Booker T. Jones is a cornerstone of American soul music—an instrumentalist, composer, producer, and visionary whose influence reaches far beyond the legendary recordings that shaped the Memphis sound. As the leader of Booker T. & the MG’s, Jones helped define the Stax Records era of the 1960s, crafting timeless hits while serving as the label’s powerhouse house band. Their instrumental classic “Green Onions” became an anthem of the soul movement, while the MG’s backed icons such as Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Eddie Floyd, Albert King, and many more.
Born in Memphis, Tennessee, Jones grew up surrounded by music. A multi-instrumentalist from an early age, he excelled on organ, saxophone, trombone, oboe, and keyboards before finishing high school. He began working with the soon-to-be Stax Records after being recruited for a Rufus & Carla Thomas session. Alongside Steve Cropper, Lewis Steinberg (later Donald “Duck” Dunn), and Al Jackson Jr., Jones formed Booker T. & the MG’s while simultaneously studying composition and music theory at Indiana University.
Throughout the ’60s, Jones and the MG’s recorded hit after hit while also touring internationally. In 1967, they backed Otis Redding for his legendary performance at the Monterey Pop Festival. After internal tensions at Stax, Jones moved to Los Angeles and expanded his work as a producer and session musician. He produced Bill Withers’ debut album, Just as I Am, featuring “Ain’t No Sunshine,” and later produced Willie Nelson’s landmark crossover album, Stardust.
Booker T. & the MG’s were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, and Jones continued releasing acclaimed solo albums and collaborations, including Potato Hole (with Drive-By Truckers and Neil Young) and The Road from Memphis (with The Roots). In 2019, he released Note by Note alongside his memoir, Time Is Tight: My Life, Note by Note, celebrating a career that reshaped modern music.
Green Onions
Behave Yourself
Rent Party
The Bronx
Progress
Booker T. Jones formed Booker T. & the M.G.’s while still a teenager.
Discovered Steve Cropper at Satellite Record Shop and formed band connection.
Booker T. co-wrote “Green Onions” in high school; became massive hit.
Jones worked as staff musician at Stax Records during teenage years.
Performed with Otis Redding at the legendary Monterey Pop Festival, 1967.
Booker T. & the M.G.’s toured internationally with Stax/Volt Revue.
Played festivals including Bonnaroo with Drive-By Truckers supporting Potato Hole.
Served as house band for an all-star Bob Dylan tribute event.
Regularly performs worldwide with Booker T. Jones Band touring lineup.
Joined Jools Holland at Royal Albert Hall for Stax tribute.
Performed with Gypsy Queens and appeared on their album as guest.
Played organ with Elton John and Leon Russell on The Union.
Grammy Award winner including four wins across multiple instrumental categories.
Earned Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recognizing entire musical legacy.
Booker T. & the M.G.’s inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Won Grammy for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for “Cruisin’” in 1995.
Album Potato Hole awarded Best Instrumental Album at 52nd Grammy Awards.
Honorary doctorate awarded by Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music.
Inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, Nashville, 2007.
“If It Wasn’t For Bad” received Grammy nomination for collaboration category.
Produced Bill Withers’ debut album featuring classic hit “Ain’t No Sunshine.”
Co-wrote “Born Under a Bad Sign,” later popularized by Cream.
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