This page is under construction and will have a list of the most successful, famous and best players of the Hammond B3 organ. The Hall Of Fame will also recognize the best organist from all generations of players and genres of music. This will not only include the Legendary artist of the past but also the great artist of today. It will be decided by people in the music and recording industry. This page will grow weekly with artist over a period of time that truly deserve to be recognized as the very best of the best!
We would like to start this page by recognizing the greatest Hammond B3 organist ever. With out-doubt, truly the undisputed King of the Hammond B3 Organ. None other than the Legendary Jimmy Smith.
James Oscar Smith-(born December 8, 1928-died February 8, 2005)
Jimmy Smith is the most famous Hammond B3 organist ever to live. With-out doubt, he is truly a legend and the undisputed King of the Hammond B3 organ. He was an American jazz musician whose albums often appeared on Billboard magazine charts. He popularized the Hammond B3 organ like no other organist has ever done. His recordings are iconic classics and widely acknowledged, especially for their distinctive sound, thus creating a link between jazz and the 1960's soul music. In 2005, Jimmy Smith was awarded the NEA Jazz Master Award from the National Endowment for the Arts, the highest honor that America, bestows upon a jazz musician.
Gregg Allman-(born December 8,1947-died May17, 2017)
Gregg Allman a singer/songwriter, master musician and B3 organist who played an essential role in the invention of Southern Rock.
Ethel Smith-(born November 22, 1902-died May 10, 1996)
She was an American organist who played primarily in a pop or Latin style on the Hammond organ. She had a long recording career and appeared in many films.
Chester Thompson-(born December 11, 1948)
Chester Thompson is an artist who has had a extensive musical career and musical life working with the world's best R&B, rock and jazz greats in the music industry. Santana is just one of many.
Daniel Paul Federici-(born January 23, 1950-died April 17, 2006)
Danny Federici was an American musician. He was an accomplished B3 organist as well as accordion player and played glockenspiel and was a founding member of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band. In 2014, Federici was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame as a member of the E Street Band.
Booker Taliaferro Jones Jr.-(born November 12,1944) AKA Booker T Jones
Booker T. Jones is an American musician, songwriter, record producer and arranger, best known as the Booker T. & The M.G.'s and his hit recording Green Onions. He has also worked in the studios with many well-know artist of the 20 and 21 centuries earning him a Grammy Award for a lifetime achievement.
Christine Anne McVie-(born July 12, 1943-died November 30, 2022) She was 79 years old.
She played a range of keyboards often leaning on the soulful sound of the Hammond B3 organ with Fleetwood Mac. She earned 5 gold, one platinum and seven multiplatinum albums. The band's biggest success "Rumors," released in 1977, was the one of the mightiest movers in pop history. It was certified double diamond, representing sales of over 20 millions copies. In 1998 Christine McVie was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame along with various lineups of Fleetwood Mac.
John Douglas Lord-(born June 9, 1941-died July 6, 2012. AKA Jon Lord
He was an English orchestral and rock composer, pianist and one of the greatest Hammond B3 organist in fusing rock genre and classical/baroque forms and especially with the British rock band Deep Purple.
William Everett Preston-(born September 2, 1946-died June 6,2006)
Billy Preston was an American Hammond B3 organist and keyboardist, singer and songwriter whose work encompassed R&B, rock, soul, funk and gospel. Preston was a top session keyboardist in the 1960s, during which he backed artists such as Little Richard, Sam Cooke, Ray Charles, Everly Brothers, Reverend James Cleveland, The Beatles and Rolling Stones. He gained attention as a solo artist with hit singles such as That's the way God planned it, the Grammy-winning Outa Space, Will Go Around in Circles, Space Race, Nothing from Nothing and With You I'm Born Again. Additionally, Preston co-wrote You are so beautiful, which became hit for Joe Cocker.
