Home » Jazz Musicians » Jimmy Scott

Jimmy Scott

Jimmy Scott is an NEA Jazz Master

The life of Jimmy Scott is not one of meteoric stardom but a journey that has taken nearly seventy years to find its much deserved success.

One of ten children, James Victor Scott was born in Cleveland, Ohio on July 17, 1925.

The f irst time Jimmy sang on a public stage was at school when the teacher had him sing the lead in a play "Ferdinand the Bull", after that she always had him do the leads. He was only 12 years old when he became known as a singer around Cleveland. While in his teens a Comedian saw the potential in Jimmy, he was Tim McCoy from Akron. Whenever Tim got a "gig" around Northeast Ohio, he would take Jimmy along with him on the bill. Jimmy would sing at different clubs, they would sneak him out before the cops arrived, because he was not only under age, but looked even younger than his actual years. Later Jimmy produced the Summer Festivals, a group of talented youngsters, like his friend jazz baritone singer Jimmy Reed and dancer Barbara Taylor, that would put on shows all around the area.

They also worked and put on shows at the Metropolitan Theater where the big bands would come in to play, Jimmy set up a concession to supply the Artists with soap, clean towels, and toiletries. He was hired by the dance troupe, "The Two Flashes", Jimmy took the job to be close to show business, its players, and the stage. While in Meadville, PA. they were working with some of the greatest jazz musicians of the day, Lester Young, Slam Stewart, Ben Webster, Papa Jo Jones, Sir Charles, etc…The music was jumpin' and so was Jimmy, he asked the dancers to see if the band would let him do a couple of numbers, they said ok. Jimmy sang "The Talk of the Town" and "Don't Take Your Love Away", the audience went crazy showing their love for Jimmy and the thunderous applause was deafening. Every time the band ran into Jimmy, they'd ask him to come up on stage a do a couple numbers. Some of the early big bands Jimmy enjoyed were Count Basie's Band, Erskine Hawkins, and Father Earl Hines, but Lester Young was his favorite tenor sax player. He joined Lionel Hampton's Band in 1948, where he discovered the vibraphone and the strings, Jimmy said "it helped him to learn the beauty of the song and encouraged him to sing". Lionel was a mentor to Jimmy and the one who tagged him with the stage name, "Little Jimmy Scott", at the time he was 23, only 4'11", thin, and very young looking. Jimmy said it was a gimmick for Lionel's show, but it wasn't too many years later that you started hearing more singers take their cue from Jimmy's stage name and call themselves Little So & So.

Read more

Tags

Album Review

Jimmy Scott: I Go Back Home: A Story About Hoping And Dreaming

Read "I Go Back Home: A Story About Hoping And Dreaming" reviewed by Angelo Leonardi


I Go Back Home è l'ultima toccante testimonianza di Jimmy Scott, singolare cantante afro-americano, riscoperto e celebrato in età avanzata all'inizio degli anni Novanta. La produzione di questo album è stata fortemente voluta dal tedesco Ralf Kemper che ha affiancato a Jimmy Scott ospiti del calibro di Kenny Barron, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Till Brönner, Joey DeFrancesco, James Moody, Gregoire Maret, Joe Pesci, Arturo Sandoval e risale al 2009. Accanto al disco è stato realizzato un documentario del regista ...

7
Album Review

Jimmy Scott: I Go Back Home: A Story About Hoping And Dreaming

Read "I Go Back Home: A Story About Hoping And Dreaming" reviewed by Dan Bilawsky


Sadness naturally hovers like a black cloud over life's December days, but hope and joy can often find a way to peak through the overcast skies. That's a message that comes through most clearly on Jimmy Scott's beautiful parting gift to the world. I Go Back Home manages to serve as swan song, celebration, tribute, soiree, and soundtrack all at once. It brings Scott into contact with an incredible array of musicians while showcasing his inimitable voice--a ...

