Booker T. & The M.G.'s – Green Onions

Booker T. & The M.G.'s – Green Onions

Booker T. & The M.G.'s – Green Onions is an essential landmark of early Memphis soul, introducing one of the most recognisable instrumental groups in popular music. Originally released in 1962 on Stax Records, the album captures the raw, earthy sound that would help define the legendary Memphis label.

At the centre of the record is the iconic title track "Green Onions", built around Booker T. Jones' unforgettable Hammond organ riff, Steve Cropper's economical guitar, Donald "Duck" Dunn's deep bass and Al Jackson Jr.'s precise, understated drumming. The track became an enduring instrumental classic and remains one of the defining recordings of the Stax sound.

The album goes beyond its famous title track, with "Rinky-Dink," "Mo' Onions," "Behave Yourself" and "Comin' Home Baby" showcasing the group's tight, groove-driven musicianship. Their stripped-back approach leaves plenty of space for the rhythm section and organ to create a powerful sense of momentum without relying on vocals.

Booker T. & The M.G.'s also turn their attention to a selection of soul, R&B and pop favourites, including "I Got A Woman," "Twist And Shout," "Lonely Avenue" and "Stranger On The Shore." These performances demonstrate the group's remarkable ability to transform familiar material into concise, rhythm-heavy instrumental workouts.

As the house band for countless Stax recordings, Booker T. & The M.G.'s played a pivotal role in the careers of artists including Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, Albert King and Eddie Floyd. Their chemistry established a template for Memphis soul that would influence funk, rock, R&B and instrumental music for decades.

For collectors of Stax Records, Memphis soul, Southern soul, instrumental R&B, Booker T. Jones, Steve Cropper and classic 1960s vinyl, Green Onions is an essential record and one of the great foundational albums of American soul music.

Tracklist

Side A

1. Green Onions – 2:45
2. Rinky-Dink – 2:39
3. I Got A Woman – 3:32
4. Mo' Onions – 2:50
5. Twist And Shout – 2:09
6. Behave Yourself – 3:45

Side B

1. Stranger On The Shore – 2:18
2. Lonely Avenue – 3:25
3. One Who Really Loves You – 2:22
4. I Can't Sit Down – 2:46
5. A Woman, A Lover, A Friend – 3:15
6. Comin' Home Baby – 3:09