Jimmy Smith was born on December 8, 1925 in Norristown, Pennsylvania. His parents taught him to play the piano. In 1935, he won the Major Bowes contest. He started playing professional gigs at an early age and even did some nightclub work with his father.

Smith served in the Navy during the end of World War II. After leaving the Navy, he went back to Pennsylvania and started studying music formally. He attended the Hamilton School of Music in 1948, and Ornstein School of Music in 1949 and 1950 in Philadelphia. During this time, Smith played with Don Gardner’s rhythm-and-blues comb.

In the early 50’s, he saw Wild Bill Davis perform and he became interested in playing the organ. He bought an B-3 organ and rented a warehouse to practice in. Three months later he emerged from his intensive practicing ready to make his debut on the organ.

In 1955, he started playing the organ as a single at a club in Atlantic City. By September, he had a trio. He signed a recording contract with Blue Note in 1956. He did a lot of recording with Blue Note. In the 8 years he was with the label he recorded 40 sessions. One of the most famous recording from that period was The Sermon (1958 Digital Remaster).

In 1962, Smith signed with Verve Records. His first album with the label, Bashin, sold very well. This was the first of a series of big band collaborations for Smith. He continued to play with many famous musicians through the 1960’s. In the 1970s, Smith opened his own supperclub in Los Angeles. He played there regularly. His career slumped briefly, but in the 80’s and 90’s, he had a career revival.

Smith died on February 8, 2005.

Here is a performance of Laura recorded in 1988 in Germany.