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John David Scott
Aug 15, 1953 - Feb 22, 2001Below are expressions and remembrances from John's friends and family. Please add your own stories and thoughts about his life to this online memorial and keep his memory alive. 
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I was saddened to hear of John's passing while I was so far away from San Francisco. Being away, I have only just found this memorial site for him. John David helped me through the most amazing theatrical frenzy that San Francisco had known to that day.... the arrival of Les Miserables. The earthquake didn't stop us. While singing the role of Fantine, John would always sing our warm-ups down to the low G.... & with his usual sparkle..... He would say "this is for Kelly" knowing I had to hit that low note later in the night. But my most fond memory was of a cold night in the Curran and the house management had cranked on the heat in the theatre for the first time. The dust flew! and the house dried out to a crackle..... As I begun "I Dreamed a Dream" with my back to him...I also dried out.... John knew at once, even without seeing my face, that something was wrong... my breathing had changed (which he knew never happened) and he was right there with me. Under his watchful baton he got me through it....and I don't think anyone other than us ever knew there was a problem that night. His head popped into my dressing room at intermission to see how I was..... his concern was so sincere....He was always there for me....I will be forever grateful for his presence and love..... our favorite thought..."to Love another person is to see the face of god"....I miss you JD....
Kellybud
Kelly Ground <suziedog@aol.com>
USA - Monday, May 27, 2002 at 11:59:57 (CDT)
I came upon this website, actually trying to find John David's whereabouts.We had not been in communication for some time. Obviously, I was shocked and saddened at the news of his passing. I worked with John in Les Miserables in the role of Javert, at the Curran theatre in San Francisco for a year and five months. He was always fantastic with me not only as a conductor and musician but as a human being. It is truly amazing to find that quality of talent and soul in one person and John had both in abundance. I was looking for him because I had come upon a lovely letter he had written to me some time back and I wanted to renew our connection. This will have to happen now in heavenly places, where I know John is most certainly in musical bliss.
Sincerely,
Richard Kinsey
Richard Kinsey <RSZKINSEY91@peoplepc.com>
Long Beach, CA. USA - Saturday, May 26, 2001 at 02:59:57 (CDT)
These pictures on J.D.’s memorial page really capture the spirit of J.D. It has been hard to sit down and write, because it’s still unbelievable that he’s gone.
I first met J.D. during rehearsal for S.F.’s Les Miserables. I’ll never forget playing my sax solo the first time, and seeing that big smile on his face. That’s the way things stayed between us.
So many memories. We did 15 months of Le Miz, as well as 5 years of Phantom. J.D. definitely wanted the best performance, but he also had a great sense of humor. We took pleasure in maintaining pit entertainment. He took it over the edge once during my Les Miz solo, and I wasn’t able to finish the song. He felt bad, but I was just glad he could keep things light.
During Phantom, there were many ongoing gags. He had to keep track of tympani hits before a cutoff, so I’d offer my counting help (not!) to keep his place. On the rare occasion when he would make a mistake, I’d remind him that the typical 4/4 beat pattern follows the floor, wall, wall, ceiling approach. He always accepted this help with good humor.
J. D. was sensitive to our well-being. He was very interested in our family lives. We were very upset with his brain tumor diagnosis, and it was very hard to see the devastation of the cancer. The fond memories of such a vibrant human being will always be there.
He always signed his notes xo, JDS, so I close with xo, Mary
Mary Fettig <maryfettig@hotmail.com>
Pleasant Hill, CA USA - Thursday, May 10, 2001 at 13:20:01 (CDT)
John you were there for me when I started my chemo and encouraged me to fight for my life when I felt so sick and everytime I showed up to see POTO and was not feeling well you always made me feel better. You will be missed.
