Jazz organist Jimmy Smith has died at his Arizona home, apparently of natural causes. He was 79.

ADVERTISEMENT

In the early 1950s Smith began playing his trademark Hammond B3 organ to become a big name in music, with such titles as "Organ Grinder Swing" and "Hobo Flats."

He recently finished an album, "Legacy," with longtime friend Joey DeFrancesco, which is due in stores next Tuesday. The two were to have begun a tour next week.

"Jimmy was one of the greatest and most innovative musicians of our time," DeFrancesco told Billboard.com. "I love the man and I love the music. He was my idol, my mentor and my friend."

The Beastie Boys sampled Smith's "Root Down" on their 1994 album "Ill Communication."