Master of Blues & Funk on the Hammond B-3
Early Life & Background
James Harrell McGriff (April 3, 1936 – May 24, 2008) was an American jazz and blues organist known for his deep groove, bluesy feel, and hard-driving sound. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, McGriff was deeply influenced by gospel and blues music. He initially studied piano and bass but switched to the Hammond B-3 organ after hearing the groundbreaking work of Jimmy Smith. His musical journey was also shaped by his time as a police officer before he fully committed to music.
Career & Breakthrough
McGriff’s breakthrough came in 1962 with his instrumental hit “I Got A Woman,” an organ-driven take on Ray Charles’ classic. The success of the single led to a string of albums for Sue Records, where he established himself as one of the funkiest organists in jazz and R&B.
Key Early Albums:
- I Got A Woman (1962) – His debut hit album, featuring the song that put him on the map.
- Jimmy McGriff at the Apollo (1963) – A raw and energetic live performance.
- Christmas with McGriff (1963) – A soulful take on holiday classics.
McGriff signed with Veep Records and later with Solid State in the late 1960s, where he refined his signature blues-drenched, funky style.
Signature Sound: Funky & Bluesy
McGriff’s playing was heavily rooted in the blues, but he also had a deep understanding of jazz harmony and gospel phrasing. His hallmark sound included:
- Greasy blues licks – His improvisations were often blues-based, with expressive bends and slides.
- Heavy left-hand bass lines – Unlike some organists who relied on bass players, McGriff often played his own walking bass lines.
- Deep pocket and funkiness – His sense of rhythm made his music irresistible for groove lovers.
- Rich, thick drawbar settings – His organ tone was warm and full, often emphasizing lower harmonics for a fat sound.
Jimmy McGriff’s Classic Drawbar Settings:
- Upper Manual: 868000000 or 888000000
- Lower Manual: 848000000 or 838000000
- Percussion: Typically OFF or Soft, Fast, 3rd Harmonic
- Vibrato/Chorus: Often used sparingly, but C3 was a common choice
- Leslie Speaker: Used dramatically for slow builds and intense fast spins
Notable Recordings
Sue & Veep Records Era (1960s)
McGriff’s early recordings cemented his status as a blues-jazz organ great:
- Blues for Mister Jimmy (1965) – A showcase of his deep blues influence.
- Where the Action’s At! (1966) – A hard-grooving soul-jazz session.
- A Bag Full of Soul (1966) – A mix of soul-jazz and blues grooves.
Funk & Electric Sounds (1970s)
As the 1970s progressed, McGriff leaned further into funk, R&B, and electric sounds:
- Electric Funk (1969) – A raw, groove-heavy classic.
- Groove Grease (1971) – One of his funkiest recordings, still highly regarded today.
- Soul Sugar (1970) – A perfect mix of jazz, funk, and soul.
Late Career & Return to Roots (1980s-1990s)
- The Dream Team (1996) – Featuring an all-star lineup, showing McGriff’s continued relevance.
- McGriff’s House Party (1999) – A return to his blues-drenched roots.
Influence & Legacy
Jimmy McGriff was a major force in the Hammond B-3 world, influencing generations of organists, including:
- Charles Earland
- Lonnie Smith
- Joey DeFrancesco
- Tony Monaco
His ability to fuse jazz, blues, R&B, and funk into a seamless groove made him a favorite among musicians and listeners alike. His recordings remain essential listening for jazz organ fans and groove lovers.
Later Years & Passing
McGriff continued performing and recording into the 2000s, always delivering his signature deep groove and bluesy phrasing. He passed away on May 24, 2008, at the age of 72, leaving behind a vast legacy of soulful Hammond organ music.
Further Learning
Want to dive deeper into Jimmy McGriff’s organ playing?
