Marilyn Scott, born on December 21, 1949, in Alta Dena, California, is an American singer known for her contributions to the jazz genre. She began singing with local bands at the age of fifteen and later attended college in San Francisco, where she performed with Latin-jazz ensembles. Her breakthrough came when Emilio Castillo, leader of Tower of Power, discovered her and invited her to join his band as a vocalist. Scott's first significant release under her own name was the single "God Only Knows", which charted on the Billboard Hot 100. This success led to her debut album Dreams of Tomorrow, released in 1979. Throughout her career, Scott collaborated with notable musicians and bands such as Spyro Gyra, Yellowjackets, Etta James, and Bobby Womack. She also contributed to soundtracks for films like Torch Song Trilogy and Twins. Her subsequent albums include Without Warning (1991), Smile (1992), Take Me with You (1995), Avenues of Love (1998), Walking With Strangers (2001), and Nightcap (2004). Scott's work has been recognized for its depth and versatility, showcasing her ability to blend jazz with other musical styles.
