Jimmy Smith
Organ Solo on
Bad

About

Jimmy Smith's organ solo is the first of two solos on Michael Jackson's "Bad," preceding Greg Phillinganes's keyboard solo. Though brief, Smith's contribution brings an unexpected jazz-blues flavor to the hard-edged pop-funk arrangement at 115 BPM in A minor. At 60 to 61 years old, the legendary organist lends his signature harmonic sensibility and rhythmic vitality to the production, a moment that recalls his classic 1960s and 1970s work in a radically different context. Producer Quincy Jones, who had a longstanding relationship with Smith, integrated the organ solo to add genuine musical sophistication to the pop format.

Jimmy Smith was 60 to 61 years old at the time.