Tom Scott

Tom Scott

(1948–)

Los Angeles, CA, United States

Los Angeles-born jazz saxophonist who led the L.A. Express and recorded with Joni Mitchell, George Harrison, and Steely Dan. Played lyricon (electronic wind instrument) on 'Billie Jean' from Michael Jackson's Thriller, adding a distinctive texture to pop history. On Wings' 'Listen to What the Man Said' (1975), he improvised a sax solo on the first take without having heard the song — that take became the #1 single.

Jazz saxophonist Tom ScottTom ScottTom Scottトム・スコット played the solo on Wings' "Listen to What the Man Said" (1975, #1 hit). He was called in last minute because he lived near the studio, had never heard the song before, and improvised his solo on the very first take. Every subsequent take was inferior — they kept the spontaneous first pass.

— 50 Years Ago: Wings Finally Finish 'Listen to What the Man Said'

Tom ScottTom ScottTom Scottトム・スコット walked into the studio for Wings' 'Listen to What the Man Said' (1975), heard the song for the first time, and improvised a sax solo on the spot. That first take became the #1 single. He later played lyricon on Michael Jackson's 'Billie Jean' — two of pop's most iconic recordings, both with a jazz musician's spontaneous touch.

— Listen to What the Man Said, Wikipedia, 2024