I edited my profile with Thomas' Myspace Editor V4.4John Eugene Patton was born on July 12, 1935 in Kansas City, Missouri. John began his career as pianist/band director for Lloyd Price and held that position for five years, co-writing the hit "Personality" among others. Upon the advice of drummer Ben Dixon who had noticed John's ability to develop wonderful left-hand basslines, John began the switch to the Hammond B3 organ. Along with Ben Dixon and guitarist Grant Green, Patton formed the basis of a unit that would record many of Blue Note Record's greatest soul jazz recordings. Backing Lou Donaldson initially, John wrote "Funky Mama" which became Lou's first big seller. Patton was then given the chance record on his own for Blue Note, "Along Came John" was the first of many legendary albums he made for the company. Patton was one of the few modern jazz organists who emerged in the 60's to go beyond the foundation laid down by Jimmy Smith. The musical language he created, cemented on classic Blue Note albums such as Let 'Em Roll, That Certain Feeling and Understanding, was free of clichés and spoke in the modern jazz language of the time. With fouths and suspensions in his right hand and intricate rhythmic basslines in his left… Patton forged a style unlike any other. Music critic Harvey Pekar fittingly dubbed him “The Black Soulwick” for his spiritual approach to the Hammond organ. When the Hammond B-3 and soul-jazz went out of fashion in the 1970s, Patton's career went into eclipse as well, and he settled in East Orange, NJ. There he continued to be part of a vibrant jazz scene throughout the 80's, playing with Pharoah Saunders, Eddie Gladden, Grachan Moncur III, Jimmy Ponder and others at such Newark Hotspots as Sparky J's (Formerly the Cadillac Club). During the mid 90's, Patton re-emerged with tours to Europe and Japan, and a string of successful albums on the DIW label. Proving that John's creative force had only grown stronger over the years. Sadly, John passed away March 19, 2002 at the age of 66.
This is John Patton's Hammond B3. John told me he and Grant Green bought it at Macy's in downtown New York City in 1963
I was thinking about John on his birthday and how much I miss my friend. Not only was he a great musician he was a great friend. I was listening to his cd's and I can honestly say he was the King of the B3.
It's strange how one person can have an effect on ones life. One man had that effect. It was John Patton. "Big john" in his forceful way put in motion my company. I will always be grateful to him. I miss you my friend.
Thanks for all the awe inspiring music. Wether it's early morning and I need to smile or it's late night and I need some coooool Jazz Big John Patton leads the way. Truly the greatest Hammond b player imo. My greatest regret in life is never ssing John play live. Thanes to www. dimeadozen. org I at least have herd some live recordings. Thanks again for the MUSIC , RIP
Had the chance to see John back in the late 80s in a tiny club in Montreal.Been hooked ever since!! His music makes me feel real good and will live on .
John was a great artist who touched many lives. He taught me to keep it simple and to find my own space in the music. His heart was happy and his music lives on.
It was a pleasure to know and work with John.After spending a lot of time at his home rehersing and just hanging out,I quickly found that I was in the presence of a creative genius(and a really funny guy too!) I'll always remember 'Big John'.
I would like to say thanks to such a beautiful person who help my career in the music business. One of my first gig at the age of 12 years old was with: Big John Patton, Grant Green and George Braith, so I own you a whole lot for that John.
Thanks again for your time and patience, I will definitely carry the message on, your old time friend
Hi thank you for the add. I'm a great fan of Big John Patton, not only as organist but also as a music writer. His original tunes are brilliant! Is there something like "The best of John Patton" sheet music book collection? If you know where to find it please let me know mv59@inwind.it
Thank you very much MARCO
