Top 10 Rock Organists and Their Best Tracks – Part 2
Rock and roll has always been synonymous with electric guitars and beating drums, but there is something special about the soulful sound of a Hammond B-3 organ that captivates audiences. The Hammond B-3 became a staple of rock music during the latter half of the 1960s and throughout the 1970s, adding a spiritual element to the genre. Whether it was creating a spiritual experience or inciting a wild late-night jam session, these artists used their skills to enhance their bands’ music in the studio and bring a unique identity to their live performances.
Gregg Rolie of Santana is one such artist whose heavenly Hammond organ playing added an unparalleled dimension to the band’s music. Accompanying Carlos Santana’s legendary guitar work, Rolie’s contributions can be heard in the track “Black Magic Woman,” which reached number four in 1970. Displaying a blend of blues and Latin influences, Rolie’s melodic content and dense drone created an ethereal atmosphere that underscored the song’s hazy vibe.
Danny Federici, known for his work with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, played a crucial role in shaping the band’s sound. His organ and glockenspiel work on the iconic track “Born to Run” gave the song an epic, cinematic quality that propelled Springsteen into stardom. Federici’s ability to create atmosphere through his playing provided a solid foundation for Springsteen’s storytelling during their live performances.
Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird” is a classic anthem that features Billy Powell’s organ work prominently throughout the song. Though the track opens with a piano introduction, Powell’s organ quickly elevates the music into a realm of Southern rock infused with gospel tones. Powell’s expert layering of organ fills and harmonies added a shimmer and depth to the track, transforming it from a ballad into a powerful rock anthem.
Mark Stein of Vanilla Fudge made a name for himself with his epic Hammond organ playing on their rendition of “You Keep Me Hangin’ On.” By infusing this Motown classic with solemn grandeur, Stein helped the song reach number six on the Hot 100 chart in 1967. His fiery entrances and sweeping glissandi paved the way for future progressive and heavy rock keyboardists.
In the realm of progressive rock, Richard Wright of Pink Floyd was a master of creating sonic landscapes with his Farfisa organ. Tracks like “Set the Controls for the Heart of the Sun” showcased Wright’s ability to build immense, otherworldly atmospheres through sustained chords and hypnotic rhythms.
Goldy McJohn of Steppenwolf crafted the unmistakable organ riff in the band’s hit song “Born to Be Wild.” The engine-like rumble of his organ paired with John Kay’s gritty vocals encapsulated the essence of ‘60s rebellion, making the track an anthem for freedom and exploration.
Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers added his piano and organ skills to the band’s music, supporting Petty’s storytelling with melodic structures in iconic songs like “American Girl.” Though the song didn’t chart when first released, Tench’s contributions provided a solid foundation for the band’s live performances.
Brian Auger of Brian Auger and the Trinity brought a unique fusion of jazz and rock to his music. His cover of The Band’s “This Wheel’s on Fire” showcased his improvisational style on the Hammond organ, creating a psychedelic favorite that resonated with audiences. Auger’s ability to blend jazz phrasing with rock energy added a new dimension to the organ’s voice in a rock setting.
In conclusion, the legacy of these rock organists lives on through their groundbreaking contributions to the genre. From Santana to Lynyrd Skynyrd, Pink Floyd to Steppenwolf, each artist brought a unique sound to their respective bands, solidifying the Hammond B-3 organ as a centerpiece of rock music in the ‘60s and ‘70s. Their standout tracks continue to inspire and captivate audiences, showcasing the enduring power of the Hammond organ in the world of rock and roll.