This page has been put online for anyone who wishes to share their memories or feelings about John. If you care to add your memories or comments, send your message to judith.kuster@mnsu.edu and I will post it.
Musician John "Scatman" Larkin passed away December 3, 1999, at his home in California. John, a person who stuttered, was known for his "scatsinging" and wrote that is was an example of how his "greatest problem has become my greatest asset." Professionally he was best known for his successful recordings in Europe on the BMG/RCA label. His first single, "Scatman" was recorded September 1994 and released in Germany December 1994. John wrote that two of the four verses of this song dealt directly with his stuttering (see http://www.mnsu.edu/comdis/kuster/Creativeexpression/larkin.html). John received "Best New International Artist of the Year" in Japan and the German "ECHO" award for foreign artists. He also received awards from Italy, France, Poland, Hong Kong and elsewhere. His love for and work with the international community of people who stutter is a major part of John's legacy.
John is survived by his wife, Judy, who attended the National Stuttering Association convention with John in Buffalo, NY. Judy was Eddie Cantor's grand-daughter. Judy has sent three large pictures of Scatman that fans are invited to download.
People have asked me where Scatman John is buried. John's wife, Judy, informed me (personal correspondence, January 9, 2008) that it was his wish to not be buried, but instead to be cremated with burial at sea. This took place on a yacht off the coast of Malibu, California two years after his death with his many friends and a jazz trio.
Those who are interested in learning more about Scatman John, seeing pictures and even hearing audio and seeing a video of some of his work are directed to:
I must say he himself made me aware about people who stutter, that it's not a serious mental condition or anything. I remember when we talked on the phone, at times he'd apologize for his stuttering, but it didn't bother me at all...I seemed to see right through that...all I thought was, "Hey, I'm talkin to the Scatman!"
John was a rare celebrity, one who didn't have to hide behind pretense or superficiality. Sure he had a lot of money, but he lived rather modestly for a pop star and it was quite clear that the material things in life didn't really matter that much to him. Everything about him was real and down-to-earth. I don't think there's anyone who can say anything bad about him. and John never said anything bad about anybody. He sung about a "Scatman's World," which some may scoff and think of as childish or idyllic, but John gave us a vision, a vision of what could be if we opened our hearts and minds. John may not be around anymore, but there will always be a "Scatman's World." Or at least we should all be working towards one.
John Larkin never stuttered. Because every word he said was worth repeating.
It's funny how life goes. One minute you're riding the train in France, listening to the radio and suddenly you hear, "SCA-BA-BIBBLY-O-BOP....I'M THE SCATMAN!" The next minute you're mourning the loss of a friend.
Goodbye, Scatman. Have fun up there scatting with Satchmo. Everybody jam.
Elson Trinidad http://www.westworld.com/~elson/scatman
Sunday was the memorial celebration for John. Also attending was Ira Zimmerman, Vanna Sivilay, Peter Nicks, Peter Lew, Ralph Kessler, Linnea Eades and all the way from Germany, ISA president Thomas Krall. Thomas called me on Thursday and expressed his desire to come. He and John had the chance to form a friendship during many of John's trips to Europe. I told him my home was open and on Friday he confirmed that he was coming. I was soon filled with mix feelings of sadness and happiness that I would have the opportunity to get to know Thomas better, but I wish in difference circumstances. He in fact felt the same. His fax to me confirming the trip had a smiley face with a half smile and half frown.
Thomas came in Saturday evening and together with my family we went to the memorial celebration on Sunday.
Sunday was one of the most wonderful days of my life. There were tables set up outside and there were scheduled speakers. After that there was an open mike where others shared their memories. The man who ran the ceremonies began with John's favorite story which was a stuttering joke...it went ........
John went into a bar (in his drinking days) and said to the bartender. I would l-l-like a s-s-scotch please. The bartender responded with c-c-coming r-r-right up. John said - hey are you making fun of me? The bartender said no, I stutter too! Then another man walked up to the bar and ordered a beer without any stuttering. The bartender responded with - coming right up. John said, hey, you were making fun of me! The bartender responded by saying....no...I was making fun of him!
