Music Video

Tell us about James Brown's Hammond B3 Organ

February 2017

Dr. Dwandalyn Reece, Curator of Music and Performing Arts at the National Museum of African-American History and Culture, tells us about James Brown's Hammond B-3 Organ that is on display in Through the African-American Lens exhibition at National Museum of American History.

Smithsonian Artifact Featured in this Video

Description
A Hammond B-3 electric organ. The organ is covered in black vinyl and trimmed with silver roping. Stitched on the back of the organ in red vinyl and brass colored metal rivets is "God ~ father." The organ has two keyboards with both preset and manual keys, a folding top and a single foot pedal. Electrical outlets are on the back of the organ at its base.
Data Source
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Manufactured by
Hammond Suzuki USA, Inc., American, founded 1934
Trek II Products, Inc., American
Owned by
James Brown, American, 1933 - 2006
Date
1968
Credit Line
Collection of the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture
Medium
vinyl, wood, metal
Dimensions
H x W: 40 x 50 x 30 in. (101.6 x 127 x 76.2 cm)
Type
electronic organs
musical instruments