Renowned jazz organist is awarded key to MB
By Janelle Frost
The Sun News
Jimmy Smith captivated his audience with his funky jazz tunes Sunday at The Jasmine Supper Club, in the former location of Stoney Cove nightclub.
The well-known jazz musician, specifically an organist, accepted the key to the city of Myrtle Beach during his performance Sunday night.
Councilwoman Judy Rodman joined Smith, 75, at the organ to present him with the key, and Smith was quick to get in a few jokes.
"Can I open anybody's door, go in anybody's house? Because there's some rich people down here," he said while the crowd laughed. "Don't take it away."
Smith joins actress Debbie Reynolds, who was awarded the key to the city more than two weeks ago. Radio talk show host Ken Hamblin received it in 1999.
The city has no records of to whom it has given keys over the years, and there are no formal standards. But City Council approved giving Smith, who has been performing for 50 years, a key to recognize his lifelong achievements.
"He's no one that just started out, who needs [public relations]," Rodman said. "He has a sound that once you hear it, you would be like, 'Oh, I've heard that before.' We're recognizing the old school that sort of set the standard, and he is one of those people."
Jeff Kirk, general manager at The Jasmine Supper Club, said it was great that Smith received such an honor.
"I think it's excellent. It goes along with what we're trying to do with jazz in Myrtle Beach by bringing legendary performers in the club." Saxophonists Kim Waters and Gato Barbieri have played at the club. The Yellowjackets will perform there in December.
Herbert Riley, of the performance group Jazz Etc., asked for the key to be presented to Smith. He says jazz is considered America's only art form.
"Jimmy Smith made the organ," Riley said. "He's a man of high character. Jazz Etc. has been playing on the beach for 21 years. I wouldn't be playing if it wasn't for Jimmy. He's like the godfather of it all."
Smith, originally from Norristown, Pa., is one of the 2005 Fellowship Recipients for the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Masters Fellowships.
He said that he has received many city keys in the past and that it was an honor and pleasure to have received the key to Myrtle Beach.
He also said it was nice to have played at the black-owned nightclub. He performed at the club Saturday and Sunday playing songs such as "The Sermon" and "Midnight Special." He said he is well-known for "Walk on the Wild Side."
"I'm glad that I'm playing here," he said. "By me playing here, there are going to be many other jazz players playing here."
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