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.

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
Also known as The Incredible Jimmy Smith
Born December 8, 1925
Norristown, Pennsylvania, United States
Died February 8, 2005 (aged 79)
Scottsdale, Arizona, United States
Genres Hard bop, Mainstream jazz, Jazz-funk, Jazz fusion
Occupation(s) Musician
Instruments Hammond B-3 electric organ
Years active 1956–2005
Labels Blue Note, Verve