#1 · 2014
A showcase of Afrobeat rhythms highlighting Smith's organ style, issued on Scorpio label, prized for its rhythmic depth.
Afrobeat genreScorpio label2014 release
Artist page · 03/07/2026
Dr. Lonnie Smith
American jazz musician Dr. Lonnie Smith, born in 1942 in Lackawanna, New York, specialized in soul jazz and hard bop, mastering the Hammond B3 organ and piano during a career that lasted until his passing in 2021.
4Albums on Vinyles.com
5Discogs releases
122kLast.fm listeners
About
Dr. Lonnie Smith, Soul jazz icon with a mastery of the Hammond B3 organ.
Five key vinyl releases spanning jazz, funk, and Afrobeat showcase Smith's organ-led grooves.
Dr. Lonnie Smith emerged from the rich jazz traditions of the United States, known particularly for his dynamic approach to the Hammond B3 organ. His work effortlessly bridged soul jazz, funk, and Afrobeat influences, resulting in an expansive discography with vinyl collectors gravitating toward select high-quality pressings. Though best remembered for his organ performances, Smith also contributed on piano throughout his recordings. Notable vinyl releases include "Afro-Desia," showcasing Afrobeat rhythms, and the live session "Live At Club Mozambique," released on Blue Note Records.
His vinyl catalog on Vinyles.com highlights five distinct entries, including compilations and live recordings with labels such as Blue Note and Fantasy Concord, reflecting both his versatility and en…
Playlist
Signature tracks
The tracks that sum up Dr. Lonnie Smith's career.
01
Dancin' In An Easy Groove
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02
Move Your Hand
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03
Afrodesia
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04
Spinning Wheel
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05
Think
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06
I Can't Stand It
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07
psychedelic pi
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08
Paper Tiger
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The essentials
The 3 Dr. Lonnie Smith albums you absolutely need
Our pick, validated by the editorial team.
#2 · 2020
A live recording capturing the energy of Smith's performance, released by Blue Note, presenting immersive jazz grooves.
Live albumBlue Note label2020 release
#3 · 2025
A later compilation reflecting Smith's diverse output, issued by Fantasy Concord, valued for its curated selection.
CompilationFantasy Concord label2025 release
Go further
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Face B
Side B: the hidden stories of Dr. Lonnie Smith
Studio secrets, touring anecdotes and B-sides worth the whole album.
"The Hammond B3 organ is where my soul finds its voice."— Dr. Lonnie Smith
01Performance
Live At Club Mozambique session captured in 2020
The live album "Live At Club Mozambique" documents a 2020 performance with vibrant jazz and organ solos, released on the reputable Blue Note label, continuing Smith's legacy.
02Album
Afro-Desia explores Afrobeat
The 2014 album "Afro-Desia" blends jazz organ with Afrobeat influences, released on Scorpio, standing out in Smith's discography for its rhythmic experimentation.
03Label
Fantasy Concord issues "Turning Point" in 2025
"Turning Point," a compilation released in 2025 on Fantasy Concord, encapsulates diverse facets of Smith's work, appealing to collectors seeking a broad overview.
04Origins
Born in Lackawanna, New York in 1942
Dr. Lonnie Smith's musical foundation was rooted in his upbringing in Lackawanna, shaping his contributions to soul jazz and hard bop across decades.
Records by Dr. Lonnie Smith
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FAQ
FAQ: Dr. Lonnie Smith on physical formats
The most common questions about pressings, reissues and limited editions.
Who was Dr. Lonnie Smith and what was his main instrument?
Dr. Lonnie Smith was an American jazz musician known especially for his mastery of the Hammond B3 organ, also playing piano.
What genres did Dr. Lonnie Smith's music encompass?
His music covered soul jazz, hard bop, funk, and Afrobeat influences, blending groove and improvisation.
Which labels released Dr. Lonnie Smith's notable vinyl albums?
Notable releases appeared on Blue Note, Scorpio, and Fantasy Concord labels among others.
What is the significance of the album "Live At Club Mozambique"?
It is a live recording from 2020 capturing the energy of Smith's organ-driven jazz performance on vinyl.
Are there recent vinyl compilations of Dr. Lonnie Smith's work?
Yes, the 2025 compilation "Turning Point" issued by Fantasy Concord collects diverse recordings.
Where was Dr. Lonnie Smith born?
He was born in Lackawanna, New York, United States, in 1942.
How many vinyl releases of Dr. Lonnie Smith are available on Vinyles.com?
Five vinyl releases by Dr. Lonnie Smith are currently listed, spanning live, compilation, and Afrobeat genres.
What are some top tracks by Dr. Lonnie Smith for vinyl enthusiasts?
Tracks like "Dancin' In An Easy Groove" and "Afrodesia" are popular choices among collectors and listeners.
Transparency
Sources & method
This page is compiled by the vinyles.com editorial team from public sources and our marketplace.
Our method
- Discographic data from MusicBrainz (dates, countries, activity period).
- Tracklists, artwork and genres retrieved via Discogs Masters.
- Values (low / median / high) and stock from the Discogs Marketplace.
- Audience and similar artists via Last.fm.
- Page updated automatically and reviewed by the editorial team.
Last updated: 03/07/2026