Preston is the only non-Beatle musician to be given a credit on a Beatles recording at the band's request; the group's 1969 single Get Back was credited as The Beatles with Billy Preston. He continued to record and perform with George Harrison after the Beatles' breakup, along with other artists such as Eric Clapton, and the Rolling Stones on many of the group's albums and tours during the 1970s. On May 12, 2021, the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame announced that Preston would be inducted with the Musical Excellence Award.
Leonard George DeStoppelaire
(born January 5, 1923- died February 12, 2006)
Better known as Lenny Dee, was an American virtuoso organist who played many styles of music. His record albums were among the most popular of easy listening and space age pop organists of the 1950s through the early 1970s. His signature hit, "Plantation Boogie", charted as a Top 20 hit in 1955. He also had a gold with 1970's Spinning Wheel. Dee played a variety of songs in numerous styles. He played original compositions, popular songs and novelty tunes and was a master of improvisation. Although his unique style was a pop/boogie-woogie blend, he also played ballads, country and western, jazz, rock and patriotic songs.
Keith Noel Emerson-(born November 2, 1944-died March 11, 2016)
Keith Noel Emerson was an English keyboardist, songwriter, and record producer. He played keyboards in a number of bands before finding his first commercial success with the Nice in the late 1960s. He became internationally famous for his work with the Nice, which included writing rock arrangements of classical music. After the Nice dissolution, Emerson fleshed out his musical ideas to their fullest with Emerson Lake & Palmer, which debuted in 1970 and had a series of highly successful albums throughout the decade.
Jimmy McGriff one of the all-time legendary giants of the Hammond B-3 organ. (born April 3, 1936-died May 24, 2008)
Jimmy McGriff one of the all-time legendary giants of the Hammond B-3 organ. Jimmy was a great soul-jazz organists from his hometown of Philadelphia. He was almost certainly the bluesiest of the major soul-jazz pioneers and he often insisted that he was more of a blues musician than a jazz artist. Nonetheless, he remained eclectic enough to blur the lines of classification. His sound was so deep with down-to-earth grooves drenched in blues and gospel feeling. It made him quite popular with R&B audiences, even more so than some of his peers. He was able to condense those charms into concise, funky, jukebox ready singles that often did surprisingly well on the R&B charts.
Richard Arnold "Groove" Holmes-(born May 2, 1931-died June 29, 1991)
One of Americans all time jazz greats on Hammond B3 organist.
An American legendary jazz organist who performed in the hard bop, soul jazz, genre. He is best known for his 1965 recording of Misty. Holmes's first album, on Pacific Jazz with guest Ben Webster, was recorded in March of 1961. He recorded many albums for Pacific Jazz, Prestige, Groove Merchant , and Muse, many of them with Houston Person. What a lot of people don't know about Groove Holmes, he had one of the best left hand on the B3 for bass lines and much more.
Kenneth E. "Boom" Gaspar-(born February 3,1953)
Boom is a accomplished keyboardist artist and Hammond B3 organist currently performing with Pearl Jam with his classic Hammond B3 organ and Vintage 2 Leslie speaker with this super rock band to sold out stadiums all over the world. Pearl Jam front man Eddie Vedderfirst met Gaspar while in Hawaii. Gaspar was introduced to Vedder through Ramones bassist C.J. Ramone. Gaspar has appeared on the Pearl Jam albums Riot Act (2002), Pearl Jam (2006) and Lightning Bolt (2013). He has a songwriting credit for the song Love Boat Captain, which is on Riot Act. According to Gaspar, the song initially developed out of a jam secession he had with Vedder shortly after the two first met. When they were done, Vedder asked Gaspar if he was "ready to go to Seattle. He has become known for his long solos during "Crazy Mary", a song originally written by Victoria Williams, which has become a fan favorite during live Pearl Jam shows. This often culminates in a guitar/organ duel between Gaspar and guitarist Mike McCready. Gaspar told Keyboard Magazine that his biggest challenge playing with the band was "learning what Pearl Jam is, and learning each of the band members’ different styles. It’s such an education for me. Every night is different and playing with them is amazing. I love challenges. They make you a better player and challenges are what music is all about.
