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Scott Ellison Says Now Is His Time to Shine

Interview with guest interviewer Barry Kerzner

Currently, people around the world are enjoying their music at home because for the last few weeks, a
great portion of the world has been homebound trying to avoid being infected with the Coronavirus.
No live festivals, concerts, or shows. In fact, artists and performers of every persuasion have seen
their ability to earn a living shrivel up to a mere pittance. If they’re lucky, they are able to earn some
money by performing live shows on Facebook or other social media venues.

It is in this climate that Scott Ellison delivers his best album ever. In fact, he believes Skyline Drive
will be the best received music of his career in spite of the dire times we are living through. And why
shouldn’t he feel that way? He’s played with everyone from Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown to The
Drifters, The Coasters, and Gary “US” Bonds. He’s been putting out winning solo albums for years and
playing his music for fans in every corner of our blue planet.

I was privileged to speak with Ellison as he shared moments from his amazing career including being
praised onstage by none other than BB King himself. He also provided his perspectives on writing,
recording, and performing.

Barry Kerzner: Oklahoma has such a rich musical heritage.
Scott Ellison Leon Russell, J.J. Cale, Chet Baker, Garth Brooks, Roy Clark,
Wanda Jackson, Reba McEntire, and the legendary Woody
Guthrie are just some of the great artists the state has
produced. How does it feel to be a part of that?

Scott Ellison: It’s the greatest thing in the world. For a
guitar player, this is the greatest place in the world to grow
up. I’m a baby-boomer so the guys that were my heroes
were J.J. Cale, Leon Russell, Barney Kessel from Muskogee,
and on and on and on! So, growing up with that is your
model and there was great local talent growing up in Tulsa.

The musicianship of the guitar players was so great with
everybody.

BK: Early on you played with Jesseca James (Conway
Twitty's daughter) …

SE: That was my first road gig back in ’77. Good experience. Did a US tour and a Canadian tour.
Good way to jump into the road thing and learn early.

BK: … and later with Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown in 1981. He was insanely good! How did you
land that?