JS

Jimmy Smith

55quotes

Jimmy Smith: A Legendary Jazz Organist


Full Name and Common Aliases


Jimmy Smith's full name was James Oscar Smith, but he is commonly known by his nickname "The Amazing Jimmy Smith."

Birth and Death Dates


Jimmy Smith was born on December 8, 1925, in Norristown, Pennsylvania. He passed away on February 8, 2005.

Nationality and Profession(s)


Smith was an American jazz organist, pianist, and composer. Throughout his career, he was known for his work with the Hammond B-3 organ, which became one of the most iconic instruments in jazz history.

Early Life and Background


Jimmy Smith's musical journey began at a young age. Growing up in Norristown, Pennsylvania, he developed an interest in music through listening to gospel records and learning piano from his mother. He later moved to New York City to pursue a career in music, where he became one of the most influential jazz organists of all time.

Major Accomplishments


Jimmy Smith's impact on jazz is immeasurable. Some of his notable accomplishments include:

Recording over 50 albums, including classics like "The Amazing Jimmy Smith" and "Midnight Special".
 Collaborating with legendary musicians such as Wes Montgomery, Oliver Nelson, and Dizzy Gillespie.
Helping to establish the organ as a primary instrument in jazz, paving the way for future generations of musicians.

Notable Works or Actions


Some of Smith's most notable works include:

"The Amazing Jimmy Smith" (1956): A debut album that showcased his unique style and technique on the Hammond B-3.
"Midnight Special" (1962): A critically acclaimed album that featured his soulful, gospel-inspired playing.
 "Roots of Soul" (1969): An album that explored the connection between jazz and R&B.

Impact and Legacy


Jimmy Smith's influence on jazz can be seen in many areas:

Inspiring a generation of musicians: His innovative style and technique paved the way for future generations of organists.
 Helping to shape the sound of jazz: His contributions to the genre helped to expand its boundaries and explore new possibilities.
Enduring popularity: Even decades after his passing, Smith's music remains widely popular and influential.

Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered


Jimmy Smith is widely quoted or remembered for:

His innovative style and technique: His unique approach to the Hammond B-3 organ helped to redefine the sound of jazz.
His contributions to the genre: His music and legacy continue to inspire and influence new generations of musicians.
 His enduring popularity: Despite passing away over 15 years ago, Smith's music remains widely popular and celebrated.

Quotes by Jimmy Smith

Jimmy Smith's insights on:

Ninety-five percent of my audience was white.
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Ninety-five percent of my audience was white.
JS
All the colleges I played, most of the colleges, they were white.
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All the colleges I played, most of the colleges, they were white.
JS
#colleges
I am not happy with the work that we put in. We made a lot of mistakes on offense, something that we can't have. We have a lot of work ahead of us.
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I am not happy with the work that we put in. We made a lot of mistakes on offense, something that we can't have. We have a lot of work ahead of us.
JS
#ahead
He's what makes this offense go. When he's back there, we're at another level.
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He's what makes this offense go. When he's back there, we're at another level.
JS
#offense
Byron made a good call. He told me to run a slant and go. Fortunately I ran a good enough route for him to make the easy throw.
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Byron made a good call. He told me to run a slant and go. Fortunately I ran a good enough route for him to make the easy throw.
JS
#easy
I played with Eddie Taylor's son, Tim Taylor and Carey Bells son Lurie Bell.
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I played with Eddie Taylor's son, Tim Taylor and Carey Bells son Lurie Bell.
JS
#bells
I played with Sam Lay, Jimmy Reed, Big Walter Horton, Big Moose Walker, and all those guys.
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I played with Sam Lay, Jimmy Reed, Big Walter Horton, Big Moose Walker, and all those guys.
JS
#jimmy
I heard Mr. Wild Bill Davis. I heard him play in 1930 and he told me that it would take me fifteen years just to learn the pedals, the pedals of the organ and I got mad.
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I heard Mr. Wild Bill Davis. I heard him play in 1930 and he told me that it would take me fifteen years just to learn the pedals, the pedals of the organ and I got mad.
JS
#bill
I'm concerned that we're not putting up a lot of points. We need to step it up and make more plays.
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I'm concerned that we're not putting up a lot of points. We need to step it up and make more plays.
JS
#concerned
I like it that way. When we beat New England, that says it all.
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I like it that way. When we beat New England, that says it all.
JS
#beat
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