Dr. Lonnie Smith

Biography

Dr. Lonnie Smith (July 3, 1942 – September 28, 2021) was a pioneering American jazz organist renowned for his mastery of the Hammond B-3 organ and his innovative blend of jazz, funk, soul, and blues. Born in Lackawanna, New York, Smith was immersed in music from an early age, influenced by his mother’s gospel singing and the family’s vocal group, which performed on local radio. In his teens, he sang in vocal ensembles—including an early group called the Supremes—and played trumpet before discovering the organ, thanks to the generosity of local music store owner Art Kubera, whom Smith called his 'angel.'

Smith’s professional career began in Buffalo’s Pine Grill Jazz Club, where he caught the attention of jazz luminaries like Jack McDuff, Lou Donaldson, and George Benson. He joined Benson’s quartet in the mid-1960s, recording several albums before collaborating with Donaldson on classic Blue Note sessions, including the million-selling 'Alligator Boogaloo.' Smith soon signed with Blue Note as a leader, producing seminal soul jazz albums such as 'Think!,' 'Turning Point,' 'Move Your Hand,' and 'Drives.' Throughout his five-decade career, Smith recorded over 70 albums, worked with a vast array of jazz, blues, and R&B greats, and was celebrated for his genre-defying approach, which included tributes to artists like Jimi Hendrix and the Beatles.

Smith’s musical style was marked by deep grooves, bluesy improvisation, and a playful, spiritual energy. He was widely regarded as one of the most creative and influential jazz organists, inspiring generations of musicians and earning accolades such as multiple Jazz Journalists Association awards for Best Organist. His legacy endures in the continued popularity of his recordings and the countless artists he influenced through his innovative artistry and mentorship.

Fun Facts

• Smith led a vocal group called the Supremes in the 1950s, predating the Motown group of the same name; he considered suing over the name but never did.
• He was known for wearing a turban on stage, which became a distinctive part of his persona.
• Smith was self-taught on the organ and claimed he could play it naturally from the very beginning.
• He covered music from a wide range of genres, including tributes to the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, and Beck, showing his eclectic taste.

Associated Acts

• Lonnie Smith Trio
• Dr. Lonnie Smith Octet - Hammond organ, original

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Art Kubera - Buffalo music store owner who gave Smith his first organ and encouraged his early development [late 1950s]
• Wild Bill Davis - Influence on Smith's organ style; Smith studied his recordings [1950s-1960s]
• Bill Doggett - Influence on Smith's approach to the Hammond B-3 [1950s-1960s]
• Jimmy Smith - Major stylistic influence; Smith immersed himself in his records [1950s-1960s]

Key Collaborators

• George Benson - Smith was organist in Benson's quartet; recorded and performed together (Albums: 'It's Uptown', 'The George Benson Cookbook') [mid-1960s]
• Lou Donaldson - Smith played organ on several of Donaldson's Blue Note albums (Albums: 'Alligator Boogaloo', 'Mr. Shing-A-Ling', 'Midnight Creeper') [late 1960s]
• Jack McDuff - Early supporter and collaborator in Buffalo jazz scene [1960s]
• King Curtis - Recorded together [various]
• Joey DeFrancesco - Collaborated and performed together; DeFrancesco was also a prominent jazz organist [various]

Artists Influenced

• Joey DeFrancesco - Cited Smith as a major influence on his own organ style [1980s-2020s]
• Countless jazz organists and funk/soul musicians - Smith's innovative approach to the Hammond B-3 inspired generations [1970s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Spinning Wheel - Remastered 1993 (Drives)
2. 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover - Live (All In My Mind)
3. Sweet Honey Wine (Lonnie Smith)
4. Jeannine (Finger Lickin' Good)
5. Why Can't We Live Together (Breathe)
6. Son Of Ice Bag - Remastered 2003/Rudy Van Gelder Edition (Think (Remastered 2003/Rudy Van Gelder Edition))
7. Babbit's Other Song (Lonnie Smith)
8. Why Can't We Live Together - Radio Edit
9. Bright Eyes - Live (Breathe)
10. Mellow Mood (That's What You Say!)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #hard-bop, #jazz, #jazz-and-blues