Jimmy Smith, not to be confused with any other musician of the same name, was a pioneering jazz organist whose innovative work has left a lasting impression on the world of music. Born James Oscar Smith on December 8, 1925, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, he was an influential force in jazz from the 1950s until his passing in 2005. Smith is widely acclaimed for his role in popularizing the Hammond B-3 organ, an instrument that became synonymous with his name. His virtuosic playing blended elements of bebop, blues, and R&B, and his soulful groove helped forge the link between jazz and later forms of popular music like funk and soul.

Over the course of his prolific career, Jimmy Smith recorded with legendary labels such as Blue Note and Verve, producing a substantial discography that showcases his extraordinary talent. With his deft touch on the Hammond B-3, he was able to extract complex harmonies and groovy bass lines, effectively turning the organ into a front-and-center instrument in jazz ensembles, a significant deviation from its traditional background role. His most recent releases, such as "Hello My Baby," "The Complete Verve Singles," and "Jimmy Smith Plays Fats Waller (Remastered)," continue to captivate audiences, offering a blend of timeless classics and hidden gems. Smith's influence is undeniably profound, having inspired a multitude of artists across various music genres, and his recordings, including the critically acclaimed "Back at the Chicken Shack" and "The Sermon," are considered essential listening for jazz enthusiasts worldwide.

Genres

Bebop

Contemporary Post-bop

Hammond Organ

Hard Bop

Jazz

Jazz Blues

Jazz Funk

Jazz Organ

Soul Jazz

Related Artists

Oscar Peterson

Wes Montgomery

Ray Charles

Jimmy McGriff

Bill Evans

Count Basie

Shirley Scott

Cannonball Adderley

Richard "Groove" Holmes

Larry Young

Herb Alpert

Horace Silver

Latest Release

Stranger in Paradise / It's a Sin to Tell a Lie

Jimmy Smith

Album - 9 Tracks - Released September 13, 2024