It was a beautiful way of beginning the day. We all laughed and smiled in rememberence of John. When I had my turn to speak I said to the group... "There are not many places that I feel proud to be a stutterer. Today is one of those days. As I have been walking around introducing myself to all of you and I stutterered I felt a part of that very special part of John who I know all of you love".
I wish you could have seen the expression in their eyes when I stuttered. It was not compassion or anything like that. It was love and admiration. I wish you were there.
I have always felt at home in the Larkin home, but Sunday was more than that.
That house was filled with so much love that people came together and I truly didn't want the day to end. Over 100 people came and went.
It truly was a mixed day of emotions.
-IF YOU WANT TO BREAK FREE YOU BETTER LISTEN TO ME YOUVE GOT TO LEARN HOW TO IF YOUR FANTASY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! IM CALLING OUT FROM SCAT LAND! IM CALLING OUT FROM SCAT MANS WORLD!
-keep on scatting wherever you are forever -i will always try to spread his music and ideas to others. Dreams never die nor does music.
"We've got to believe in love - That's all there ever will be That's all there's ever been - For you and me. This is a brand new day know what I say, Love is understanding. Believe me believe me believe me. We've got to believe in love..." (Song of Scatland by Scatman John)
A música de Scatman é muito legal ..
Nunca ouvi um som como esse..!! As músicas de Scatman fazem eu me sentir "mais vivo". Somente hoje fiquei sabendo da morte de Scatman aqui neste 'website'. Pena que Scatman não esteja mais entre nós, mas sorte nossa que a sua música permanecerá para sempre. Muito obrigado, John Larkin.
Thanks Scatman for your great songs and for the fond memories of those times, you had my respect then and you have it now.
Grazie John per aver regalato un po' di Gioia al mondo intero.Ciao 'Zio John'!!!
I know you can read this 'Scat',
so I will write this message with Pride!
You Are, Forever Will Be... One Of The Worlds Greatest Champions!
You have inspired many, with many more to follow!
Your messages have touched the hearts of many, leaving them to ask one question....
I would pay $1000's of Dollars to see you perform!
You want to hear the greatest story ever told
The Story is about a man, who cared for others over himself and telling his story through song. This Story is About Scatman John!
'Scat'
My friend and I, today during music, listened to "I'm A Scatman" and were enveloped with in awe, and have nothing out of it, except the Utmost respect of what you have left society with, Messages!
You have prevented the Lie! ( In our lives anyway )
We have our minds set on spreading your words, 'Scat'
Remember your own words...
We are gonna revive you 'Scat!'
Already I have ideas for the first song for..
" The Children From Scatland "
We might even get to have a bit of a jam in the distant future
Have a good one 'Scat' ,
May you look down upon me with blessing
Your Friend-in-Scat
Dom
( Jazz Gangster )
I realised my ability to scat along (and sing along) had dropped, and decided to refresh my memory of the lyrics.
I have many fond memories associated with his songs of some very good times in my life, and prior to finding out he is no longer with us was looking at a few pictures of him, a sharp dressed jazz singer who delved into many genre's of music and wondered how awesome it would have been to see him in concert.
I continued to read on about how popular his hits were, and wondered why there was only a small amount of information about him on the internet, but ignored that and went on to wonder how cool it would be to see this guy live. The contrast of a rather old-school jazz singer look and modern equipment with electronic vibes and pulses intertwined with his uniquely toned voice would be breath taking and entertaining to no end.
I was a tad concerned when I noticed what I thought was an error on the page when they listed "Who was Scatman John" as a subject header, and then noted the print up the top of the page stipulating his passing. Although my dream of seeing him live was destroyed, but he will live on in my generation, and hopefully a fair many others.
Thanks, Scatman.
Yeah, Scatman John will never die as long people listen to his brilliant music and remember him! I know I will never forget him! You were and still are the best!
Who knows, I relive the past in the future when I'm dead. I hope i'll hear you singing again?!
Scatman John will allways be on our minds! Respect and rest in peace!
Scatman John-Thankyou for everything. I will always treasure your music and "philosophy".
In his memory I dedicate this petty offering at his feet. i hope, by this, people will understand my respect and feelings for him.