There’s just something about the sound of a Hammond organ in a song that satisfies me to the core. It’s like musical “chicken soup for the soul.”
And there have been so many great songs through the years — rock and jazz and a bit of things in between — that have involved memorable Hammond playing.
Here’s an even dozen pieces that show just how much a warm, deep, rich, growling Hammond organ can be used and — in the case of Keith Emerson — abused.
Kerry Minnear with Gentle Giant — “Peel The Paint”
Booker T & The MG’s — “Green Onions”
Steve Winwood with The Spencer Davis Group — “Gimme Some Lovin'”
Gregg Rolie with Santana — “Soul Sacrifice”
Gregg Rolie with Journey — “I’m Gonna Leave You”
Brian Auger’s Oblivion Express
Joey DeFrancesco with the John McLaughlin Trio
John Novello with Niacin — “Elbow Grease”
Jimmy Smith — “Organ Grinder’s Swing”
Jon Lord with Deep Purple — “Hush”
Keith Emerson with Emerson Lake & Palmer — “Rondo”
Procol Harum — “Whiter Shade of Pale”
A View From The Middle (Class) 