Bon Scott's Real Name: Ronald Belford Scott

Quick answer: The singer was known professionally as Bon Scott. The official Bon Scott estate history and AllMusic independently give the name Ronald Belford Scott and list a July 9, 1946, birth in Forfar, Scotland, and a February 19, 1980, death.

Real name and early life

Independent publishers support the documented name Ronald Belford Scott. The official estate history says Ronald Belford Scott was born on July 9, 1946, in Forfar, Scotland, and grew up in Kirriemuir, the son of Charles Belford "Chick" Scott and Isabelle Cunningham "Isa" Scott. AllMusic independently lists the same name under "Also Known As" and records the birth as July 9, 1946, in Forfar, Angus, Scotland, though its narrative biography also says he was born in Kirriemuir. The official history says the family moved to Melbourne, Australia, in 1952 and later settled in Fremantle, Western Australia, in 1956, and that he first garnered the nickname Bon at North Fremantle Primary School, a reference to Bonnie Scotland or a Bonnie Scot. AllMusic independently says the family relocated to Australia in 1952 and that he quit school at age 15.

Career highlights

AllMusic says he later played in a local rock outfit called the Spektors, joined the Valentines by 1967, later joined the Sydney group Fraternity, and in 1974 joined AC/DC, recording the group's debut album High Voltage a year later. The official history independently traces the same path through The Spektors, The Valentines, Fraternity, and a 1974 arrival in AC/DC, and lists later songs including "It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll)," "T.N.T.," "Let There Be Rock," and "Highway to Hell." AllMusic independently says AC/DC's ascent culminated in 1979 when Highway to Hell reached the U.S. Top 20.

Death

The official history says he died on February 19, 1980, just weeks after the conclusion of the Highway to Hell tour. AllMusic independently records the death as February 19, 1980, in East Dulwich, London, England, and says he died in the wake of an all-night drinking binge.

Name notes for searchers

People looking up Bon Scott or Ronald Belford Scott are looking for the same singer, including the AC/DC work most often associated with his name. The official history and AllMusic support the name used in the title.