The Untold Story of the Legendary Scatman John
John Larkin – a fast-living, hard-playing, stuttering jazz pianist – overcame abuse, addiction, ageism, and obscurity to stage one of the most improbable debuts in pop music history by turning his greatest pain into his purpose…
Release: 5th Feb 2026
Praise for Scatman John
The Remarkable Story of the World’s Unlikeliest Popstar
Selected as one of The Millions’ most anticipated books of Winter 2026
Selected for The Bookseller’s Nonfiction February Preview
“A worthy tribute to an enigmatic and influential musician.” – Publishers Weekly
“Disarming and even heroic” – Jazz Times
“Fascinating… an obscure figure in pop music finally receives recognition via one
of those rare “you-couldn’t-make-it-up” biographies” – Irish Times
“Moving, surprising, and truly unputdownable, this well-written book is a true testament to the transformative power of music. A joy to discover.” – LUXXURY, producer, songwriter, and DJ; One Song podcast
“His story is fascinating. What a tale.” – John Toal, BBC Radio
“Bravo, Gina! I got to play and record with John when he was a jazz pianist, and years later, he transformed into ‘The Scatman.’ Wow, I’ve learned so much about his hard-lived journey from this book.”
– Sam “Sluggo” Phipps, Oingo Boingo
“What an amazing story. Like Scatman’s own life, this book is an ode to the astonishing power of music as a means of expression, redemption, self-acceptance, and, ultimately, triumph.”
Geoff Spink, former BBC Age & Disability Correspondent; disability rights campaigner
“With meticulous research and careful reporting, Gina Waggott has crafted a memorable portrait of a man all people―no matter how they speak―should take the time to know better.”
John Hendrickson, author of Life on Delay: Making Peace with a Stutter
“An incredible story.” – Hannah Murray, Talk Radio Europe
“What a gift John Larkin was to the world. And what a gift Gina Waggott has given us in capturing all the vivid details of his buoyant life. Here was a life full of pain and deep love, despair and joy, a talent shared with the world just in time. Scatman John will give anyone who has ever felt shame a great deal of hope.”
Katherine Preston, author of Out With It: How Stuttering Helped Me Find My Voice
“Scatman John is a brilliant and important testament to the creative power of stuttering.”
Jonty Claypole, former Director of Arts, BBC; author of Words Fail Us: In Defence of Disfluency