6
Film Review

Jimmy Scott: I Go Back Home

Read "Jimmy Scott: I Go Back Home" reviewed by Victor L. Schermer


Jimmy Scott: I Go Back Home Kemper Music, Sine Qua Non Music 2016 “Little" Jimmy Scott (1925-2014) was for a long time the world's greatest jazz singer nobody ever heard of. Enormously talented, with an intuitive grasp of the jazz idiom and the blues, he began his ascendance as a singer with Lionel Hampton's band in the 1950s, and then almost vanished from the scene for three decades. In 1991, Velvet Underground guitarist Lou Reed and ...

267
Interview

Jimmy Scott: Across the Universe

Read "Jimmy Scott: Across the Universe" reviewed by Chris M. Slawecki


Listening to Little Jimmy Scott sing is different from listening to any other singer. His high-pitched voice carries more emotion than any instrument can reasonably bear, and seems to come from a special place deep within his heart. Yet that voice also seems to resound from a profound source far beyond any one man, a place where individuality no longer exists: The everlasting pulse of the universe. Jimmy Scott's voice soars in the heaven of romantic love, and burns in ...

603
Interview

Meet Little Jimmy Scott

Read "Meet Little Jimmy Scott" reviewed by Bill Donaldson


All About Jazz: You've been out of the country recently? Jimmy Scott: Yes, I was in France and Italy. I was there with my regular group. Hilliard Greene is on bass, Michael Keenan is on piano, and Victor Jones is on drums. Hilliard has been with me for twelve years, and the other two have been with me for at least four years. I organized a band in '85, and Hilliard was with me then. AAJ: ...

679
Profile

Jimmy Scott: Counting His Blessings

Read "Jimmy Scott: Counting His Blessings" reviewed by Andrew Velez


“Jimmy had soul way back when people weren't using the word," observed Ray Charles. Even though through the years he's inspired champions like Quincy Jones, Lou Reed, Elton John and director David Lynch, NEA Jazz Master Jimmy Scott's career has been a rollercoaster for over seven decades. He's unlikely ever to become a household name and yet scores of singers have been influenced by his powerfully emotional style and uniquely expressive phrasing, among them Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Frankie ...

121
Album Review

Jimmy Scott: Profiles

Read "Profiles" reviewed by Joel Roberts


No singer in jazz or popular music can convey heartache and loss with the conviction of Jimmy Scott. Then again, few have endured the struggles and overcome the challenges that the Cleveland native with the inimitable soprano has faced over his long and remarkable career. This compilation in Milestone's Profiles series draws from a set of albums Scott recorded for the label over a short span from 2000-01, when he was about 75 and about a decade ...

Read more articles
1

Obituary

Aaron Sachs and Jimmy Scott, Gone

Aaron Sachs and Jimmy Scott, Gone

Source: Rifftides by Doug Ramsey

It is sad to hear of the recent deaths of Aaron Sachs and Jimmy Scott. Sachs was a gifted clarinetist and tenor saxophonist who never became as well known as many of hiscontemporaries despite yeoman work in bands led by Van Alexander, Red Norvo, Benny Goodman, Earl Hines, Benny Goodman, Tom Talbert and Buddy Rich, among others. In the 1960she became a stalwart in Latin jazz, playing for Machito, Tito Puente, and Tito Rodriguez. Sachs would have been 91 on ...

130

Interview

Singer Jimmy Scott Interviewed at All About Jazz

Singer Jimmy Scott Interviewed at All About Jazz

Source: All About Jazz

Listening to Little Jimmy Scott sing is different from listening to any other singer. His high-pitched voice carries more emotion than any instrument can reasonably bear, and seems to come from a special place deep within his heart. Yet that voice also seems to resound from a profound source far beyond any one man, a place where individuality no longer exists: The everlasting pulse of the universe. Jimmy Scott's voice soars in the heaven of romantic love, and burns in ...

