‘If You Only Knew’ how he did it

Since a technical snafu derailed the screening of Matthew Buzzell’s “Jimmy Scott: If You Only Knew” last July, the American Cinematheque has rescheduled this wonderful documentary of the great 77-year-old jazz vocalist, with Scott and Buzzell again present. Framed by clips of Scott in concert on a Japanese tour and at the Jazz Bakery in Culver City, where he performs this week, the film is full of insights from friends, family, colleagues and above all from the man himself. Early on, Scott tells us the importance of learning how “not to let the bad overwhelm the good.” In his case, this is no small trick. Born in Cleveland as one of 10 children with an often absent father, Scott at 12 was diagnosed with Kallman’s disease, a rare hormonal disorder that arrests puberty and is the reason for his trademark high voice; seven months later his mother was killed, struck by a car as she shoved her daughter to safety. From then on Scott became driven to succeed to care for his siblings. He had initial success singing with Lionel Hampton’s band, but bad luck and the exploitation shared by countless black recording artists of his generation dogged him into oblivion in the ‘60s, and he was not rediscovered until the ‘80s. The past decade has seen Scott record and perform all over the world, and it is gratifying to see that Scott, whose slender build belies a man of tremendous wisdom, spiritual strength and energy, so gratefully and deservedly enjoying every minute.

-- Kevin Thomas

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Egyptian Theater

6712 Hollywood Blvd., Hollywood

Wed. 7:30 p.m. (323) 466-FILM