Date of Birth: December 8, 1925
Zodiac Sign: Sagittarius
Date of Death: February 8, 2005
Biography
Jimmy Smith, born James Oscar Smith, was an American jazz musician and one of the most influential organists in the genre. Born on December 8, 1925, in Norristown, Pennsylvania, Smith revolutionized the use of the Hammond B-3 organ in jazz. He began his career in the 1950s and quickly gained a reputation for his virtuosic playing and soulful sound. Smith’s innovative techniques and improvisational skills helped to establish the organ as a legitimate jazz instrument, previously considered more suitable for church music. Smith’s career took off after he signed with Blue Note Records in 1956, where he released a series of groundbreaking albums, including “The Sermon!” and “Back at the Chicken Shack.” His work blended elements of blues, bebop, and R&B, creating a unique style that appealed to a wide audience. Throughout his career, Smith collaborated with numerous jazz legends, including Wes Montgomery, Kenny Burrell, and Stanley Turrentine. Smith continued to perform and record music until his death on February 8, 2005. His contributions to jazz have left a lasting legacy, and he is often credited with paving the way for future generations of jazz organists.
5 Interesting Facts about Jimmy Smith
1. Jimmy Smith initially played piano before switching to the organ, which became his signature instrument.
2. He was largely self-taught on the organ, developing his unique style through experimentation and practice.
3. Smith’s album “The Sermon!” is considered one of the greatest jazz organ recordings of all time.
4. He won a Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental Performance, Group, or Soloist with Group in 1963.
5. Smith was inducted into the DownBeat Jazz Hall of Fame in 2005, shortly after his death.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Jimmy Smith
1. “The organ is a drum with a soul.”
2. “I didn’t want to be just another piano player.”
3. “The Hammond B-3 is like a whole orchestra in one instrument.”
4. “Jazz is about feeling and expression, not just technical skill.”
5. “You have to put your soul into the music. That’s what makes it real.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Jimmy Smith’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Jimmy Smith had three children: Jimmy Jr., Jaquet, and Connie.
Relevant Links
1. [Jimmy Smith on AllMusic](https://www.allmusic.com/artist/jimmy-smith-mn0000344270
2. [Jimmy Smith on Blue Note Records](https://www.bluenote.com/artist/jimmy-smith/
4. [Jimmy Smith’s Discography](https://www.discogs.com/artist/84994-Jimmy-Smith
5. [Jimmy Smith’s Grammy Award](https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/jimmy-smith/16052