112

Event

Jill Newman Productions Presents Sly & the Family Stone, Jimmy Scott, Bilal, Derrick Hodge and Others

Jill Newman Productions Presents Sly & the Family Stone, Jimmy Scott, Bilal, Derrick Hodge and Others

Source: All About Jazz

JILL NEWMAN PRODUCTIONS PRESENTS EXCITING CALENDAR OF EVENTS including SLY & THE FAMILY STONE, JIMMY SCOTT BILAL, DERRICK HODGE & OTHERS NEW YORK, NY, October 29, 2007 - Jill Newman Productions, renowned across the nation for high-quality, diverse music productions, announces an exciting calendar of events, including the UNITED STATES PREMIERE OF THE TRIUMPHANT RETURN OF SLY & THE FAMILY STONE, Jimmy Scott, Bilal, Derrick Hodge and others. Calendar of Events: WORLD PREMIERE OF ...

123

Performance / Tour

Jimmy Scott Wed. thru Sun. at the Iridium Jazz Club Sets at 8:30 & 10:30PM

Jimmy Scott Wed. thru Sun. at the Iridium Jazz Club Sets at 8:30 & 10:30PM

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

IRIDIUM JAZZ CLUB 1650 BROADWAY (Corner of 51st) NEW YORK, NY 10023 RESERVATIONS: 212-582-2121 Sets 8:30 & 10:30PM Feb. 22-25 JIMMY SCOTT Featuring The Jazz Expressions Jimmy Scott, a former Lionel Hampton vocalist, snared a couple of R&B hits in the 50's, but spent much of his time in obscurity, until rediscovered in the early 80's where he became a mainstay on the New York club scene. His comeback- which ...

139

Performance / Tour

Les Paul (Mon) Mingus Big Band (Tues) Vince Giordano (Wed) Jimmy Scott Feb. 22-25 (Late Nite Fri) Jonathan Kreisberg (Late Nite Sat) Liberty Ellman at the Iridium Jazz Club

Les Paul (Mon) Mingus Big Band (Tues) Vince Giordano (Wed) Jimmy Scott Feb. 22-25  (Late Nite Fri) Jonathan Kreisberg (Late Nite Sat) Liberty Ellman at the Iridium Jazz Club

Source: Jim Eigo, Jazz Promo Services

IRIDIUM JAZZ CLUB 1650 BROADWAY (Corner of 51st) NEW YORK, NY 10023 RESERVATIONS: 212-582-2121 8:30 & 10:30PM, Fri. & Sat. 3rd Sets AT MIDNIGHT Note: Set Times for Les Paul Remain at 8 & 10PM EVERY MONDAY LES PAUL AND HIS TRIO JOHN COLIANNI - PIANO - LOU PALLO - GUITAR, NICKI PARROTT - BASS Note: Set Times for Les Paul Remain at 8 & 10PM Mingus Big ...

129

Music Industry

Bassist Hilliard (Hill) Greene Goes It "Alone" After 18 Years with Vocalist Jimmy Scott

Bassist Hilliard (Hill) Greene Goes It "Alone" After 18 Years with Vocalist Jimmy Scott

Source: All About Jazz

New York--A long and fruitful performance relationship has come to an amicable end between world-class bassist Hilliard (Hill) Greene and legendary jazz vocalist Jimmy Scott. After 13 years as Mr. Scott's musical director, and 18 years overall as his sideman, after many recordings, numerous television and radio programs, and countless concert tours and club dates, Hill Greene is wading in the musical waters elsewhere. The title of Mr. Greene's first solo CD, “Alone," could hold some prophetic notes, but surely ...

119

Event

The Jazz Expressions (the back up band for Jimmy Scott) will perform @ Terrace In The Sky - NYC

The Jazz Expressions (the back up band for Jimmy Scott) will perform @ Terrace In The Sky - NYC

Source: All About Jazz

June 27 2006 - THE JAZZ EXPRESSIONS (the back up band for Jimmy Scott) will perform @ TERRACE IN THE SKY - NYC 7:30PM - 9:30PM TK Blue - sax & flute Dwayne “Cook" Broadnax - drums Aaron Graves - piano Hilliard (Hill) Greene - bass/music director Terrace in the Sky Restaurant 400 West 119th Street (Btw. Morningside ...

