1. Benjamin Jackson Porter "Jackie" Davis was an American soul jazz singer, organist and bandleader.
10 Facts About Jackie Davis
1. 2.
Jackie Davis is notable for his contributions in bringing the Hammond organ to the forefront of jazz and pop, preceding the better-known Jimmy Smith by several years.
3.
Jackie Davis experimented with jazz on the pipe organ, before switching to the Hammond.
4.
Jackie Davis was influenced by Wild Bill Davis and Bill Doggett, and after a spell backing Louis Jordan, he started fronting his own jazz groups.
5.
Jackie Davis notably preceded Jimmy Smith in using the instrument in small jazz combos.
6.
Records, releasing Easy Does It as The Jackie Davis Quartet, following it up with Jackie Davis Plus Voices, which featured the Sid Bass Chorus on backing vocals.
7.
Jackie Davis made a brief comeback in 1980, recording a self-titled album for EMI, and making a cameo appearance in the film Caddyshack as the country club valet Porterhouse.
8.
Jackie Davis kept Jacksonville as his homebase and died on November 2,1999, following a stroke.
9.
Author and Hammond enthusiast Scott Faragher feels that Jackie Davis' recorded output has been overlooked because it sounds dated, but stresses his importance in giving the Hammond recognition in the jazz and pop world should not be underestimated.
10.
Shirley Scott stated her playing was influenced by Jackie Davis, claiming he knew "everything about the Hammond organ" and was impressed with his ability to manipulate the instrument.