organ funk

The Funky Sounds of the Organ: A History of Organ Funk

In the realm of music, where rhythm and groove reign supreme, there’s a subgenre that deserves its own funky fanfare: **Organ Funk**. This vibrant blend of soul, jazz, and blues, infused with the soulful wail of the Hammond organ, has been a groove-inducing force since the 1960s.

The story starts with **Jimmy Smith**, the “King of the Hammond”, who brought his own unique jazz style to the organ in the late 1950s. He laid the foundation for a generation of organists who would elevate the instrument to new heights of funkiness.

In the 1960s, as soul music blossomed, organ funk truly found its groove. **Booker T. Jones**, the mastermind behind the iconic **Booker T. & the M.G.’s**, was a key figure in this evolution. Their instrumental funk anthems like “Green Onions” and “Time Is Tight” remain staples of the genre.

Meanwhile, **the Meters**, with their infectious rhythm and funky organ lines, took the New Orleans sound to another level. **Art Neville’s** organ work on classics like “Cissy Strut” and “Just Kissed My Baby” is still celebrated for its soulful groove.

As the 1970s rolled in, organ funk continued its reign, with artists like **Isaac Hayes** and **Curtis Mayfield** incorporating the organ into their soul-stirring soundscapes. **Hayes’s** “Theme from Shaft” is a testament to the organ’s ability to deliver both soulful and funky vibes.

But organ funk wasn’t just about serious musicians. **The J.B.’s** and their charismatic frontman, **James Brown**, injected a dose of pure energy into the genre with their iconic funk beats. The organ provided the backbone for Brown’s electrifying stage presence, adding layers of funky depth to his explosive performances.

Funny Facts:

• **Booker T. Jones** famously learned to play the organ by watching his brother, **Melvin**.
• **Art Neville** of The Meters, a devout Catholic, once said, “The organ is like a church, it’s a sacred instrument.”
• **Isaac Hayes’s** “Theme from Shaft” was originally intended for a pornographic film before becoming a groundbreaking funk anthem.

Organ funk continues to inspire musicians today, with contemporary artists like **Thundercat**, **Khruangbin**, and **The Black Keys** showcasing its enduring appeal. The genre’s vibrant fusion of soul, jazz, and blues, all driven by the soulful growl of the Hammond organ, remains a potent force in the world of music.