Jackie Davis was an American soul-jazz organist, noted for his pioneering work on the Hammond organ. Born on December 13, 1920, in Jacksonville, Florida, Davis grew up surrounded by music and was a child piano prodigy. He served in the Navy during World War II before he started his professional music career. In the late 1940s and 1950s, Davis was among the first to bring the Hammond organ into the jazz mainstream, establishing an indelible link between the instrument and the genre.

Jackie Davis’ musical style was infectious and upbeat, blending swinging jazz with elements of R&B and soul, helping to carve out the category that would later be known as easy listening or lounge music. Some of his most memorable albums include "Hammond Gone Cha-Cha", which infused Latin rhythms with soulful organ improvisations, "Easy Does It", which showcased his smooth, relaxed approach to the keys, and "Most Happy Hammond", further solidifying his reputation for creating joyful, toe-tapping tunes. Throughout his career, Davis remained a staple in the jazz scene and went on to influence many other organists with his optimistic sounds and intricate technique until his passing in 1999.