Rising Above the Blues: The Story of Jimmy Scott
Rising Above the Blues: The Story of Jimmy Scott

Rising Above the Blues: The Story of Jimmy Scott

2012Movie89 minEnglish

About Jimmy Scott, who has had profound influence on the world of jazz and pop, but was never recognized by a wider audience. The documentary takes us behind the record production, where artists and musicians like Quincy Jones, Kenny Barron, John Pisano or Peter Erskine are telling their own story about Jimmy Scott. We get a look behind the scenery and find out how this record is carried out. This Making-Of is a moving document about an unknown icon of music history.

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Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic78/100
Google Users94%
Director: Rory KennedyGenres: Documentary, Music

Plot Summary

This documentary chronicles the extraordinary life and career of jazz singer Jimmy Scott, whose unique countertenor voice defied conventional categorization. It explores his early struggles, his near-misses with stardom, and his eventual recognition later in life. The film highlights his enduring passion for music despite numerous personal and professional hurdles.

Critical Reception

Rising Above the Blues received widespread critical acclaim for its poignant portrayal of Jimmy Scott's life and music. Critics lauded the film's emotional depth and its ability to capture the essence of Scott's unique talent and resilient spirit. Audiences were moved by the story of perseverance and artistic integrity.

What Reviewers Say

  • A deeply moving and inspiring portrait of a jazz legend.
  • Praised for its intimate look at Scott's life and the power of his voice.
  • Celebrated for its thoughtful exploration of artistic struggle and eventual triumph.

Google audience: Google users overwhelmingly praised the documentary for its emotional impact and for bringing Jimmy Scott's incredible story to light. Many viewers expressed admiration for his resilience and unique vocal talent, with comments frequently mentioning how the film inspired them and introduced them to a remarkable artist.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.

Fun Fact

Jimmy Scott's distinctive vocal style, which ranged into the female alto register, was often mistaken for a female singer early in his career, leading to confusion and sometimes prejudice.

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