Tribute To The Late Rock Ferrante, Jr. Among The Greatest Hammond B3 Artist Ever
By Vince Seneri-November 9, 2023: It is with a heavy and sad heart that I am announcing the loss of my best friend, Rocco Ferrante. He was more than just a friend. I called him my brother, as well. He passed through heavens gates on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 9AM at Morristown Hospital after a short and courageous battle with liver cancer. He was a kind and a gentle soul, a wonderful son, father, grandfather, husband and friend. He was an extremely talented musician (piano, organ, keyboards, trumpet, vocals) and truly one of the best Hammond B3 organists ever, especially in the late 1970’s. I thought it would be a great tribute to share his musical background and his genius with the world since he was always so humble about it. So here are some great things below to read about Rocco Ferrante. AKA Rock Ferrante, Jr. Also, below are a few of his recordings.
World-class Hammond B3 organist
Rocco Ferrante AKA Rock Ferrante Jr. (Born May 10,1956-died November 8, 2023)
He may not be the most well known Hammond B3 player of all time but he was one of the greatest masters of the instrument to ever play it. Rock was a young American musician and child prodigy with amazing virtuosity on keyboards, which included piano, synthesizers and especially the Hammond B3 organ. He was also a magnificent trumpeter.
He began his professional music career with a union card at the age of 12 years old. In the 1970’s, he was building an exceptional international reputation as the best new up and coming young star on the Hammond B3 organ.
In 1972, he was the youngest person to ever win in the Pro-Division of the Yamaha Electone International Grand Prix Concour (Nemo-no-Sato, Japan) international organ competition. He was just 16 years old.
Rock Ferrante was acknowledged as the youngest and best pop-jazz organist on the international music scene at that time and was judged by artists such as the Hammond B3 King himself, Jimmy Smith, as well as Sarah Vaughan, John Green, David Clayton Thomas, and Claire Fisher.
Here is Rock behind the his keyboard set up live in concert and with his Yamaha EX-42 organ.
He was also highly respected and recognized by the Hammond Organ Company during that period of time for his amazing technique on the B3 organ and was subsequently signed to an exclusive artist deal by Hammond. He became their number 1 young new artist and received a beautiful black ebony classic 70’s Hammond B3 organ with two-122 Leslie speakers. Hammond also signed him to an exclusive recording contract for the company.
Here is Rock live in concert behind his black ebony Hammond B3 organ & 2-122 Leslie speaker cabinets, also playing his trumpet.
In 1979, Rock Ferrante, Jr. delivered a scorcher of a B3 organ release entitled, “Rock Ferrante - The First Time”. After 44 years since its release, you can still purchase this recording at discogs.com.
1979 Release By World-Class B3 Organist-Rock Ferrante, Jr., & On Drums The Astonishing Nicky Montemurro.
Click On Link To Hear Rock's Track-Rocco Ferrante Sweet Georgia Brown
Throughout the 1970’s, Rock continued his music career by performing internationally on the Hammond B3 organ in nightclubs, concerts and music clinics and with gospel artists such as Jessy Dixon and the Chicago Community Choir.
He continued performing with many other great artists like Captain and Tennille National TV Show along with Steve Allen’s National TV events. He made appearance on the Mike Douglas show. Rock was even invited to perform for President Gerald Ford at the 1976 Bi-Centennial Ball in Washington, D.C.
As time went on, Rock continued performing and eventually went into a conventional business career where he was offered exceptional business opportunities with Panasonic/Technics Musical Instruments Division and than later with Yamaha Music Corporation.
Eventually he retired from the corporate life and started working on personal music products, but his real love was spending time with his family and especially his grandson.
Sadly, on Wednesday, November 8, 2023 at 9AM he passed through heavens gates at Morristown Hospital after a short and courageous battle with liver cancer. What the world should know about Rock Ferrante in addition to his great talents, was that he was truly a kind and a humble gentle soul, a wonderful son, husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Even though Rock Ferrante faded from the music scene after the late 70's. What the Hammond Organ Company had was the youngest and most talented Hammond B3 artists during that time period and that 70's legend Hammond artist was Rock Ferrante, Jr.