146

Festival

25th Cape May Jazz Festival Honoring "Little Jimmy Scott" April 21-23, 2006

25th Cape May Jazz Festival Honoring "Little Jimmy Scott" April 21-23, 2006

Source: All About Jazz

WHAT: 25th Cape May Jazz Festival Honoring “Little Jimmy Scott"

WHEN: April 21-23, 2006

WHERE: Cape May Convention Hall, Theatre at Lower Regional High School, Aleathea's (Inn of Cape May), Carney's, Cabanas, Congress Hall Boiler Room, Caf Promenade (Montreal Inn), Grand Hotel.

WHO: Little Jimmy Scott, Billy Paul, Hugh Masekela, Eric Lewis Quintet, Joe Baione Quintet, Ms. Carmen Lundy, Nancy Kelly, Willie Martinez & La Familia Sextet, Ellas y Amigos, Point Blank, Greg Skaff, Sharon Clarke, Elio Villafranca with Denise ...

155

Performance / Tour

The Frank and Joe Show (Mon) Mingus Big Band (Tues) Mahavishnu Project (Wed) Feb. 9-12 Jimmy Scott at the Iridium Jazz Club

The Frank and Joe Show (Mon) Mingus Big Band (Tues) Mahavishnu Project (Wed) Feb. 9-12 Jimmy Scott at the Iridium Jazz Club

Source: All About Jazz

February 6, 2006 To: Listings/Critics/Features From: JAZZ PROMO SERVICES Press Contact: JIM EIGO, [email protected] IRIDIUM JAZZ CLUB 1650 BROADWAY (Corner of 51st) NEW YORK, NY 10023 RESERVATIONS: 212-582-2121, www.iridiumjazzclub.com Sets at 8 & 10PM Fri. & Sat. 3rd Sets 11:30PM EVERY MONDAY LES PAUL AND HIS TRIO EVERY TUESDAY THE MINGUS BIG BAND EVERY SUNDAY BARRY LEVITT'S VOCAL JAZZ WORKSHOP & BRUNCH FEATURING THE BARRY LEVITT QUARTET BRIAN GRICE - DRUMS CHIP JACKSON - BASS DAVID SCHNITTER - SAX BARRY ...

123

Performance / Tour

The Jazz Expressions (TJE), Little Jimmy Scott’s Swinging Back-up Quartet, to Perform at St. Peter’s Jazz Vespers, Sun., Sept. 25, 5pm.

The Jazz Expressions (TJE), Little Jimmy Scott’s Swinging Back-up Quartet, to Perform at St. Peter’s Jazz Vespers, Sun., Sept. 25, 5pm.

Source: All About Jazz

“I can’t say enough about the Jazz expressions. It would be hard to find more committed or more brilliant musicians. Their improvisations and progressive unions are flawless. For anyone who appreciates top-notch jazz symmetry, it doesn’t get much better.” ---John Hoglund/Backstage

With legendary singer Little Jimmy Scott’s blessing, The Jazz Expressions(TJE), his swinging hard-bop back-up quartet, will perform excerpts from their new instrumental only CD, “On The Road,” at Saint ...

Photos

Music

Recordings: As Leader | As Sideperson

I Go Back Home: A...

Eden River Records
2017

buy

I Go Back Home: A...

Eden River Records
2016

buy

I Go Back Home - A...

Eden River Records
2016

buy

Profiles

Milestone
2006

buy

Moon Glow

Fantasy Jazz
2003

buy

Videos

Similar

Get more of a good thing!

Our weekly newsletter highlights our top stories, our special offers, and upcoming jazz events near you.