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Jimmy Scott

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Vocalist

The Resume

    (July 17, 1925-June 12, 2014)
    Born in Cleveland, Ohio
    Jazz vocalist
    Known for his contralto voice
    Also performed as Little Jimmy Scott
    Recorded the albums 'Very Truly Yours' (1956), 'The Fabulous Songs of Jimmy Scott' (1960), 'Falling in Love Is Wonderful' (1963), 'All The Way' (1992), 'Dream' (1994), 'Heaven' (1996), 'Holding Back the Years' (1998), 'Over the Rainbow' (2001) and 'All of Me: Live in Tokyo' (2004)
    Sang 'Sycamore Trees' in the final episode of Twin Peaks

Why he might be annoying:

    His vocals on Charlie Parker's 'Embraceable You' were credited to a female singer.
    The album many critics consider his best, 'Falling In Love Is Wonderful,' was yanked from the stores after a few days due to a dispute between Ray Charles' Tangerine Records, who issued the album, and Savoy Records, who claimed to have a lifetime contract with Scott.
    He was married five times and divorced four.
    In the late 60s, he left the music business (except occasional club dates around Cleveland) and worked odd jobs, such as hospital orderly, elevator operator and cook at a Bob's Big Boy.
    He noted about his androgynous voice and appearance, 'In my adult life, people have looked at me as an oddity.'

Why he might not be annoying:

    He was orphaned at age 13 when his mother was killed by a drunk driver.
    He had the genetic condition Kallman's syndrome, which prevented him from reaching puberty, so his voice never dropped.
    The condition also stunted his growth at 4'11 until age 37 when he added 8 inches in an unexplained spurt.
    He was rediscovered when he sang 'Someone to Watch Over Me' at the funeral of songwriter Doc Pomus (1991).
    He performed at the inaugurations of Presidents Dwight David Eisenhower (1953) and Bill Clinton (1993).
    Jazz pianist Billy Taylor said, 'His instincts for phrasing were phenomenal. He interprets lyrics like Olivier interpreting Shakespeare.'
    Madonna said, 'Jimmy Scott is the only singer who makes me cry.'

Credit: C. Fishel


Featured in the following Annoying Collections:

Year In Review:

    In 2023, Out of 3 Votes: 66.67% Annoying
    In 2022, Out of 5 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2021, Out of 11 Votes: 90.91% Annoying
    In 2020, Out of 6 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2019, Out of 2 Votes: 50.0% Annoying
    In 2018, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2017, Out of 3 Votes: 33.33% Annoying
    In 2016, Out of 2 Votes: 100% Annoying
    In 2015, Out of 6 Votes: 0% Annoying
    In 2014, Out of 30 Votes: 43.33% Annoying