Rhoda Scott comes home to Newark for Jazz in April

Rhoda Scott plays her signature instrument, the organ, at Clement’s Place to celebrate Jazz Appreciation month, on April 5, 2025. (Josie Gonsalves for Public Square Amplified.)

Newark, NJ – Established by the Smithsonian Institution in 2001 to highlight and celebrate the rich history of jazz music and its cultural significance, Jazz Appreciation Month was chosen to coincide with the birth month of one of jazz's most iconic figures, Duke Ellington. The purpose of Jazz Appreciation Month is to honor jazz as a uniquely American art form and to acknowledge its global influence.

The idea for Jazz Appreciation Month emerged from the success of National Jazz Day, an initiative promoted by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History that sought to not only celebrate music but also educate the public about its roots, history, and the many artists who contributed to its evolution. The Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History played a key role in organizing this celebration, which has since become an annual event.

During April, jazz performances and events are organized across the country, featuring both established artists and rising stars. These performances help keep the spirit of jazz alive and accessible to new generations. Here in Newark, jazz organ legend Rhoda Scott’s recent performance in Clement’s Place holds deep cultural and personal significance on multiple levels, not only for jazz fans but also for the local community and the legacy of jazz.

Known as the "Lady of the Hammond B3 Organ," Rhoda Scott, was born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, and her connection to the city is an integral part of her story as a musician. Newark has a rich history as a vibrant cultural hub, particularly in the realms of jazz, blues, and R&B. By performing in Newark for Jazz Appreciation Month, Scott is returning to her roots—celebrating her upbringing and honoring the city's contribution to the broader jazz movement. 

Rhoda Scott’s performance is also significant because she is one of the few women to have reached such a prominent position in jazz organ playing, an area traditionally dominated by men. The Hammond B3 organ is a key instrument in jazz, particularly in the soul jazz and hard bop subgenres. Historically, the organ has been associated with great male musicians like Jimmy Smith and Dr. Lonnie Smith, but Rhoda Scott has carved out her own unique space in this genre, and her performance during Jazz Appreciation Month elevates the recognition of women in jazz, an often overlooked aspect of jazz history.

 Rhoda Scott plays the organ, alongside Mark Witfield on the guitar and Jerome Jennings on the drums at Clement’s Place to celebrate Jazz Appreciation month, on April 5, 2025. (Photo screenshot from Clements’ Place live feed.)

For Scott, performing in Newark is a kind of homecoming, bringing her full circle. It allows her to reconnect with her community, share her musical journey, and inspire local audiences, especially young people, by demonstrating how far she has come since her early days in the city.

Newark has historically produced some of the greatest jazz talents, including Wayne Shorter, Joe Henderson, and Sarah Vaughan. Her trio for this engagement included guitarist Mark Whitfield, a veteran jazz star and Jerome Jennings, one of the most dynamic drummers and bandleaders on the scene today.  Both are New Jersey residents and their electric performance in Clement’s left the audience exhilarated and uplifted. It is a source of pride and inspiration for young musicians in Newark, for whom she is a role model—someone who grew up in their city and achieved success on the global stage.  

Newark continues to be a center for arts and culture, and Rhoda Scott’s performance serves as an important reminder of the city’s jazz heritage. It underscores the importance of preserving and celebrating the legacy of jazz in places where it thrived, offering both a celebration of the genre’s history and a way to connect with future generations of musicians and fans.

This performance in Newark during Jazz Appreciation Month is a powerful moment that blends personal history, cultural celebration, and the ongoing evolution of jazz. It honors the contributions of a remarkable woman who helped shape the sound of jazz, highlights the importance of Newark as a jazz city, and serves as a celebration of the music’s rich, diverse legacy. It’s a chance to appreciate the past while looking forward to the future of jazz—a genre that continues to thrive thanks to the dedication and artistry of performers like Rhoda Scott.