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Artist Spotlight

Jimmy Smith

funk · 1962–1964

Jimmy Smith
📷 Hammondite · CC BY 3.0

Jimmy Smith was an American jazz musician known for his innovative work with the Hammond B-3 organ, bridging the gap between jazz and 1960s soul music. His sound melded funk, hard bop, soul, jazz-funk, and jazz fusion, creating a distinctive groove that set the stage for future generations. With tracks like "Walk On The Wild Side," "The Cat," and "Back at the Chicken Shack," Smith showcased his mastery of the instrument, turning it into a centerpiece of the jazz scene. His influence can be felt across genres, proving that the B-3 was more than just an organ; it was a vehicle for rhythm, soul, and expression.

The facts

  • United States
  • funk, hard bop, soul
  • On Blue Note, Verve Records

Jimmy Smith in the crate

Walk On The Wild Side
Jimmy Smith1962
Back at the Chicken Shack
Jimmy Smith1963

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