PORTLAND — Grammy nominee Janice Scroggins has died. The Portland piano legend was a master of blues, gospel and jazz styles.
Scroggins moved to Portland in the late 70s from Oklahoma. A pianist since early childhood, she won fans as part of the classic soul band, The Esquires.
Over the years, she performed with Thara Memory, Curtis Salgado, Obo Addy, and frequently teamed up with her longtime friend, the blues singer Linda Hornbuckle.
Scroggins’ recording of Scott Joplin tunes released in 2000 earned her a Grammy nomination. She took on Joplin’s works in a stately, deliberate stride style, a sharp contrast to the jaunty way Joplin’s works are traditionally performed.
