12 Landmark Organ Riffs and the Men Who Played Them

In light of our recent list of the Top 15 Iconic Guitars in the History of Recorded Music, and because Paul himself is a tickler of the ivories, we here at the Funky Stuff present to you the 12 Landmark Organ Riffs and the Men Who Layed Them Down. The Hammond B-3 partnered with the righteous Leslie effect pedal is the most common weapon wielded by these players.

Our organ research advisory council has spent countless hours in closed door session and after much deliberation we have come into agreement on the following list. The envelope please…


12. Matthew Fisher - Procul Harum - A Whiter Shade of Pale. (I'm sorry that this picture makes Fisher look like he just let one slip. I wanted a 60's era shot but they are fairly scarce.)


11. Tony Kaye - Yes - Roundabout. Our first of two Yes keyboard players. I had an opportunity to see Kaye play with the band live on the 90125 tour in Champaign, Il. The talents of Kaye and Chris Squire on the bass were inspiring (to say the least). Note the Oberheim sitting on top of the B-3. That's not recommended if you want organ longevity.



10. Ken Hensley - Uriah Heep - Easy Livin'. This song is one of those "100 mile an hour" songs. Hensley's organ is the engine burning high octane fuel powering this track.


9. Jerry Corbetta - Sugarloaf - Green Eyed Lady. Please see the note on number 12. The same applies here.



8. Steve Winwood - Jimi Hendrix - Voodoo Chile. The dueling B-3 with Jimi's amazing guitar riffs on the 15 minute version (Side 1 - Electric Ladyland) highlight the innovative organ skills of Mr. Winwood. His work with Traffic and the Spencer Davis Group were also closely considered.


7. Rick Davies - Supertramp - Bloody Well Right. Our organ selection council was in agreement that the opening two minutes of this song includes one of the most "feel good" keyboard lines in music history.


6. Ray Manzarek - The Doors - Light My Fire. We could have picked several songs that feature the nimble fingers of Manzarek. Take away the B-3 from the Doors' music library and you take away the backbone of their musical structure. Yes, Morrison was a brilliant lyricist; call him an American Poet if you will. But, I believe his words are carried into history because of the work of Ray Manzarek.


5. Booker T Jones - Booker T and the MG's - Green Onions. This was my original #1 choice and it was slowly bumped by my panel of experts. G.O. represents the best of Memphis and Stax in the 60's. Booker T and the MG's were integration in a world of segregation. The groove of this song is iconic and hypnotic and the organ work by Booker is perfection.


4. Danny Federici - Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band - Rosalita.

3. Greg Allman - Allman Brothers Band - Whipping Post (I accidentally deleted the photo of Allman and it's just going to take too long to put it back. We all know what he looks like anyway...right?)


2. Rick Wakemen - Yes - Roundabout. Our 2nd Yes keyboard player to make the list. His work on the Fragile LP following the firing of Tony Kaye is outstanding. This shot is keyboard testosterone. Look at me with my massive boards baby!


1. Billy Preston - The Beatles - Get Back. Billy not only brought his blistering organ sounds into the Beatles sessions but he also brought peace into the midst of the tumultous world of Lennon-McCartney. Both his session and solo work are timeless. I put him at number one without hesitation.

Honorable mention goes to Rod Argent of the Zombies and Argent fame, Dennis DeYoung of Styx, Al Kooper, John Evans of Jethro Tull, Jon Lord of Deep Purple and Tom Scholz of Boston and the king of all B-3 players...Jimmy Smith. The keyboard I play actually has an organ setting named "Jimmy" in his honor.

I know that some of you will provide other names for consideration because you are educated, musical people. I will take your recommendations under advisement.