Dr Lonnie Smith

Often using an electric Hammond organ, soul jazz drew influences from gospel, blues and R&B and, of course, the popular soul genre. Stephanie Anne Johnson explores the early days of the soul jazz.

Jazz organist and one of the pioneers of what we now call "soul jazz," Dr. Lonnie Smith died this past September at age 79. KNKX’S Nick Morrison gives us a fond remembrance.

Now in its 15th year, the Portland Jazz Festival begins this week, running February 15th through the 25th. Always a great excuse to visit the Rose City,…