As the house band at Stax Records in Memphis, Tennessee, Booker T. & the MG's may have been the single greatest factor in the lasting value of that label's soul music, not to mention Southern soul as a whole. Their tight, impeccable grooves could be heard on classic hits by Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Carla Thomas, Albert King, and Sam & Dave, and for that reason alone, they would deserve their subsequent induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. But in addition to their formidable skills as a house band, on their own they were one of the top instrumental outfits of the rock era, cutting classics like "Green Onions," "Time Is Tight," and "Hang 'em High." (AllMusic) Iconic. File under: Groundbreakers
Discography:
In the music library: Atlantic Rhythm And Blues 1947-1974 Volume 6 (1966-1969): Hip Hug-Her
The Complete Stax / Volt Soul Singles: 1959-1968: Green Onions; Behave Yourself; Jelly Bread; Home Grown; Chinese Checkers; Mo' Onions; Soul Dressing; Can't Be Still; Boot-Leg; Outrage; Be My Lady; My Sweet Potato; Booker Loo; Jingle Bells; Hip Hug-Her; Groovin' ; Slim Jenkin's Place; Winter Snow;
Links: Wikipedia AllMusic Discogs 45cat Stax Records
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Memphis Music Hall of Fame How we made Booker T and the MGs' Green Onions
Booker T. Jones, Soul’s Ultimate Sideman, Takes the Lead at Last