John Paul Larkin, born on March 13, 1942, and known to the world as Scatman John, was an influential American musician whose unique blend of scat singing and dance music captivated audiences in the 1990s. A talented jazz pianist and vocalist, Larkin spent decades honing his craft before achieving widespread recognition in 1994.
His most notable hits, including 'Scatman (Ski-Ba-Bop-Ba-Dop-Bop)' and 'Scatman's World', showcased his innovative style and resonated with fans across the United States and Europe. However, it was in Japan where he found his greatest success, with his album 'Scatman's World' selling over one million copies.
Beyond his musical achievements, Larkin was deeply committed to raising awareness about stuttering, a challenge he faced personally. In 1996, he founded the Scatland Foundation to promote research and education on the subject. His dedication to the stuttering community earned him the Annie Glenn Award from the American Speech–Language–Hearing Association.
Scatman John's legacy continues to inspire, as he was posthumously inducted into the National Stuttering Association Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions both as an artist and an advocate.