Mr. Tommy Scott Young
Storyteller, poet, playwright, author, producer, teacher and sculptor are a few of the descriptions of Tommy Scott Young. The Blair, South Carolina native, son of Nancy Lee Thompson Young and John Robert (Rice) Young, was born on December 13, 1943. He passed from earth to reward on Monday, May 15, 2023.
Tommy Scott gave his life to Christ and joined the Gethsemane Baptist Church at an early age. While living in Los Angeles, CA, he attended the Holman Methodist Church, where he sang in the choir. After returning to South Carolina, he was instrumental in establishing Christ Unity Church of Columbia.
Tommy Scott attended Gethsemane Elementary School, McCrorey Liston High School and St. Emma Military Academy in Virginia, after which he served in the United States Air Force. He attended Benedict College for two years, then transferred to California State University at Los Angeles where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fine Art and Theater. He went on to pursue graduate work in sculpturing.
While in Los Angeles, he studied with many actors, including Kathleen Freeman and Yaphet Koto. He also worked with the Watts Writers Workshop, where he trained Roger Mosely. He wrote and produced a play entitled Angela about the life of Angela Davis. He collaborated with Angela Davis herself, Jane Fonda and Quincy Jones on this project. He worked with Jester Hairston, one of the stars on the television show, Amen, to hone his piano skills. He utilized his skill as a performer of classical, traditional and modern storytelling throughout the nation, including being an artist-in-residence, for the arts councils and commissions in North Carolina, Georgia and South Carolina. He taught at the University of Southern California, UCLA and Benedict College. Tommy Scott was a guest of Her Majesty’s Eastern Arts Council in 1988, during which time he completed a tour of England, performing at many hamlets, towns and cities throughout the United Kingdom.
Tommy Scott resided in New York City for several years, where he studied at The New School’s College of Performing Arts. While in New York, he became a storyteller-in-residence at the Lincoln Center Institute, where his performances and teachings reached hundreds of individuals.
He is most known in South Carolina as the founder and director of the Kitani Foundation, which from 1977-1983, was a leader in bringing nationally acclaimed performing artists to South Carolina. The Kitani Foundation’s purpose was to “enable school children in South Carolina to see nationally known artists and to promote outstanding performing artists in the state.” As a result, Tommy Scott brought more than 25 national performing artists and groups to South Carolina including: Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, The Feld Ballet, A Chorus Line, The Jung Su Song and Dance Troupe of China, The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater and The Dance Theatre of Harlem. The performances reached tens of thousands of students and the general public as well. Kitani’s annual children’s poster contest and calendar encouraged drawing and poetry by our young people.
The Kitani Foundation founded Mayfest in Columbia and the Artists-in-Schools Program for Richland County School District I. The Kitani Foundation’s bringing of national performing artists to the state pre-dated the Koger Center for the Performing Arts. In 1979, the Kitani Foundation was awarded the South Carolina Arts Commision’s prestigious Elizabeth O’Neil Verner Award for “outstanding contributions to the arts in South Carolina.”
Books written by this gifted author include Tommy Scott Young Spins Magical Tales and Black Blues and Shiny Songs (poetry).
Tommy Scott was extremely proud of his son, Lee Thompson Young, who also combined the dual profession of storytelling and theater. Lee had a starring role as Jett Jackson on the Disney Channel’s show, The Famous Jett Jackson. He also had starring roles in Friday Night Lights, Akeelah and the Bee and Rizzoli and Isles. Tommy Scott believed that by sharing his talents, he enriched the lives of others.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Nancy Lee Thompson Young, his father, John Robert (Rice) Young and his son, Lee Thompson Young.
Tommy Scott is survived by his sister, Felicia Yvonne Young Trower; his niece, Timia Kitani Trower; his grandnephew, Shelton Gabriel Whittaker and his grandniece, Rachael Gabrielle Whittaker. Many cousins and friends will also miss him dearly.
Rest well cuz.You fought the good fight.
I thank God for the life of Tommy Scott Young. He was a tremendous influence in the cultural life of many African-Americans who live in the Midlands of South Carolina.
May he rest in peace.
I had the honor to work with Tommy and Nancy at Kitani. I remember Ella Fitzgerald actually being concerned because she had never sung to an audience of children. They were so excited they left their seats and came up near the stage.Later at Governor Riley’s home she expressed how pleased she was. Tommy was an incredible visionary and artist. He brought incredible arts programs to Columbia with optimism and joy.
To Felicia, Timia, and Family, we extend our deepest sympathy. Tommy was a gentleman, humble, kind, and caring. God gifted Tommy with many gifts which he shared so graciously with the world. He will be missed. Family, hold on to God’s unchanging hand. May God give you peace and comfort. We love you.
