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
Amazon’s #1 Dance Music Bestseller (March 2026)

“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

“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

“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

OUT NOW!