* The Hammond B3 was introduced in 1955. The Leslie speaker was already in production, with its first version being invented in 1940.
* The Leslie speaker was a popular and common addition to the Hammond B3. It was a perfect pairing, creating the distinctive, swirling sound that became iconic.
* The Leslie speaker was often sold separately, and many Hammond B3s were likely purchased without them. Musicians would often add the Leslie later, sometimes as an afterthought.
Therefore, it's more accurate to say that the Hammond B3 and Leslie speaker became a standard combination in the late 1950s and early 1960s. This era saw the widespread adoption of the B3 in popular music, along with the Leslie, creating the sound that defined many musical genres.
A few key points to consider:
* The Hammond B3 was a commercial success from the start. It's likely that many early B3s were sold to musicians who already owned a Leslie or were planning to buy one.
* The Leslie speaker was a valuable addition to the B3. It greatly enhanced the sound and allowed for creative expression, leading to its widespread adoption.
* No definitive records exist to track every B3 sold with a Leslie. While it's impossible to know for sure, the pairing became so standard that it's safe to assume many, if not most, B3s were sold with a Leslie speaker.
In conclusion, while the exact first B3 with a Leslie speaker is unknown, their pairing became a defining characteristic of the organ's sound and a cornerstone of popular music history.