The Godfather of Jazz Organ
Early Life & Background
James Oscar Smith (December 8, 1925 – February 8, 2005) was a pioneering American jazz organist who revolutionized the use of the Hammond B-3 organ in jazz. Born in Norristown, Pennsylvania, Smith started as a pianist before switching to the organ in the early 1950s. He developed a unique approach that combined bebop-style phrasing, blues-infused harmony, and an aggressive left-hand bass technique.
Career & Breakthrough
In 1955, Smith famously locked himself in a warehouse for months to master the Hammond organ. This dedication paid off when he was discovered by Blue Note Records. His early recordings, such as The Champ (1956) and The Sermon! (1958), helped define the jazz organ trio format, typically featuring organ, guitar, and drums.
Signature Sound: Drawbar Settings & Playing Style
Jimmy Smith’s sound was instantly recognizable due to his unique use of drawbar settings, percussive attack, and Leslie speaker control. His playing combined:
- Fast, bebop-influenced right-hand lines
- A walking bass line in his left hand (often replacing a bassist)
- Dynamic use of the Leslie speaker (switching between slow and fast speeds)
- Signature drawbar settings (which became a standard for jazz organists)
Jimmy Smith’s Classic Drawbar Settings
- Upper Manual: 888000000
- Lower Manual: 838000000 or 848000000
- Percussion: ON (Soft, Fast, 3rd Harmonic)
- Vibrato/Chorus: OFF
- Leslie: Switched between Slow and Fast for dynamics
🎥 Watch my tutorial video on Jimmy Smith’s drawbar settings!
Notable Recordings
Blue Note Era (1956-1963)
- The Champ (1956) – Hard-swinging bebop organ.
- The Sermon! (1958) – A blues-drenched organ masterclass.
- Back at the Chicken Shack (1960) – Featuring Stanley Turrentine, this became one of his most iconic albums.
Verve Era (1963-1972)
In the mid-1960s, Smith transitioned to Verve Records, moving into larger ensemble recordings and funkier grooves.
- The Cat (1964) – A cinematic, groovy collaboration with Lalo Schifrin.
- Root Down (1972) – One of his funkiest live albums, later sampled by hip-hop artists.
Influence & Legacy
Jimmy Smith’s pioneering use of the Hammond B-3 influenced generations of musicians, including:
- Jack McDuff
- Jimmy McGriff
- Richard “Groove” Holmes
- Lonnie Smith
- Joey DeFrancesco
His funky organ grooves also influenced genres beyond jazz, with hip-hop artists like the Beastie Boys sampling his music.
Later Years & Passing
Smith continued performing into the 2000s. He passed away on February 8, 2005, at age 79 in Scottsdale, Arizona. His legacy lives on through his recordings and the countless organists he inspired.
Further Learning
Want to dive deeper into Jimmy Smith’s organ playing?