Linda Browning-Palmer <lindapalmer99@yahoo.com>
Englewood, CO USA - Monday, April 09, 2001 at 15:25:08 (CDT)
Sweetest man, dear friend- You can imagine how blessed I feel to have had our lunch together in NY in January. The picture I took of that day is in a place of honor in my house. I could never express how much I treasure that day, that picture. And, of course, all the memories. From the first day we met at 890 for San Francisco "Phantom", you have touched my life in amazing ways. I was just a little shy green thing trained in opera, and you took me under your wing and always believed in me, even when others didn't. Your nurturing spirit and musical wisdom have helped me become the performer I am now- confident and strong. I always called you my hero, and you would shyly laugh and say you loved me. You will always be my hero, JD, and my heart aches that you are gone.
I love you. Megan
Megan Starr-Levitt <mstarrlev@aol.com>
San Clemente, CA USA - Friday, April 06, 2001 at 15:14:03 (CDT)
JD Scott was a mentor and support for me in my first big professional job in POTO in SF. I had to sing that bear of a role, Carlotta, quite a few times, and JD was always right there for me. He loved opera singing and the voice! We would have coachings together and we would discuss together how I could sing it better, and what good singing was. Not many people would take that kind of time to help me, but he made me feel special and taught me so much. He was a set of ears for me and could hear things that I could not hear myself, and encouraged excellence from me, which made me want excellence from myself. He was a very special man with a great sense of humor, and I feel honored to have known him and worked with him. He truly loved music and singing and he was an inspiration to me and will always continue to be. Thank you for everything, JD. I love you and miss you. I send you music from my heart to yours. -Krista
Krista Wigle <kwsoprano@aol.com>
San Francisco, CA USA - Friday, April 06, 2001 at 13:07:39 (CDT)
The world was a better place because of you...I'll see you in Mendocino, my friend.
Madelyn Berdes
USA - Thursday, April 05, 2001 at 09:45:38 (CDT)
JD was one of only a few truly inspiring and inspired people that I have encountered in this lifetime. I feel so blessed to have worked with him and been coached by him. He loved music and it all comes down to that. So, JD, thanks for letting me sing....with you. I'll love and miss you always. n
Nancy Dobbs Owen <nancyandcat@earthlink.net>
San Francisco, CA USA - Thursday, April 05, 2001 at 02:03:17 (CDT)
I first met JD in Chicago during the run of "Aspects of Love" in 1992. It was the first time that I had played for a Broadway show. I was terrified, yet JD was always so incredibly encouraging, and suggested that I come out on the tour with him. I accepted and was so sad (but happy for him) when shortly thereafter he left to conduct the Music Box Company of POTO. He was the person who truly single-handedly directed me (so to speak) into the career path I follow today. He literally gave me my first chance ever at conducting. The last thing he said to me before leaving "Aspects" was "Britt, don't forget: you can always learn SOMETHING from EVERYONE". How fortunate was I when he called to ask if I would like to join him in San Francisco as his associate. His musicianship and commitment to the show and to the cast, crew and orchestra was inspiring. I learned so much from him, music and beyond. One of my favorite memories of him was the day I was going to conduct POTO for the first time. He stopped in the dressing room to give me a pep talk. He was a calming influence to my nerves, and promised me over and over again that everything would go just fine. As he started to walk out of the dressing room, he paused, turned around, and said, "Oh, and by the way...don't f___ up" , and left. !!!! His friendship and humor is what I will miss the most.
Even in his most difficult times, he was positive and chipper. I miss his smile and laughter. He touched so very many people. I'm so lucky to have known him.
Love to you JD...Britt
Annbritt Gemmer <annbritt@earthlink.net>
NYC, NY USA - Thursday, April 05, 2001 at 00:14:12 (CDT)
John, you touched me in so many ways - First as a Phantom audience member who saw you conduct brilliantly over 100 times, over 5 years. As a physician I admired your ability to create music through the most adverse circumstances, rarely missing a performance, and never asking "why me." Also, you did so much to help us at National Brain Tumor Foundaton through your music, your friends and your courage. Our lives go on, enriched by your music, your memory and your love.
