Biography
Jimmy Scott, born James Victor Scott on July 17, 1925, in Cleveland, Ohio, was the third of ten children in a musical family. His earliest musical experiences came from singing with his mother at the family piano and in the church choir. Tragedy struck at age thirteen when his mother was killed by a drunk driver, leaving him orphaned. Scott was diagnosed with Kallmann syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that prevented him from experiencing puberty, resulting in his distinctive high contralto voice and slight stature[2][3][4].
Scott's professional breakthrough came in 1949 when Lionel Hampton hired him as a featured vocalist, giving him the nickname "Little Jimmy Scott." He quickly gained recognition for his emotionally charged ballads, notably with the hit "Everybody's Somebody's Fool" in 1950. Despite his talent, Scott often faced professional setbacks, including lack of credit on major recordings and contractual disputes that led to the withdrawal of his critically acclaimed 1963 album "Falling in Love is Wonderful," produced by Ray Charles. These challenges caused his career to fade in the late 1960s, and he returned to Cleveland, working various jobs outside music until a revival in the 1990s brought renewed attention to his artistry[2][4].
Scott's musical style was marked by his androgynous voice, slow phrasing, and deep emotional resonance, earning admiration from legends like Billie Holiday, Ray Charles, and Nancy Wilson. His influence extended across genres, inspiring artists with his vulnerability and honesty. Over a career spanning more than six decades, Scott performed with jazz greats such as Charlie Parker, Sarah Vaughan, and Lester Young, as well as contemporary musicians like Lou Reed and David Byrne. He remains celebrated as one of the most unique and influential vocalists in jazz history[3][4][6].
Fun Facts
- Jimmy Scott's voice remained high and androgynous throughout his life due to Kallmann syndrome, which prevented him from going through puberty[2][3].
- He performed at both President Dwight Eisenhower's (1953) and President Bill Clinton's (1993) inaugurations, singing the same song, 'Why Was I Born?'[4].
- Scott's vocals were often miscredited or omitted from major recordings, including a Charlie Parker album where his singing was attributed to a female vocalist[2][4].
- Billie Holiday named Jimmy Scott as the only vocalist she admired, highlighting his impact among jazz legends[3].
Associated Acts
- Melvin Sparks & Jimmy Scott
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Lionel Hampton - Gave Scott his first big break and the nickname 'Little Jimmy Scott'; served as an early bandleader and mentor. (Lead vocals on 'Everybody's Somebody's Fool' (1949)) [1949–early 1950s]
Key Collaborators
- Ray Charles - Produced and supervised Scott's 1963 album 'Falling in Love is Wonderful' and helped him sign to Tangerine Records. (Falling in Love is Wonderful (1963)) [1963]
- Charlie Parker - Recorded together; Scott's vocal on 'Embraceable You' was featured on Parker's album. (One Night in Birdland (1950s)) [1950s]
- Sarah Vaughan - Performed together in various jazz settings. (Live performances) [1950s–1960s]
- Lou Reed - Collaborated in later years, notably on Reed's album. (Raven (2003)) [2000s]
Artists Influenced
- Nancy Wilson - Cited Scott's phrasing as a major influence on her vocal style. (Various recordings) [1960s onward]
- Frankie Valli - Influenced by Scott's emotional delivery and vocal timbre. (Various recordings) [1960s onward]
- Mikki Howard - Inspired by Scott's unique voice and phrasing. (Various recordings) [1980s onward]
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| The Source | 2001 | Album |
| Hey Eugene! | 2007-05-16 | Album |
| I Go Back Home | 2017-01-27 | Album |
| Hey Eugene! | 2007-05-09 | Album |
| The Savoy Years And More... | 1999-09-21 | Album |
| All The Way | 1992 | Album |
| Heaven | 1996-09-20 | Album |
| The Fabulous Songs Of Jimmy Scott | 1960-01-01 | Album |
| Mood Indigo | 2000-01-01 | Album |
| But Beautiful | 2002-03-12 | Album |
| Everybody's Somebody's Fool | 1999-01-01 | Album |
| Five Classic Albums (Very Truly Yours / If You Only Knew / The Fabulous Songs of Jimmy Scott / Sin & Soul / Between Heaven & Hell) (Digitally Remastered) | 2022-09-02 | Album |
| If I Should Lose You | 2021 | Album |
| Falling in Love Is Wonderful | 2018-01-06 | Album |
| Anthology: The Deluxe Collection (Remastered) | 2020-10-09 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Sycamore Trees
- Nothing Compares 2 U
- Our Day Will Come (The Source)
- On Broadway (The Source)
- Tea for Two (Hey Eugene!)
- Day by Day (The Source)
- Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child (The Source)
- When Did You Leave Heaven (The Savoy Years And More...)
- Motherless Child (feat. Joey DeFrancesco (I Go Back Home)
- I Wish I Knew (The Source)
External Links
Tags: #jazz, #vocal-jazz
References
Heard on WWOZ
jimmy scott has been played 3 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 7, 2026 | 18:03 | angel eyesfrom all the way | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón | |
| Dec 3, 2025 | 15:57 | Don`t Cry Babyfrom Holding Back The Years | Sittin' at the Crossroadw/ Big D | |
| Oct 29, 2025 | 17:30 | day by dayfrom the source | Jazz from Jax Breweryw/ Al Colón |