My Favorite Organ Songs

Almost exactly a year ago, I was walking around my local thrift store, when suddenly I saw something so exciting I literally jumped about in excitement.

An Organ! A closer inspection brought me even greater joy, it was a HAMMOND ORGAN! For a brief moment I considered buying the instrument, but I quickly remembered that I lived in a college apartment, in a room with barely enough space for me and my ukulele.

A few days passed and the Hammond Organ kept popping into my head. One day, while procrastinating homework, I decided to research the organ. To my surprise, I found that the $60 model for sale at the thrift store was online for $2000!!! Quickly I grabbed my phone, called the store and figured out a place to keep the Organ.

Purchasing my organ was lifechanging quite literally. I had to move all 280 pounds of 1970s electronics and wood to every new apartment I've been to since. A true chore.

In another sense, the organ changed the way I create and listen to music.

Hammond Organs have been the unsung hero of loads of popular songs for years! They're perfect background instruments, adding ambience and a little grit to a mix. Other times, when the spotlight falls on a good organist, they shine with massive sounding, tone bending solos.

In absolutely no particular order, here are some of my favorite songs that feature Hammond Organ.

• Roll With the Changes - REO Speedwagon

A great song in general, plus, if you're anything like me, an organ solo at the end that will make you cry tears of joy. Neal Doughty didn't show off with his playing as much as he showed off the incredible tones coming out of the organ. It's excellent.

• A Hit by Varse - Chicago

Chicago has loads of great organ! Robert Lamm plays a mean B3 in this tune. While there isn't a dedicated organ solo, I feel that this song showcases how well the Hammond works as a rhythm instrument. The tone fits in the mix beautifully. I would also recommend Introduction and State Of the Union.

• Foreplay - Boston

Besides being one of the greatest guitarists, home producers, and songwriters of all time, Tom Scholz is also a fantastic organ player. I would highly recommend checking out this video of him playing this song live in his basement.

• Karn Evil 9 - Emerson, Lake, and Palmer

No list of great Organ music would be complete without Keith Emerson, one of the best rock keyboard players that ever lived. This is just a part of Karn Evil 9, a song that spans over 30 minutes! Definitely check out "Hoedown" by ELP if you like this one.

• Portrait - Kansas

Kansas has loads of great organ in their songs, I tried to go with a lesser-known song to educate you a bit. But if you haven't heard Carry On my Wayward Son or Point of Know Return, those are excellent songs!

• Gimme Some Lovin' - Spencer Davis Group

Steve Winwood wrote this song on the spot, which isn't surprising when you read the words... The organ in this song is so catchy and the tone blew me away! When I first heard this song I couldn't resist learning to play it on my organ. (Can you blame me?) This led to a full cover of the song, with every member of the band cramming into my friend's basement bedroom. Watch the video below to see my 60 dollar organ in action, and the legendary Jon G jamming on bass in the bathtub.

• Anyday - Derek and the Dominos

An excellent Eric Clapton track that really shows how well the Hammond Organ fits as a supporting instrument. I love this song.

• Green Onions - Booker T

Fantastic tone and playing. This song is one of the most famous organ songs ever, for good reason.

• Bridge Over Troubled Water - Aretha Franklin

First of all, Aretha freaking KILLS this track. I love the original and her cover is so unique and soulful... it brings me joy. The organ has some AWESOME tone and great supporting parts.

Of course there are many songs I couldn't fit on this one page... So luckily for you I've got an organ playlist on Spotify! If you think of any songs I've missed, let me know and I'll add them!

Spotify Playlist