Johnny "Hammond" Smith, born John Robert Smith on December 16, 1933, in Louisville, Kentucky, was a prominent figure in the soul jazz movement, an offshoot genre that melded jazz with soul, blues, and rhythm and blues. He garnered the nickname "Hammond" due to his exceptional skills on the Hammond B-3 organ, an instrument that he, alongside peers like Jimmy Smith, helped popularize within the jazz genre. His career, having spanned several decades, saw him contributing a multitude of recordings that showcased his versatile stylings and innovative techniques.

With a discography that includes soulful albums like "The Soulful Blues" and energetic compilations such as "Legends Of Acid Jazz: Soul Flowers," Johnny Hammond was not only a pioneer on his instrument but also an innovator who wasn't afraid to cross-genre boundaries. His work often infused elements of funk, which is palpable on tracks like "Los Conquistadores Chocolates" and the groove-laden beats evident in his "Fantasy (Remixes)." Despite his passing on June 4, 1997, Johnny Hammond's legacy lives on through his music, like the pulsating rhythms found on "Higher Ground," and continues to influence contemporary jazz and fusion artists. Whether through his original material or reinterpretations of his classics, such as the "Moplen Remixes," his influence on the evolution of jazz cannot be overstated.

Genres

Hammond Organ

Jazz Funk

Jazz Organ

Soul Jazz

Latest Release

Los Conquistadores Chocolates (Moplen Remixes)

Johnny "Hammond" Smith

Single - Released May 29, 2020