115. Good Vibes: Green Onions – Booker T. & the M.G.s, 1962

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1 min read

Barrington’s forecast calls for sunny skies and highs in the seventies on Saturday so I think we need a little music to set the mood for sunshine.  This song brings me back to the days when I hosted a blues radio show while at the University of Illinois at WEFT 90.1 fm, the community radio station in Champaign.

Post - Weekend Vibes - booker-t-green-onions

I hear WEFT has gotten rid of most of their record collection, but the station’s music library was mostly vinyl back when I was there.  I’d often pull Booker T. and the M.G.’s “Green Onions” album off the shelf for some funky sounds to start the show.

I love the dancers in this video! And I’m pretty sure I’ve seen my mom bust some of these moves on the dance floor…

Instrumental R&B/funk band, Booker T. & the M.G.’s was influential in shaping the sound of Southern and Memphis soul. Original members of the group were Booker T. Jones (organ, piano), Steve Cropper (guitar), Lewie Steinberg (bass), and Al Jackson, Jr. (drums).

As members of the house band, Stax Records, they played on hundreds of recordings in the 1960’s by artists such as Wilson Pickett, Otis Redding, Bill Withers, Sam & Dave, Carla, Rufus Thomas and Johnnie Taylor.

StaxRecords.com
StaxRecords.com

As originators of the unique Stax sound, Booker T. & the M.G.’s was one of the most prolific, respected, and imitated bands of their era.

(Hello, Austin Powers!) – “Oh behave!”

Speaking of good behavior, here’s one of Booker T. and the M.G.’s more bluesy songs called “Behave Yourself”. This one is also from 1962.  What are your favorite songs to start the weekend?  Please share your recommendations in the comments box below and have a great weekend!

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