Walter Newman M.D. <drwaltn@aol.com>
San Jose, Ca USA - Wednesday, April 04, 2001 at 21:49:45 (CDT)
My first recollection of JD was when he first vocalised the ensemble of "Phantom...". We were singing scales going up - - and we kept going higher and higher - - and suddenly over the keyboard he shot me this look of total awe, and I looked at him and said, "What?" And he said, "Do you realize that you just sang high D-flat?" I decided that he was a miracle-worker at that point. Because until then, my highest note had been B-natural. This is why I'm convinced, as Fannie Flag said in "Fried Green Tomatos", there are angels among us, who masquerade as people", and JD was one of them. I miss you, JD, and please continue to send me your inspiration. Love, Marcie
Marcie Conant <questor54@earthlink.net>
San Francisco, CA USA - Wednesday, April 04, 2001 at 21:27:12 (CDT)
Dear JD, I am so saddened by your passing and that I am so far away to be unable to attend the memorial for you. I'll never forget those early days of rehearsing "The Phantom of the Opera" at the Broadway studio in New York. YOU made me feel so special and you validated all of the work I'd done most of my life trying to create music and make it sound good. You gave me a real boost in self esteem and personal happiness. And you did that through-out our 5 years working that show together. Thanks for your love and your ever radiant and kindly smiles you sent my way when I was in need of a lift. I only wish that I could have made your weariness a little easier for you when we were all told of your problem. See you again someday!
John Minagro <JPMiangro@aol.com>
Concord, CA USA - Wednesday, April 04, 2001 at 18:38:37 (CDT)
I only met J.D. a few times, but he was very kind and respectful to me as a fellow musician, even though we never worked together. I did have the pleasure of sitting in the San Francisco "Phantom" pit once during a performance, a privilege usually reserved for orchestra subs being trained, which I was not. Now that he is gone, I'm sad but grateful for having had that privilege, and for having experienced his kind, gentle spirit. He will be missed by many.
Chip Prince <nyc88keys@aol.com>
NYC, NY USA - Tuesday, April 03, 2001 at 23:35:45 (CDT)
it is difficult to put feelings and respect into words for my dear talented friend john david. i first met him with les miz when it came to los angeles. i knew immediately that this gentil soul would make a 3.5 hour show a pleasure to play, and he did just that. while working on the show in l.a. he also became a very close friend of my wife as well.
thank god we had the pleasure of having him with us as long as we did, as he touched everyone's life he came in contact with. even after john david left los angeles to conduct phantom for several years we stayed in touch on a fairly regular basis. we miss you very much john david. i am so sorry your life was so short but pleased to have had the chance to be your friend as well as to make music with you
god bless your john david.
stu blumberg, trumpet, contractor, los angeles ca.
stu blumberg <stubmd@hotmail.com>
USA - Saturday, March 31, 2001 at 19:12:00 (CST)
What a beautiful and touching site this is and the sadness I feel at the loss of one so young and talented is enormous. I first started working with J.D. as a substitute violinist in the San Francisco production of Phantom of The Opera. I remember the first show I played as J.D. sent every cue my way as if to say "I'm here to help you and also you better get it right". I loved that about him - he expected the very best from his musicians at every show. He was able to demonstrate as a conductor intense involvement with the music no matter how his health was and the musicianship that he brought to the theater was exemplary ... he was one of the finest conductors I've worked with!
I will light a candle and say a prayer for you J.D. in total gratitude for the wonderful musical experiences that you gave me and so many others!
In loving remembrance,
Ellen Pesavento
Ellen Pesavento <epesavento@earthlink.net>
San Francisco, CA USA - Tuesday, March 20, 2001 at 13:12:30 (CST)
JD - I'm so sorry that your life was so short. You fought illness so valiantly. You were a perfectionist - you kept the show tight. Your example showed me that self-analysis in music is the way to excellence. From Becky: Your San Francisco Phantom Flutist.