Eugene McDuffy AKA-Brother Jack McDuff
(born September 17,1926-died January 23, 2001)
He was known professionally as "Brother" Jack McDuff or Captain Jack McDuff, was an American jazz organist and organ trio bandleader who was most prominent during the hard bop and soul jazz era of the 1960s, often performing with an organ trio. He is also credited with giving guitarist George Benson his first break.
McDuff began playing bass, appearing in Joe Farrel’s group. Encouraged by Willis Jackson in whose band he also played bass in the late 1950s, McDuff moved to the organ and began to attract the attention of Prestige while still with Jackson's group. McDuff soon became a bandleader, leading groups featuring a young George Benson on guitar, Red Holloway on tenor saxophone and Joe Dukes On Drums, McDuff recorded many classic albums on Prestige, including his debut solo Brother Jack in 1960; The Honeydripper (1961), with tenor saxophonist Jimmy Forrestand guitarist Grant Green; Brother Jack Meets The Boss (1962), featuring Gene Ammons; Screamin’ (1962), with alto saxophonist Leo Wright and guitarist Kenny Burrell and Brother Jack McDuff Live! (1963), featuring Holloway and Benson, which includes his biggest hit, "Rock Candy".After his tenure at Prestige, McDuff joined the Atlantic Label for a brief period, and in the 1970s he recorded for Blue NoteTo Seek a New Home (1970) was recorded in England with a line-up featuring blues shouter Jimmy Witherspoon and some of Britain's top jazz musicians of the day, including Terry Smith on guitar and Dick Morrissey on tenor saxophone. Decreasing interest in jazz and blues during the late 1970s and 1980s meant that many jazz musicians went through a lean time. But in 1988, with The Re-Entry, recorded for the Muse label, McDuff once again began a successful period of recordings, initially for Muse, then on the Concord Jazz label in 1991. George Benson appeared on his 1992 Color Me Blue album.Despite health problems, McDuff continued working and recording throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and he toured Japan with Atsuko Hashimoto in 2000. "Capt'n" Jack McDuff, as he later became known, died of heart failure at the age of 74 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His first wife, the former Dink Dixon, died in the early 1980s. McDuff leaves his second wife Kathy and her two children.
Gregg Alan Rolie-(born June 17,1947)
Gregg Alan Rolie-(Born June 17, 1947) is an American keyboardist, singer and songwriter. There is a lot of great things to say about Greg Rolie, first he is a tremendous Hammond B3 organist and keyboardist. Rolie served as lead singer of the bands Santana and Journey both of which he co-founded. He also helmed rock group The Storm. He performed in Ringo Starr and his All Start Band and currently performs with his Gregg Rolie Band. Rolie is a two-time inductee of the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame, having been inducted both as a member of Santana in 1998 and as a member of Journey in 2017. You might not know the name Gregg Rolie, but you definitely know his music. Not only did he sing “Black Magic Woman,” “Evil Ways,” “Oye Como Va,” and all the other early Santana classics as the group’s original lead vocalist, but he went on to form Journey with Santana guitarist Neal Schon. He was their keyboardist and lead singer on the first three albums before Steve Perry took over as frontman in 1978. He then stuck around for the next two years, playing keyboards on massive hits like “Lights,” “Wheel in the Sky,” and “Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’. There is so much more to say about this great artist. So for now, check out the videos below of Gregg Rolie.
Reese Wynans-(born November 28, 1947)
Wynans was a member of the Second Coming, which from November, 1968 to March, 1969 included two future and founding members of The Allman Brothers Band: guitarist Dickey Betts and bassist Berry Oakley. Other band members were Dale Betts, Larry Reinhardt, and John Meeks. Wynans was involved in the initial jam session with Duane Allman, Betts, Oakley, Butch Trucks, and Jaimoe that led to the formation of the Allman Brothers Band, but was eased aside in favor of vocalist Gregg Allman, as founder Duane Allman did not want two keyboardists, two guitarists, and two drummers all in the same band.
