Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child

January 12, 2007 5:56 PM

"...People do have an attitude of curiosity toward me. They say, 'This guy looks funny, he looks too young, he looks like a woman, but I can't be sure.'"

Jimmy Scott's unforgettable voice has inspired generations of singers-- both male and female-- from the 1940's to present day (he worked with David Lynch on a song for "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me," and is still making recordings). Read his bittersweet story on his official website. Born with Kallman Syndrome [Wikipedia], his voice has remained the undiluted, soaring soprano that he's had since childhood. A couple of mp3's here, as well as the inevitable YouTubery.
posted by hermitosis (15 comments total)

My favorite album of his is "The Source". It's only 8 tracks-- a cheap iTunes buy.

*Not an Apple investor*
posted by hermitosis at 5:58 PM on January 12, 2007

I've been meaning to check him out since seeing the final episode of Twin Peaks, in which he appeared (and the song he sang that's on the Fire Walk With Me soundtrack is actually from that episode, not the movie)... but I haven't. But I will now! I had forgotten! But my forgetting's over. Thank you, Hermitosis.
posted by SmileyChewtrain at 6:03 PM on January 12, 2007

Highly recommended.
posted by Brian B. at 6:19 PM on January 12, 2007

That is my favorite Jimmy Scott album, Brian B. His voice is just mesmerizing...
posted by causticgnostic at 6:46 PM on January 12, 2007

Jimmy Scott is the bomb. He also has a track on the otherwise worthless Chelsea Walls soundtrack.
posted by keswick at 6:50 PM on January 12, 2007

Nice post. I love his singing and, about once a year or so, I see something about him and am always a little surprised he's still with us. His performance of "Under the Sycamore Trees" (from the Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me soundtrack) is well worth checking out.
posted by dhammond at 6:54 PM on January 12, 2007

He is a treasure.
posted by Iron Rat at 8:08 PM on January 12, 2007

A really nice duet with Michael Stipe can be found on the "Albino Alligator" soundtrack.
posted by davebush at 8:46 PM on January 12, 2007

Anyone know if MC Chris also has Kallman Syndrome? His voice is weirdly high, even when speaking normally (i.e., not singing/rapping).
posted by hjo3 at 9:12 PM on January 12, 2007

His voice makes me melt. Wonderful post!
posted by Brittanie at 12:21 AM on January 13, 2007

'Sycamore Trees' from the 'Twin Peaks: Fire walk with me' soundtrack is one of my favorite songs ever.

This is awesome.
posted by dozo at 1:28 AM on January 13, 2007

They say, 'This guy looks funny, he looks too young, he looks like a woman, but I can't be sure.

I thought this post was going to be about a different Jimmy altogether
posted by PeterMcDermott at 4:50 AM on January 13, 2007

Video of Jimmy performing "Sometimes I Feel Like a Motherless Child" can be found here.
posted by joedan at 11:26 AM on January 13, 2007

"somewhere down the crazy river"
posted by vronsky at 12:08 PM on January 13, 2007

Was lucky enough to see him live in London a couple of years ago. Have at it.
posted by prolific at 12:52 PM on January 13, 2007