Smith, Jimmy (1925-2005), is considered the most influential organist in the history of American jazz. Before Smith emerged in the 1950’s, the organ was a novelty instrument in jazz. Smith revolutionized the jazz sound of the instrument with his innovative fingering on the keyboard and his original use of the foot pedal. He achieved an excitement and richness of sound that was new to the organ and influenced virtually every later jazz organist. Smith also composed several works that have become identified with his bluesy, soulful style. They include “The Sermon,” “Back at the Chicken Shack,” “Open House,” and “Plain Talk.”
James Oscar Smith was born on Dec. 8, 1925, in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He studied the piano and bass from 1948 to 1950 and first began playing a Hammond electric organ in 1951. He formed his own trio in 1955 and made a sensational debut in a New York City jazz club in 1956. From 1956 to 1963, Smith recorded several classic jazz albums for Blue Note records. He led a combo in some of the recordings, and others were all-star jam sessions that featured such musicians as trumpeter Lee Morgan, guitarist Kenny Burrell, drummer Art Blakey, and saxophonists Lou Donaldson, Jackie McLean, and Stanley Turrentine.
In 1962, Smith started recording for Verve records, often in an orchestra setting. He won a Grammy Award in 1964 for his recording of “The Cat.” Smith continued touring and recording into the 1990’s. Smith died on Feb. 8, 2005.
