MUMBAI: US jazz singer Jimmy Scott whose distinctive high-pitched voice made him one of the most unique vocalists in modern jazz, died on 13 June at the age of 88 years.

The details of Scott's passing away are vague but, he had been suffering from a rare genetic condition called Kallmann syndrome; it stunted his growth and stopped him from reaching his puberty. His shrill and soprano voice was also a result of the disorder. Born in Cleveland on 17 July, 1925, he had nine siblings.

The jazz star was regarded as the 'father of falsetto' and has been compared with female voices like Nancy Wilson, Etta Jones and Dinah Washington. His track 'Everybody's Somebody's Fool' had topped most of the charts during his cross-over into rhythm and blues in 1950.

Although, Scott never made it into the mainstream music industry, he was respected and admired by everyone in the field. His work also influenced a lot of musicians including Madonna who had once said, "Jimmy Scott is the only singer who makes me cry."

The late musician was featured on David Lynch's series 'Twin Peaks' in 1991. He has also performed with great personalities like Elton John, Lou Reed (Red Hot Chili Peppers) and Sting. Scott's album "All The Way" was nominated in 1992 for the Grammy Awards although it did not win.

Scott's wife of 10 years, Jeanie Scott, said in a statement, "He was different from any person I ever met. He was kind, humble. Everyone he met he made them feel special. He had a hard life, but he didn't hold any resentment."