Little Jimmy Scott was born as one of ten siblings to Arthur and Justine Scott, with all ten children singing in church with their musician mother. Jimmy and his brother Kenny suddenly stopped growing during their early teens, and it was later discovered that they both suffered from a rare and inherited condition known as Kallmann's Syndrome, which causes hormone imbalances and renders sufferers in a perpetual state of pre-puberty.
Jimmy Scott refused treatment out of fear that it might damage his voice, and as a result, he has remained a vocalist widely known for his boyish soprano. His first recording was "I Wish I Knew" in 1949, a song he later re-recorded with Jazz vibraphonist Lionel Hampton.
He later recorded and performed with the Paul Gayten Band, and by 1963, he had recorded a critically acclaimed album called "Falling in Love is Wonderful" produced by the legendary Ray Charles. Unfortunately, the album was pulled from record store shelves and radio stations due to a contractual obligation to Savoy Records, his former label.
This litigation claimed that Scott was legally bound to record exclusively for Savoy Records, and subsequently, his career suffered. He did not perform at all for several years, making a living working in a shipping room at a Cleveland Sheraton Hotel.
It would not be until 1971 when he would enjoy a return to the music scene with the album "All the Way" for Sire Records. Seymour Stein of Sire had the good fortune of hearing Scott's emotion-filled vocals at a funeral for Doc Pomus, a man who had severely and publicly criticized record companies that mismanaged Scott's career.
Stein signed Scott to a long-term recording contract immediately. As a vocalist, Scott is noted for his androgynous voice, impeccable phrasing, and unbelievably slow and emotional tempos that have influenced recording artists as diverse as Frankie Valli, Mikki Howard, and Nancy Wilson.
One listen to "Little Jimmy" and you'll understand where Nancy Wilson gets much of her unique phrasing. While his voice today has lost some of its original luster due to the ravages of time and age, he is currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity that all who hear him agree is long overdue.
All would additionally agree that his decision to forego treatment for Kallmann's Syndrome was a blessing for us all, as it has allowed him to maintain his unique vocal style and share it with the world.
