John Robert "Johnny Hammond" Smith (December 16, 1933 – June 4, 1997) was an Americansoul jazz andhard boporganist. Born inLouisville, Kentucky, he was a renowned player of theHammond B-3 organ so earning "Hammond" as a nickname,[1] which also avoided his being confused with jazz guitaristJohnny Smith though this could lead to him being confused withJimmy Smith (musician), another Hammond great.
Smith played with Paul Williams and Chris Columbo before forming his own group. His bands featured singersEtta Jones,Byrdie Green, saxophonistsHouston Person, Earl Edwards, guitarists Eddie McFadden, Floyd Smith, James Clark, vibist Freddie McCoy. His career took off as he was serving as accompanist to singerNancy Wilson. One of his last accomplishments also included Nancy Wilson. He wrote the song "Quiet Fire" for herNancy Now! release in 1988.
After a 10-year spell on Prestige Records throughout the 1960s resulting in a series of albums, he signed for soul/R&B influenced Kudu imprint ofCreed Taylor's well-regardedCTI Recordsjazz record label in 1971. His first album for Taylor,Breakout was chosen that year to launch Kudu. The album featured Grover Washington Jr. as a sideman prior to the launch of his career as a solo recording artist. Three further albums followed with Taylor on Kudu, as he decided to refer to himself as "Johnny Hammond", after deciding to drop "Smith" from his name.[2][3]
His style had become increasingly funky as he adapted to the style changes in music, culminating in two popular albums with theMizell Brothers,Gambler's Life (1974) for the CTI offshoot, Salvation and then in 1975,Gears after switching to another jazz label, Milestone Records. He began using electric and acoustic pianos, starting withGambler's Life, in addition to his signature instrument. Hammond's song "Shifting Gears" was featured on thebreakbeat compilationUltimate Breaks and Beats, and was also featured in the soundtrack of the 2006video gameDriver: Parallel Lines as well. His song "Conquistadores Chocolates" was covered byBadBadNotGoodand featured on GTA: The Cayo Perico Heist. (Rockstar Games)
Smith also taught at theCal Poly Pomona music department for several years, beginning in January 1987.
