Long Beach California -- The late great jazz organist Jimmy Smith receives the NEA Jazz Master Award presented to him by Nancy Wilson exactly one month before he died - film by Jon Hammond http://www.HammondCast.com http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jimmy_Smith_(musician) James Oscar "Jimmy" Smith (December 8, 1925[1] or 1928[2] – February 8, 2005)[1][2] was an American jazz musician who achieved the rare distinction of releasing a series of instrumental jazz albums that often charted on Billboard. Smith helped popularize the Hammond B-3 electric organ, creating an indelible link between sixties soul and jazz improvisation. <br /> <br />In 2005, Smith was awarded the NEA Jazz Masters Award from the National Endowment for the Arts, the highest honor that the United States bestows upon jazz musicians James Oscar Smith <br />Also known as The Incredible Jimmy Smith <br />Born December 8, 1925 <br />Norristown, Pennsylvania, United States <br />Died February 8, 2005 (aged 79) <br />Scottsdale, Arizona, United States <br />Genres Hard bop, Mainstream jazz, Jazz-funk, Jazz fusion <br />Occupation(s) Musician <br />Instruments Hammond B-3 electric organ <br />Years active 1956–2005 <br />Labels Blue Note, Verve