Rebecca Pollock Ayres <flpicc@aol.com>
Benicia, CA USA - Monday, March 19, 2001 at 12:04:53 (CST)
It isn’t easy trying to encapsulate a 12 year friendship into mere words. I first met JD in November of 1989 when he was engaged as Principal Conductor for the National tour of the Phantom of the Opera. I was his Music Coordinator ( I was the one who got the coffee!). He was then moved to the Los Angeles company of The Phantom of the Opera and then was needed to conduct the San Francisco company of Les Miserables which started his love affair with that city I believe. We then went on to work on Andrew Lloyd-Webber’s “Aspects Of Love” beginning at the Lyric Opera in Chicago and finally back to “The Phantom of the Opera” for it’s record run in San Francisco.
During that whole period he conducted hundreds of highly skilled and, sometimes, slightly cynical musicians. His talent and warm manner easily won them over as it did me. He became everyones best friend. That was his way. His sly humor, his enormous talent and his soft approach to both the music and people were his trademark. I was genuinely jealous of his upscale vacations in the Napa Valley, Key West and other places equally compatible. He knew how to live and got a lot out of his few years on this “mortal coil”. He is irreplaceable and will be sorely missed.
Mel Rodnon
New york City
Mel Rodnon <EbBbC@aol.com>
New york, NY USA - Wednesday, March 07, 2001 at 17:24:26 (CST)
Dearest John. I am going to miss you. We worked together for three or more great years playing "Les Miserables" in Los Angeles and San Francisco. I remember you as a kind and caring person and I feel proud to have been considered your friend. Love from Spoons
John <JSpoon9999@aol.com>
Canoga Park, Canoga Park USA - Wednesday, March 07, 2001 at 12:57:41 (CST)
My dear JD, I am so shocked to find out that you have passed on. It is always we here below who must deal with the loss-you are in a much better place-a place filled with musicians of your great caliber and ability and I'm sure you'll be given your chance to be "the leader of the Band"...I was in POTO from 92-98 as an original member of the Third National, and JD's leadership got us off on the fantastic level of performances that we kept up (I felt) for many years to come. JD was one of the sternest conductors I've dealt with over the years but also one of the most nuturing. I remember JD taking personal time to work with me on one of the many times I was to be brought in for Javert in Les Miz. He would never take money from me for the coachings and gave me invaluable insight on the role. He was also the first to console me and tell me "We'll keep working on it" when I didn't get it. I will also never forget, when I think of JD, the smile of success in his when Paul Berkolds and I sang " Suoni la Tromba" at a benefit in Minneapolis in 93-or when we struck the first chords of "Masquerade" each night...I shall think of you often, dearest JD, and know that those of us who were fortunate to work with you will love and miss you and think of you...fondly forever...
Stephen Len White <p1117sowha@earthlink.net>
Memphis, TN USA - Tuesday, March 06, 2001 at 19:37:08 (CST)
JD, (Granny) became my best buddy when we met in Pittsburgh during his short cover of Phantom for three months on our tour. My bestest images and memories include the reading glasses at the end of his nose, his Tony performance every night during Phantom in his coveted role as "the conductor" and the blank stare when I spoke too fast and I waited for it to be "computed". I was asked to contribute the Italian gesture needed to snub Carlotta Giudicelli during the performance and I dutifully came up with the old "thumb nail thrust outward from the front teeth" one. He enjoyed that I think. Our last dinner was a meatballs and macaroni feast when I met Diva Sondra and the recipe which found itself scribbled on a scrap of paper was tried a week later to my surprise!! "Too watery" he said, "what do I do?" Well I moderately succeeded at making an Italian out of him. Miss you lots my friend, especially your calm, soothing straight-forward advice. Say hi to all my friends up there.
