Original Beach Boy Hall of Fame, the JB Pivots Musicians Hall of Fame according to his biography. Scott was also chairman of the Beach Music Association International at one time and was heavily involved in promoting beach music to the public. In recent years, he even worked with Coastal Carolina University to offer a class about beach music. “It’s a Carolina phenomenon,” said Scott in an interview with Grand Strand Radio. “We need to promote beach music as much as we can.” Scott’s deep voice was smooth and did not waiver over the years. He continued to perform over five decades and continued to perform at venues across the area through this year. October 5, 1942 – November 17, 2012