Freddie Scott
Freddie Scott (April 24, 1933 – June 4, 2007) was an influential American soul singer and songwriter, best known for his deep, expressive baritone and his 1960s R&B hits. Born in Providence, Rhode Island, he began singing at age 12 in his grandmother’s gospel group, Sally Jones & the Gospel Keyes, and even toured England with them. Scott initially pursued a career in medicine, studying at the University of Rhode Island and Paine College in Georgia. He eventually abandoned medicine to join the Swanee Quintet Juniors and pursue music full-time.
After serving in the military during the late 1950s, he became a songwriter at the famous Brill Building for Aldon Music. He wrote "Baby I'm Sorry" for Ricky Nelson's 1957 debut album and "I'll Be Spinning" for Johnnie & Joe.
"Hey, Girl" (1963): Originally a demo intended for Chuck Jackson, Scott’s own version became a top 10 hit on both the Pop and R&B charts. After a brief, unsuccessful stint with Columbia Records, Scott signed with Bert Berns' Shout Records. "Are You Lonely for Me" (1967) became his signature hit, spending four weeks at #1 on the R&B charts. It reportedly required over 100 takes to perfect.
In the 1970s, he transitioned into writing advertising jingles and appeared in minor film roles, such as in the 1969 movie Stiletto. He remained active on the "oldies circuit" and released his first album of new material in 25 years, Brand New Man, in 2001. Scott passed away in New York City in 2007 at the age of 74.
His 1968 song "(You) Got What I Need" gained renewed fame after being famously sampled for Biz Markie's 1989 hit "Just a Friend".
Lonely Man
A2 Giving You My Heart
Arranged By, Conductor – Garry Sherman 2:37
A3 Blow Wind
Arranged By, Conductor – Garry Sherman 2:43
A4 My Arms Aren't Strong Enough 2:31
A5 One More Time Before I Go
Arranged By, Conductor – Belford C. Hendricks 2:32
B1 I'm Too Far Gone To Turn Around
Arranged By, Conductor – Belford C. Hendricks 2:44
B2 Just One Love
Arranged By, Conductor – Belford C. Hendricks 2:25
B3 It's Been Like This (All Of My Life) 2:43
B4 Sing, Girl
Arranged By, Conductor – Garry Sherman 2:34
B5 I'll Try Again
Arranged By, Conductor – Garry Sherman 2:26
Label: Columbia – CS 9460
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1967
Genre: R&B Soul
Style: Sixties Soul
Freddie Scott's Lonely Man album showcases his versatile, soulful voice across pop, R&B, and even country-tinged tracks, featuring Brill Building songwriting, rich ballads like "Laura," organ-driven soul ("Blow, Wind"), his own "One More Time Before I Go," and a Spanish-flavored title track, highlighting him as a deeply feeling singer capable of making any song matter, even if not a huge commercial hit initially. It's praised by soul fans as a solid, varied LP with great arrangements, a testament to his talent beyond his biggest hits.
Scott could tackle pop standards ("Laura," "Everything I Have Is Yours") with heartfelt delivery, soulful R&B ("Blow, Wind"), and even Nashville sounds ("One More Time Before I Go").
The album features his own compositions, like the country-tinged "One More Time Before I Go," reminding listeners of his Brill Building songwriting roots.
It blends pop-soul with early R&B and Northern Soul vibes, often with lively harmonies and busy, satisfying arrangements, even incorporating elements of Philadelphia soul.
While perhaps not a massive mainstream success, it's considered a valuable "lost nugget" for soul enthusiasts, filled with strong performances.
Highlights often cited include the title track "Lonely Man," "Blow, Wind," "Laura," and the self-penned "One More Time Before I Go".
Lonely Man stands as a strong testament to Freddie Scott's emotive voice and broad musical appeal, proving he was a significant soul singer who could deliver rich, heartfelt performances across various styles.