In 1973 he played with Captain Beyond and was on the album Sufficiently Breathless. He quit after just one show with the band, later explaining, "Captain Beyond was a great band to play with, but from the management side it was terribly organized... I was very poor at that time, living in somebody´s else garage, so I needed to work and had to quit." In 1975 he relocated to Austin, TX to join the Jerry Jeff Walker band. They recorded several albums and toured the US extensively. other band members were Dave Perkins, Bobby Rambo, Leo Lablanc, Tomas Ramirez, Ron Cobb, and Fred Krc. Wynans also played with The Explosives along with Fred Krc, Waller Collie, and Cam King. In 1980 he joined the Delbert McClinton band. Other band members were Billy Sanders, James Pennebaker, Larry Lange, Robert Harwell, Ernie Durawa, Roddy Colona and others. He also played piano on many of the tracks on Carole King's albums Touch the Sky and One to One and appears on her vhs recording of the same name. 1985–1990: Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble Wynans joined Stevie Ray Vaughan and Double Trouble in 1985, playing keyboards on Soul to Soul and In Step. Wynans performed with the group until Vaughan's death in 1990.
After Vaughan's death, Wynans joined the touring bands of Joe Ely and Lee Roy Parnell.1992–present. Since moving to Nashville, Tennessee, in 1992, Wynans has played keyboards for a number of country artists including Brooks & Dunn, Trisha Yearwood, Martina McBride, and Hank Williams Jr. Wynans has also played for blues artists Buddy Guy, John Mayall, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Colin James, Ana Popovic, Dudley Taft, Eli Cook, and Los Lonely Boys. Wynans performed on six of the 13 songs on The Nashville Sessions, a 1999 album released by Colorado jamband Leftover Salmon. The album featured many musical collaborations, with Wynans contributions coming on songs featuring musicians such as Be'la Fleck, Jerry Douglas, and Randy Scruggs.
In 2006, Wynans contributed B3 organ to two songs on the self-titled album from Black Stone Cherry.Wynans frequently performs live at 3rd & Lindsley Bar and Grill in Nashville, with a number of established local bands, usually consisting of Nashville session musicians.In late 2014 and early 2015, Wynans was inducted into the Musician's Hall of Fame, Austin City Limits, and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame all as a part of Stevie Ray Vaughan & Double Trouble.In 2015, he became the touring keyboard player for blues rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa. Wynans had previously played keyboards on Bonamassa's 2014 album Different Shades of Blue and his "Muddy Wolf" tour, where Bonamassa played songs originally recorded by Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf.Wynans appeared with Bonamassa on his winter 2016 tour and featured on his album Blues of Desperation.In March 2019, his album, Reese Wynans And Friends: Sweet Release, spent two weeks at number 2 in the US Billboard Blues Albums Chart.In March 2020 Wynans came full circle, replacing the late Gregg Allman on organ for the special The Brothers 50 celebratory concert, that marked 50 years since the formation of the Allman Brothers Band, at Madison Square Garden.
Vince Seneri-(born 1958)
AKA Vince "The Prince" Seneri
More On This Great American Artist Coming Soon!
Steve Winood-(born May 12, 1948) More On This Great American Artist Coming Soon!
Cory Henry Gospel Sensation! More On This Great American Artist Coming Soon!
Sylvester Stewart AKA Sly Stone-(born March 15, 1943) More On This Great American Artist Coming Soon!
Bill Dogett-(born February 16, 1916 died November 13, 1996) More On This Great American Artist Coming Soon!
Felix Cavaliere (born November 29, 1942) More On This Great American Artist Coming Soon!
Charles Earland-AKA The Mighty Burner-(born 24 May 1941, died 11 December 1999)
More On This Great American Artist Coming Soon!
Joet DeFrancesco (Born April 1, 1971-Died August 25,2022)