Silvio Scambone <Silscam55@aol.com>
New York, NY USA - Friday, March 02, 2001 at 12:57:16 (CST)
My beloved JD! A groundswell of images comes into focus.I first worked with JD on "Les Miz" back in 1989 and then again when we started "The Phantom of the Opera" company in San Francisco in late 1993. I am most proud of our collaboration on that show. It was often said that we kept the standard high on that show and our commitment to excellence never flagged. He cared enormously about the musical excellence and that never faded despite the horrendous times he went through with the insidious tumor. We often chatted in his room about how to make things better. Images: when I first introduced him to Shirley Horn and her music. He fell in love with her and went to her shows whenever she appeared. Her economy and heart found a soulmate. After hearing "Here's to Life" and then seeing her live, I took a picture of both of them at a club. He clutched her hand and was like an acolyte at her feet. Her music gave expression to his take on life. A wonderful, touching moment. The big AIDS Health Project benefit at the Castro Theatre w/ members of our cast and Robin Williams. He corraled the music and the band and made it into a thrilling evening. The love that abounded when family and close friends surrounded him when we made dinners and ate at his apartment during his first operation-between shows!! His dear Diane Ketchie, Lisa Vroman and Ray Saar at his side during those and other countless dinners. His beloved beret and ankle length coats during the chilly nites. His sweet demeanor with fans of POTO made him as big a star as the actors themselves. He always had time for a nice word with them. He made no judgments about them.Our night off to catch the world premiere of Andre Previn's "A Streetcar Named Desire" with Lisa and introduction to Renee Fleming. His smile was as broad as Van Ness Blvd. that night. He was a proud and defiant man. That spirit extended his life a bit. I believe that "Phantom" was the crowning jewel of his short career. He really gave it his all during the most difficult time of his life. I was proud to have presented our last big benefit, the staged concert version of "A Little Night Music", in his honor. When it was thought that the insurance company wouldn't pay for an experimental laser surgery of the brain tumor, we all galvanized around the project to make the money to pay for it. The wonderful cast, crew, musicians, Carole Shorentstein, Bob MacDonald, JD, Neil, Kate Stewart, Jim Morris, Gordon Bell, Randy Zaibek and David Lohman (the associate conductor) all banded together and put together a fabulous and moving evening to support our fellow brother. What an evening it was! Outsiders Meg Mackay and the legendary Ruth Kobart joined in making money and music for him. An eleventh hour decision, on the insurance's part to pay for the procedure helped the National Tumor Foundation reap a $27,000 donation. JD clutched me that evening and said "thank you" in the most heartfelt way- that image has stayed with me. That evening and what it meant to him and to the rest of the company will stay with me always. Dearest JD-I love you.....Ray Gin
Ray Gin <rgin94134@aol.com>
San Francisco, CA USA - Friday, March 02, 2001 at 03:21:06 (CST)
John was my brother-in-law. I've known him since he was a wee lad and have watched him grow into a man who was passionate about music. He loved and lived his music, especially when he was listening to a piece. His hands would usually start conducting and he would be humming or singing along. I've also watched him fight against his illness since 1995. He always held a positive attitude towards beating his disease and he kept on fighting right up until the very end. One can only hope, now that he is at peace, he is conducting away with the Great Orchestra in the Sky. He will be missed.
Jack Durner <jmdurner@mediaone.net>
Chelmsford, MA USA - Wednesday, February 28, 2001 at 18:23:59 (CST)
John was my cousin - our mothers were sisters, only children of Earl Shear, a bandleader & prohibition moonshiner. I remember when we were kids, fishing in a pond in Mt.Kisco, NY; the sharp dorsal fin of a perch cut my hand, and though I was the older, John comforted me. Later as teens, when he was talking to his mother about The Ring, for an embarrassing second, I thought he meant Tolkien's trilogy - but he passed on the opportunity to act superior. He was always kind and funny. I have been very proud of his accomplishments in music & performance..."my cousin is a Conductor !". I regret I never saw him conduct, I regret the angels I made for talismans didn't have enough mojo. I regret that we have not been a closer family. I'm glad the Scotts were close and strong through the past three years. I'm
glad John has so many people that knew and loved him for his great gifts, spirit, and humanity. All of Lorraine's kids were great. John was sweet & funny. I'm very glad to have been related to such a gifted, spirited and humane man.
