Originally a pianist, Jimmy Smith switched to organ in 1953 after hearing organist Wild Bill Davis. Before Jimmy released his albums in the mid 1950’s the organ was used only sporadically in jazz. After Smith purchased his first Hammond organ he rented a warehouse to practice in and emerged a year later with a new sound that revolutionized the way in which the instrument could be played.
Jimmy Smith - Episode 1
After hearing him playing in a Philadelphia club, Blue Note's Alfred Lion immediately signed him to the label. His first records quickly established Smith as a new star on the jazz scene. He was a prolific recording artist, and as a leader, recorded over 30 sessions for Blue Note in 8 years beginning in 1956. His most notable albums from this period include The Sermon!, House Party, Home Cookin,' Midnight Special, Back at the Chicken Shack, Prayer Meetin' and a number of live sessions. During the 1950s and 1960s, Smith recorded with many important jazz musicians including Kenny Burrell, George Benson, Grant Green, Stanley Turrentine, Lee Morgan, Lou Donaldson, Tina Brooks, Jackie McLean, Grady Tate and Donald Bailey.
| Composition | Artist | Album | Year |
| Back at the Chicken Shack | Jimmy Smith | Back at the Chicken Shack | 1960 |
| Flying Home | Wild Bill Davis | Dance the Madison | 1960 |
| Anahuaca Breakdown | Bill Doggett | | ca. 1955 |
| Sweet Georgia Brown | Milt Buckner | | ca. 1970 |
| The Preacher | Jimmy Smith | A New Star….A New Sound | 1956 |
| But Not for Me | Jimmy Smith | A New Star….A New Sound | 1956 |
| Champ | Jimmy Smith | A New Star….A New Sound | 1956 |
Jimmy Smith - Episode 2
1957 and 1958 were very busy years for Jimmy Smith on the Blue Note Record Label. There are many unique challenges recording a Hammond B-3 organ----this mostly has to do with the Leslie Tone Cabinet. The problem was solved by Blue Note recording engineer Rudy Van Gelder and this is the reason that the records have great clarity. The live recordings from the late 1950’s really capture the excitement and energy of Jimmy’s group and the sound quality of the recordings is outstanding.
| Composition | Artist | Album | Year |
| The Sermon | Jimmy Smith | The Sermon | 1957 |
| It’s Only a Paper Moon | Jimmy Smith | Groovin’ at Smalls | 1957 |
| A Night in Tunisia | Jimmy Smith | Cool Blues (live) | 1958 |
| Cool Blues | Jimmy Smith | Cool Blues (live) | 1958 |
| I Got a Woman | Jimmy Smith | Home Cookin’ | 1959 |
| Since I Fell for You | Jimmy Smith | Home Cookin’ | 1959 |
| Jumpin’ the Blues | Jimmy Smith | Midnight Special | 1960 |
| When the Saints Go Marching | Jimmy Smith | Prayer Meetin’ | 1963 |