A Musical Match Not Made in Heaven

The Hammond organ although not being manufactured anymore, still has a widespread appeal in the music making industry. The B-3 model has become a legendary instrument over the years. But much to the chagrin of Mr. Hammond it was Leslie’s speakers that linked the Hammond to the popular artists days past.

The Spencer Davis band made the combined sound of Hammond and Leslie a staple. Bands like Steppenwolf and Procul Harum also had big hits with this now synonymous sound. Leslie’s speaker became considered a must have for Hammond players. It practically was considered a part of the instrument.

Interesting to examine is that in 1934 Laurens Hammond invented the electric organ as a fiscally sound alternative to the illustrious church pipe organ. It in fact became used regularly in churches and theaters in the 1940’s. This is evidently the target “market” Hammond was looking at.

Then Jazz musicians started incorporating it into their music in the 1950’s. In Great Britain it was used as elevator and ice rink music. But thanks to Mr. Leslie and his speaker the combination produced a over driven distinct sound adopted by keyboardists like Dave “Baby” Cortez, Booker T Jones, Gary Brooker, Jon Lord, Rick Wright, Billy Preston, Adam Scone, Steve Winwood, Keith Emerson, and Rick Wakeman.

What is somewhat astonishing is Don Leslie had sought employment for the Hammond Organ Company and was rejected. Although his speakers were not made exclusively for the Hammond organ, the speaker was designed with it in mind.

It appears that Hammond was offended that Leslie tried to “improve” his invention. In fact the Hammond company never made even a casual mention to the Leslie speaker in any of it’s information or advertising material. There are reports that the Hammond Company attempted to strong arm piano and organ stores into not selling Leslie products. In fact some Hammond dealers claim that Hammond threatened to pull his product from any store selling Leslie speakers.

Ironically Hammond allowed his technicians to repair Leslie speakers if the customer owned a Hammond organ. He saw this a loyal gesture.

Don Leslie had never advertised his product in his 17 years owning the company. Nevertheless his products were made famous largely due to the Hammond. Also he had some successful speakers he designed for the Fender company renown for its guitars and amplifiers. In fact in 1965 CBS purchased Fender and Leslie. Leslie had enough after 17 years. Before he sold his company to CBS however, he attempted to sell his company to Hammond. He sent official proposals to Hammond he asked for a decision in thirty days. Hammond never replied.

It is true that a new Hammond hasn’t been built since the 1970’s, there are some Leslie speakers still made today. Digital advances and technology has made it possible for modern day keyboards to reproduce the famous Hammond/Leslie sound with impressive accuracy.

So there you have it. Two men who had a passion for music. And despite the fact that Leslie indirectly contributed to advancing the interest and saleability of the Hammond, Laurens Hammond was very bitter with the events surrounding the Leslie complimentary speaker.

What a twist of fate and an amazing story.