Johnny "Hammond" Smith (1933–1997) was a distinguished American jazz organist renowned for his mastery of the Hammond B-3 organ. Born John Robert Smith in Louisville, Kentucky, he began his musical journey as a pianist, influenced by legends like Bud Powell and Art Tatum. After hearing Wild Bill Davis, he transitioned to the organ, making his professional debut in 1958. Throughout the 1960s, Smith recorded extensively with Prestige Records, producing notable albums such as "That Good Feelin'" and "Talk That Talk." In the 1970s, he embraced a funkier style, collaborating with the Mizell Brothers on acclaimed albums like "Gambler's Life" and "Gears." Beyond performing, Smith contributed to music education, teaching at Cal Poly Pomona from 1987 until his passing in 1997. ([en.wikipedia.org](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Johnny_%22Hammond%22_Smith?utm_source=openai))