Laura Pharis <lpharis@sbc.edu>
Lynchburg, VA USA - Tuesday, February 27, 2001 at 12:34:35 (CST)
When JD introduced himself to me in the "famous, All About Eve" ally way at the Curran Theatre, I already knew he was someone very special.
He had made my daughter, Sarah (Rutledge) Kollars' "heart take flight" inspiring her to try out her wings by taking classical voice lessons,
only to find she had been gifted with the blessing of song. I will always cherish his way of turning slightly to greet her as he conducted,
the way he would give her a quick wink after his "scene" with the policeman during POTO-San Francisco and his gentle mentoring/fatherly affection
towards her. Right after one of his recent procedures, he telephoned to speak with Sarah and greeted me, as always, with a "gentlemanliness" rarely
seen in our country. He has stolen my heart too. When we heard the news last week, there was a palpable emptiness, because one of God's most precious
souls had taken his leave. My prayer is that John David has been led straight to Heaven and now basks in the blissful rays of the joy and light of God.
John, we are all wishing you were somehow here again...think of us fondly, my dear...we miss you.
Mrs. Teresa Larkin <teresa@sgilaw.com>
San Francisco, CA USA - Monday, February 26, 2001 at 19:17:04 (CST)
John is my mentor in music. He never would take credit for this: he is the reason I am an opera singer today. He was the one who said the magic words "Why don't you take voice lessons?", and with his help I did.
John really nurturted my musicality, my sense of phrase, my love for opera. He even helped me with musical theory homework in college! No matter how bad I was feeling about music, John would ALWAYS have something positive to say that would give me the strength to keep going. He has been a great friend to me (from showing me where to get the best sandwhich in San Francisco, to taking me to art movies, to making me laugh, to all he did in music) and I adore him.
I could write books on all the great times we had, all the music we shared (we especially loved Strauss' "4 Last Songs" and the leder "Wiegenlied"), and what a extraordinary person John is. But there aren't enough words to say what John means to me. In every bio of every show I've done I've always wrote "Her performances are dedicated to her mentor J.D. Scott, 'You alone can make my song take flight!", and it'll always be true.
Sarah Rutledge-Kollars <isis715@yahoo.com>
Santa Cruz, CA USA - Monday, February 26, 2001 at 15:50:56 (CST)
Out of the 17 performances I'd seen of Phantom of the Opera, I sat directly behind John in Row B at least 4 of them (usually on Halloween). I didn't always have an opportunity to talk to him when I went, but he always recognized me as a regular, and still spared a couple of minutes to talk on several occasions. I didn't know him well, but the memories that I have of John are associated with POTO, and those are among the best memories that I have.
I'll always remember the witch's hat on Halloween. . . or the time John kept right on conducting, even though a hot ash from pistol fire landed on his head. . . and the first time he said, "welcome back."
Timothy Duffield
Novato, CA USA - Monday, February 26, 2001 at 10:41:49 (CST)
I never saw Phantom in San Francisco, and I never heard of Mr. Scott before this, but as a fellow musician and human being... I'm sorry. I'll be thinking of him and his family.
Allison Lane <Freyalise@aol.com>
Pinson, AL USA - Monday, February 26, 2001 at 06:38:08 (CST)
I will also always remember John as the great conductor at Phantom in San Francisco, always mouthing along and directing with such gusto. His great spirit and humour were always present, especially closing night when he popped a balloon that drifted his way during the final exit music of the show. You will be missed!
Leanna <serafimoNOSPAM@yahoo.com>
Concord, CA USA - Sunday, February 25, 2001 at 18:51:34 (CST)
May the Angels guide JD up to the Heavens to take his place as Conductor of the Symphony waiting for him......
I will always remember this sweet man as our conductor in POTO...I remember seeing him the last day of the show buying white roses for his fellow performers...thank you and God's Blessings JD....
Lori Kennedy
Lori Kennedy <Lorispetshop@aol.com>
Rohnert Park, CA USA - Sunday, February 25, 2001 at 15:49:05 (CST)