Reflectively speaking, for me, and so many others from the decades of the seventies, in Columbia,SC, TOMMY SCOTT YOUNG, brought it, creatively speaking!
He enhanced the Columbia community with his skilled artistry as an exquisite storyteller and was “our”renowned Poet Laureate, among other things.
The greater Columbia community is better for having been exposed to so much artistic & culturally creative works. We didn’t know it back then, but Tommy Scott Young. was more than a blessing as he wowed so many of us with his gifts of talents and creative geniuses.This was only followed by the many acclaimed and nationally renowned productions he continuously brought to our Metropolitan City.
May the life of TOMMY SCOTT YOUNG, out of Blair, SC-USA
be a testament to all that he was, to all that he exposed us to as he stirred our souls and our spirits and lifted us higher & higher with each performance and with his many classic presentations that were shared through the Kitani Foundation.
Never shall I forget the expansive culture that I was exposed to as I will always remember this icon of a man, Tommy Scott Young.
I shall remain eternally grateful for who he was to us and whose
he was. May he rest with his loving Savior in peace and power!
Tommy was a really nice guy. Although he knew and worked with some very famous people, he was always a regular guy. I remember conversations we had while sitting at my dining room table, discussing ways to make a difference. He left a distinct footprint on this community.
Tommy Scott Young and I met through Rudy Davis of the SC Arts Commission in the mid-1970s.
We had similar plans for the arts in our cities—Tommy in Columbia, SC, and I in Georgetown, SC. In 1974 I brought one the original members of Dance Theatre of Harlem to teach mainly ballet in Georgetown, and in 1976 Tommy’s Kitani Foundation brought the entire Dance Theater of Harlem company to perform in Columbia.
Further, I didn’t get a chance to tell Tommy that after all these years I was recently appointed to the newly created Arts & Cultural Commission in Georgetown, SC. I was looking forward to that conversation when I received the news that he had passed away. I had to be present today as a tribute to Tommy and to say farewell. The State of SC has lost a giant of a human being, an encourager of children with his storytelling abilities, an artist, an arts activist, and an arts advocate. He was but yet he still IS, because he has reached thousands of people, many who are inspired by his good works. He will never be forgotten. I extend my condolences to the Young family. May the Lord give you His peace.
I remember when my granddad, A.T. passed away. Tommy came for the funeral and stayed in my granddad’s bedroom looking exactly like him. My husband and I went to the room, just to chat with Tommy and he told us a narrative story – I think to make me feel better since my granddad had just died. The expressive way he told that story is something my husband and I talk about to this day. It made me so happy just hearing him tell this fictional story, acting out each character in such a fun way. I remembered that when I started reading stories to my own kids. It’s a great memory for me and a testament to his talent.
Years ago, I interviewed Mr. Tommy Scott Young for my college newspaper. His powerful storytelling was captivating and his mannerism was personable. After reading this obituary, I am even more convinced than I was during that college interview that Mr. Young had extraordinary God-given talents. I want to extend my condolences to his family. It was an honor to meet your loved one in this life.
Tommy was one of the best cousins ever. His smile would lighten up a room like you wouldn’t believe. He was friendly to everyone he came in contact with and you couldn’t help but love him. He will be missed but we will meet again when we all gather together in the heavens with the Lord. I love you Tommy; always have and always will.
Felicia,
So sorry for the loss of your brother, Tommy Scott. May you find rest in the peace of God.
Family friend,
Linda K. Sulton
Word òf God speaks,take your well deserved rest cuz!!!
Tommy’s contributions to the arts through his Kitani Foundation are legend. Working with him in the early eighties on “Magical Tales” was a gift I cherish. He will live on forever through his beautiful story-telling and great generosity. My sincere condolences to his loved ones.
Tommy will be greatly missed. Having worked with him on Angela Is Happening I was blessed to share many hours with him and develop a close friendship. Our dream to make a film of this play never was realized but a lifelong friendship was born. Rest In Peace Tommy. Your memory lives on.
The Parker Baptist Church family is saddened to learn of the passing of Mr. Tommy Scott Young. It is with heartfelt sympathy that we extend our condolences during your time of bereavement. This moment may be quite challenging for you, but with God, you are stronger. May God’s peace wrap around you like a blanket. And may you be forever reminded that you are being held securely by the overcoming love of God. You are not alone (Romans 8:35-39). For the Father will comfort and keep you during this time of bereavement.
