little jimmy scott, “imagination”
from: Very truly yours, 1955
“Imagination is funny
It makes the cloudy day sunny
Makes the bee think of honey
Just as I think of you
Imagination is crazy
Your whole perspective gets hazy
Starts you asking a daisy
What to do, what to do
Have you ever felt the gentle touch
And then a kiss, and then, and then
Find it’s only your imagination again
Oh, well
Imagination is silly
You go around willy-nilly
For example, I go around wanting you
And yet I can’t imagine that you want me too
Imagination is silly
You go around willy-nilly
For example, I go around wanting you
And yet I can’t imagine that you want me too”
I was flipping through my LPs today my fingers rested on “Little” Jimmy Scott, a singer whose vocals invariably stop me in my tracks. His slow tempos allow him to craft his contralto phrasing, timing, and delivery with remarkable sorrow and soul. No wonder he was a favorite of Billie Holiday. An unfortunate contract with Savoy Records shelved an album he made with Ray Charles in 1963 and for thirty years he worked as a busboy, shipping clerk, and hospital orderly. After singing at Doc Pomus’ funeral he was “rediscovered” and spent his remaining years touring and performing internationally.
-Maury Martin-
