Dr. Lonnie Smith

Dr. Lonnie Smith is an unparalleled musician, composer, performer and recording artist. An authentic master and guru of the Hammond B-3 organ for over five decades, he has been featured on over seventy albums, and has recorded and performed with a virtual “Who’s Who” of the greatest jazz, blues and R&B giants in the industry. Consequently, he has often been hailed as a “Legend,” a “Living Musical Icon,” and as the most creative jazz organist by a slew of music publications. Jazz Times magazine describes him as “a riddle wrapped in an enigma wrapped in a turban!” Always ahead of the curve, it is no surprise Dr. Smith’s fan-base is truly worldwide.
Born in Buffalo, New York, Lonnie was blessed with the gift of music. Through his mother, he was immersed in gospel, blues and jazz at an early age. In his teens, he sang in several vocal groups including his own–the Supremes–formed long before Motown’s eventual iconic act of the same name. Lonnie also played trumpet and other instruments at school and was a featured soloist. In the late ‘50s– with the encouragement of Art Kubera, who owned a local music store that he would visit daily–young Lonnie was given the opportunity to learn how to play a Hammond organ. By completely immersing himself in the records of organists such as Wild Bill Davis, Bill Doggett and Jimmy Smith, as well as paying rapt attention to the church organ, a young Lonnie began to find his musical voice. “Even though I didn’t know how, I was able to play right from the beginning,” Dr. Smith reflects. “I learned how to work the stops and that was it. It’s a passion for me, so everything else came naturally.” Because of Mr. Kubera’s kindness, Dr. Lonnie often refers to Art as his “angel.”
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Album Review
- Breathe by Angelo Leonardi
Radio
- New Organ Combos - Dr. Lonnie Smith, Organissimo, Deep Blue Organ Trio and More
- 50th Anniversary Blue Notes for May
In Pictures
Live Review
In Pictures
Year in Review
My Blue Note Obsession
Album Review
- Evolution by Angelo Leonardi
March 31, 2021
July 03, 2019
Jazz Musician of the Day: Dr. Lonnie Smith
July 03, 2018
Jazz Musician of the Day: Dr. Lonnie Smith
July 03, 2017
Jazz Musician of the Day: Dr. Lonnie Smith
January 03, 2017
The Best Albums Of 2016 — Exciting, Eclectic, Dope, Diverse, Funky...
September 22, 2016
Jazz this week: Dr. Lonnie Smith's Evolution, Pat Metheny Quartet,...
May 28, 2015
Jazz this week: Dr. Lonnie Smith & Lionel Loueke, Alarm Will Sound, a...
May 24, 2015
StLJN Saturday Video Showcase: Dr. Lonnie Smith & Lionel Loueke
April 25, 2013
Jazz This Week: Dr. Lonnie Smith and James Carter, Bobby McFerrin,...
April 14, 2013
STLJN Saturday Video Showcase: Dr. Lonnie Smith and James Carter