Life is about being helpful, honorable, compassionate, and having it make a difference. It is our ability to care and love that can make the most significant difference in the quality of life for others and ourselves. Kindness quite simply is the rent we must pay for the space we occupy on this planet. We can make a difference in someone’s life in big and small ways. So, we know that Mr. Young will forever remain in the hearts and minds of those who he encountered.
As we continue to intercede and pray the Father’s perfect and direct will for you and your family, we pray that you will stand still and know from whence your help cometh. Be blessed knowing that you are not alone.
I did not know Mr. Tommy Scott Young personally. But I had heard of him doing many great things not only in South Carolina but other places as well. I also knew of him because of his late son Lee Thompson Young. From what I have known while he was alive, he was a good and very kind man. That he worked hard and did a lot for his community. It saddens me that he is no longer here with his family. My Condolences to his family and friends. May he rest in eternal peace.
I remember Tommy from Christ Unity where he served as President of the Board. He was ‘good people’ and never touted his accomplishments of which I was unaware until reading his obituary. From the obit, it’s obvious Tommy had a ‘life well lived’ and contributed to others in major ways. God speed, Tommy.
Our love and heart felt sympathy to Felicia and Tamia Rachael and Shelton. You are on our thoughts and prayers. Cherish all of the great memories
Richard and Sandra Love
My deepest condolences to The Family of Tommy Scott Young,This family has been an inspiration to our family( Sears) for a long as I can remember.My dad was The Pastor of The Gethsemane Baptist before I was born. The Thompson, and Young families home , was one of our places to spend Saturday nights, prior to worship as Gethsemane Baptist Church.I’ve known Tommy, his Sister Felicia Yvonne,and their
Parents, and Grandparents,all of my life. Tommy,and I had long and interesting dialogue over the years. He is sorely missed by me already.Family, I pray that The Grace of Jesus The Christ, will sustain
and keep you.
Rev Booker T. Sears, Jr
Goodwill Baptist Church
Bronx, NY
I met Tommy Scott Young when he arrived in Columbia and spent may a day talking with him. He enriched us all and I was sad to see him leave. I extend my condolences to the family. He left Columbia in a better place. I am sure this is true for everywhere and everyone he touched.
Ms. Trower the McCrorey-Liston High School class of 1984 send our deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. Know that we love you and you all are in our prayers.
Condolences to the family of Mr. Tommy Scott Young. To have the privilege of knowing someone who will always be remembered for enhancing the lives of thousands of people, young and old everyplace he traveled is truly something to be proud of. He will never be gone, because as long as he is in your hearts and minds, he is only a whisper away.
I worked with Tommy in the Poets-in-the-Schools Program in South Carolina in 1973-74. He was always so giving to the children and to us his colleagues. A bright and shining spirit if there ever was one. I’m sorry we lost touch and thank you whomever wrote this tribute. I am sorry for your loss.
I am sorry for your loss and my fondest memory of Tommy is him helping me to set up for a wedding in Columbia along with Yvonne,Shirley and my sister,Jackie.He enjoyed tying sashes and helping get the job done. I will always remember that night.
Yvonne, My dear Cousin-in Love,
Your cousin Sherman and I pray for God’s comfort and send our heartfelt condolences to you and the entire family for the passing of your dear brother,Tommy: a brother whom you nutured and demonstrated much love for.
May your fond memories of Tommy’s creative and friendly, light-hearted nature serve to add joy to your comfort in coming days.
Our love to you,
Charlyce & Sherman
So very sorry for your loss, he was an awesome man, I know he will be missed. I’m praying for the family.
I will forever remember you and hold you in my heart. The memories that I have of the family picnics we had at Griffith Park, have, and will, last me my lifetime. Thank you for being a beautiful human being 🙏🏽❤️🙏🏽
My prayers and condolences are with the family. Praying for God’s strength and comfort to give you peace. Tommy Scott will forever live in our hearts. Sleep on Cousin until we meet on the other side.
Words are inadequate to express how deeply saddened I am on the passing of my beloved cousin, Tommy Scott Young. Tommy and my mother, Betty Jean Young, were first cousins and she made certain everyone knew it. Although my heart is heavy, I find peace in knowing that he touched many lives and his memory will forever be in our hearts. Our loss is Heaven’s gain. To his sister Yvonne, I say Well Done! You were always his biggest fan!!
Because of Mr. Young and the Kitani foundation, I was encouraged and delighted to take a now deceased friend to the Schubert Theater in NY to see A Chorus Line which she thoroughly enjoyed. My sincere condolences to all of his talented family.
My condolences to his sister,other family members and friends. Mr. Tommy Scott Young did so much for the community in the arts. At one time he brought Columbia alive and entertained the people in and around the city. I really missed the culture events that he provided for us. R.I.P my friend.