Milestones Profiles Homepage

Jimmy Scott is widely known as the singer whose rare hormonal deficiency, Kallmann Syndrome, caused him to remain, physically, in a pre-adolescent state, creating a permanently high-pitched voice. Few know that this is only the beginning of his trials and tribulations. Scott recorded with Lionel Hampton in 1950, then worked with Charlie Parker and other jazz greats. His name seldom appeared on the recordings, though, and things got worse when Scott signed with Savoy Records’ Herman Lubinsky. Lubinsky kept Scott in obscurity, invoking contractual obligations to prevent a couple of excellent Scott recordings, including the Ray Charles produced Falling In Love is Wonderful and the Joel Dorn-produced The Source, from being sold.

Scott returned to his native Cleveland and took a succession of menial jobs: waiter at Bob’s Big Boy restaurant, dishwasher, and hotel elevator operator while also playing gigs at small local jazz clubs. His break, at the age of 60, came when he sang at friend Doc Pomus’ funeral, with many record company big wigs in attendance. He also was featured in David Lynch’s Twin Peaks television program and subsequent film Fire: Walk With Me. That began a renaissance, as Scott’s 1992 recording All the Way received a Grammy nomination. He recorded a series of sessions for Milestone in 2000 and 2001 which resulted in the release of four well-received albums for the label. It is from these that the material on Milestone Profiles is drawn.

The selection of material here is all stellar, concentrating largely on classic balladry. Scott’s voice, though often feminine to the untrained ear, is completely unique, largely due to his affliction. But the feeling he puts into each song, as well as his wonderful sense of phrasing and his timing, make it clear that his artistry is beyond dispute and is all his own doing. His work on such classic songs as “Smile,” “Moonglow,” “Mood Indigo,” “You Don’t Know What Love Is,” “Strange Fruit,” and “How Long Has This Been Going On?” is beautiful and transcendent.

Scott is joined by a stunning array of talented musicians on these tracks, making it clear just how revered a vocalist he is. Those accompanying Scott include Hank Crawford, Cyrus Chestnut, George Mraz, Grady Tate, Eric Alexander, Joe Beck, Gregoire Maret, Renee Rosnes, Wynton Marsalis, David “Fathead” Newman, and yes, even a few more.

For those unfamiliar with Scott, this collection provides a really nice introduction to his unique talent. Scott definitely deserved better than he got for most of his musical career—thanks to the Milestone label, he’s had the opportunity to log some great recordings in the twilight of his life that will forever earn him a place among jazz vocalists.