Booker T. & the MG's

Biography

Booker T. & the M.G.'s emerged in Memphis, Tennessee, in 1962 as the house band for Stax Records, quickly becoming one of the most influential instrumental groups in American music history. The original lineup—Booker T. Jones (organ, piano), Steve Cropper (guitar), Lewie Steinberg (bass), and Al Jackson Jr. (drums)—was forged during a spontaneous studio jam, which produced their signature hit, 'Green Onions,' a million-selling single that defined the Memphis soul sound. Their tight, groove-driven instrumentals became the backbone for countless Stax recordings, backing legends like Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, and Carla Thomas, while also releasing their own acclaimed albums. The group was notable not only for their musical innovation but also for their racial integration at a time when soul music was largely segregated. After Steinberg’s departure in 1965, Donald 'Duck' Dunn joined on bass, solidifying the classic quartet until Jackson’s tragic murder in 1975. Despite lineup changes and periods of hiatus, Booker T. & the M.G.'s remained active, reuniting for tours and recordings, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. Their legacy endures as pioneers of Southern soul and as a symbol of musical unity.

Fun Facts

• The band’s name, 'M.G.'s,' stands for 'Memphis Group,' a nod to their hometown roots.
• 'Green Onions' was originally intended as the B-side to 'Behave Yourself,' but DJs flipped the record, making it a smash hit.
• Booker T. & the M.G.'s were one of the first racially integrated rock groups, with two Black and two white members during the height of the Civil Rights Movement.
• Despite their instrumental focus, the group occasionally featured vocals, such as on the 1969 hit 'Soul Limbo,' which became famous as the theme for BBC cricket coverage.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Jim Stewart - Co-founder of Stax Records who discovered and recorded the band’s first hit (Green Onions)

Key Collaborators

• Otis Redding - Frequent studio collaborator; M.G.'s served as his backing band (Otis Blue, (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay) [1960s]
• Wilson Pickett - Backing band for recording sessions (In the Midnight Hour) [1960s]
• Sam & Dave - Backing band for recording sessions (Soul Man, Hold On, I'm Comin') [1960s]
• Carla Thomas - Backing band for recording sessions (Gee Whiz) [1960s]
• Isaac Hayes - Occasional keyboardist and collaborator during Jones’s absence (Boot-Leg)

Artists Influenced

• The Blues Brothers - Cropper and Dunn became members, bringing the M.G.'s groove to a new generation (Briefcase Full of Blues) [1970s–1980s]
• Countless soul and R&B bands - Pioneered the Memphis soul sound, imitated by many (N/A) [1960s–present]
• Southern rock and jam bands - Their instrumental approach and tight grooves influenced bands like The Allman Brothers Band (N/A) [1970s–present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Green Onions (Green Onions)
2. Green Onions
3. Time Is Tight (The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles, Vol. 2: 1968-1971)
4. Green Onions - 2022 Remaster (Green Onions (60th Anniversary Remaster))
5. Behave Yourself (Green Onions)
6. Let's Go Get Stoned (Doin' Our Thing)
7. Soul Limbo (Soul Limbo)
8. Melting Pot (Melting Pot)
9. Soul Dressing (Soul Dressing)
10. Sunday Sermon

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia