Scott Simon, beloved 'Sha Na Na' pianist, dies after cancer battle

Scott Simon, the pianist for rock 'n' roll group Sha Na Na, passed away at 75 after a long battle with sinus cancer.

He was a member of the group for 52 years and is known for his energetic performances and hits like Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On and At the Hop.

Simon and Sha Na Na also appeared in the 1978 film Grease.

The late pianist co-wrote the hit song Sandy for the Grease soundtrack, which sold over 30 million copies.

He then moved to Los Angeles and starred in The Sha Na Na Show, a variety program that featured iconic guests like Chuck Berry, James Brown, and the Ramones.

Sha Na Na also toured with legendary acts such as John Lennon, Bruce Springsteen, and Billy Joel.

Simon was born on December 9, 1948, in Kansas City, Missouri. He was a talented athlete and musician, playing in jug bands and founding a jazz quartet. At Columbia University, where he earned the nickname Screamin' Scott, he fronted a blues band called The Royal Pythons.

In 1970, he joined Sha Na Na, a doo-wop group that had performed at Woodstock, as their keyboardist and eventually became a managing partner.

While the band was known for covering classic hits, Simon also composed original songs and solo albums, showcasing his talent on records and TV.