Why was Scott Gertner nominated for Grammy? All about Sky Bar’s former owner as he dies

Musician and entrepreneur Scott Gertner died on May 1, 2025.. The Houston based restauranteur who once owned the famous Sky Bar, was not only known for bringing live music acts to the dining experience, but was also himself an acclaimed performer and singer. Gertner served as an opening act for popular musicians such as Erykah Badu, Elton John, Brian McKnight, Harry Connick Jr., George Benson and Michael Bolton, according to Houston Chronicle.

As per Top 40 Charts, Gertner’s first album was named Scott Gertner, Live, A Night to Remember. The outlet notes that Gertner received a Grammy nomination for one of the album’s tracks, Don't Wanna Say Goodbye. In total, Fox 26 Houston reports that Gertner was nominated thrice for a Grammy.

The news of Gertner’s passing was shared in a statement by his family, posted to his social media page on May 1. The statement read:

“We are deeply saddened today to share the news of the unexpected passing of Houston entertainment icon Scott Gertner. Our family is heartbroken and still processing this sudden loss. We appreciate your expressions of love and kindly ask for privacy as we navigate this difficult time. Funeral details will be shared soon.”

Gertner had music in his blood. According to Doc Fest Jazz, Gertner’s mother was a professional singer in the Catskills in upstate New York, and Gertner learned to play the piano and the guitar at a young age, before forming his own band. Later, Gertner went on to graduate from Houston School of Performing and Visual Arts as per Culture Map Houston.

In 2008, Gertner released the 12 track album, Only Human.

About Scott Gertner’s famous Sky Bar and other venues

Sky Bar, which opened in 1999, was located in Montrose, as per Houston Chronicle. In an older interview with the news outlet, Gertner had once recalled the well-known celebrities who frequented his popular nightlife venue. He said,

“We have had everyone from Luther Vandross, Patti Labelle, Brian McKnight, Steve Harvey, the O'Jays, Chick Corea and Bob James to Shaq and every major basketball player and football player”

Houston Chronicle also noted that Beyoncé’s backup singer, Montina Cooper, spoke highly of Gertner as a friend.

Gartner also owned and operated several other nightlife venues, such as, Scott Gertner’s Sports Bar Live and Scott Gertner’s at Houston Pavilions.

When Scott Gertner’s at Houston Pavilions opened up around a decade ago, Gertner spoke to C. Allen Media about the location the venue was based at, and said,

“Because I had a rooftop location, and the center approached me about a year after I had the Sky Bar and said that they needed another anchor tenant along with House of Blues. And I looked at the center and realized that this was an area that people knew the side of the House of Blues, they didn’t know it was a three block entertainment, retail shopping center, restaurants, all inclusive downtown, great location"

He continued,

"It’s hard to duplicate the Sky Bar, so thats why I didn’t call it the Sky Bar, I had to make sure this was more of an event venue.”

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The Sky Bar, however, was shut down in 2010 unfortunately, when the building passed to new ownership with which Gertner was unable to negotiate a lease, according to Houston Chronicle.

Gertner eventually also opened Scott Gertner's Rhythm Room, which remains operational in Memorial, Houston at present, and features Skybar Wednesdays.

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