Some folks' rise to musical stardom happens as quickly as a jet ascending in the clouds.

For others, it takes years -- sometimes decades -- of heartache and struggles.

Vocalist Jimmy Scott, who opens a four-day residence at the Manchester Craftsmen's Guild tonight with saxophonist James Moody, has seen his popularity grow over the past decade. But for years he was anonymous, even as he was being referenced in jazz history books and hailed by singers like Nancy Wilson and Ray Charles as their favorite singer.

Little Jimmy, as he is widely known, will tell you that 60 years or so of the music business isn't all it's cracked up to be.

He's seen the best of times and along the way encountered rotten band leaders and a few terrible record company executives.

He'll tell you he had to make ends meet by working in a hospital as a nurse's aide and as a hotel elevator operator.

"You have to do what you have to do, babe," said the 82-year-old Scott from his home in Las Vegas. Scott moved to Nevada from Cleveland about six months ago.

"The rent has to be paid, babe, regardless of how big or little your name is. The landlord is looking for their rent, and you have to put food on the table. When things happen, you get raving mad, but you have to recognize the facts. Pride won't pay the rent."

Scott grew up in Cleveland and at a young age was diagnosed with Kallman syndrome, a genetic condition that stunted his growth, prevented him from reaching puberty, leaving him with a high-pitched voice.

"It interferes with the hormones in your body," said Scott. "I couldn't have children. I have lived with it. I understand it, and I have learned to accept it."

At a young age, he started singing in school and church.

He gravitated to the style of Dinah Washington, but he loved the music of Paul Robeson.

"He could tell a story, and you believed him," continued Scott. "I idolized him. He had a powerful voice and was a wonderful storyteller."

In 1948, Scott joined the Lionel Hampton band, which also featured Quincy Jones.

With Hampton, he recorded "Everybody's Somebody's Fool." The song was a hit, rising to No. 6 on Billboard. But to Scott's dismay the song was credited to Irma Curry, who also performed in Hampton's band.

"That was my first record," continued Scott. "Not only did I not receive any credit, I didn't get any money for it. Those things happen when you don't have anyone looking out for you. I didn't have that."

Scott eventually left Hampton's band. After working with several groups, he recorded for Royal Roost and Savoy Records, which was owned by Herman Lubinsky.

When it came to fleecing musicians, Lubinsky had a reputation for being among the worse, and Scott was no different.

On two different occasions, Scott had two potentially hit records with the Ray Charles-produced "Falling in Love Is Wonderful" and "The Source," produced by Joel Dorn for Atlantic Records, but Lubinsky produced an old contract and had the records yanked from the shelves.

"He ripped off a lot of people," said Scott's wife, Jean. "Jimmy was the first artist Ray Charles recorded. He loved Jimmy so much. Ray did all of the charts. After three weeks on the shelves, Lubinsky told Ray he had papers on Jimmy and the music was pulled."

Frustrated, Scott retreated from the national spotlight, working odd jobs and from time to time in small bands around Cleveland.

"I had a few little bands, playing here and there," continued Scott. "It wasn't all sugar and cream, and sometimes I had to do things I didn't want to do. But frustration didn't pay the bills."

In 1991, Scott resurfaced when he sang at the funeral of longtime friend Doc Pomus. Seymour Stein signed Scott to Sire Records, and he released "All the Way," "Dream" and "Heaven," an album of gospel songs. Scott eventually signed with Milestone Records, releasing well-received recordings such as "Over the Rainbow" and "Moonglow."

He also performed "Sycamore Trees" on the series finale of David Lynch's show "Twin Peaks."

Scott said he doesn't regret anything he did.

At 82, he said he's still in love with the music but that he continues to have trouble with record companies.

"I can't look back because there's other things that have come along that have benefited my career," he said

As an example, Scott points out the NEA Jazz Masters award he received last year.

"That means something, babe," he continued. "That's like graduating from high school and going off to college. I am also working more, and the pay is better than before. Now, at least I can say I am going to bring a salary home this week."