Booker T. Jones is a legendary figure in the world of R&B and popular music, amassing an impressive string of hits as a solo artist and with the MG’s. At the age of 14, Jones was playing in Memphis clubs and, at age 16, he began working sessions at Stax Records. With guitarist Steve Cropper, bassist Lewie Steinberg, and the late Al Jackson Jr. on drums, he formed the MG’s.

During the 1960’s, the MG’s were the studio band for the Stax record label, backing acts like Otis Redding. In 1962, when Jones was a senior in high school, the group recorded “Green Onions,” which sold a million copies. This was followed by six other Top 40 hits, including “Hip Hug-Her,” “Groovin,” “Soul-Limbo,” “Hang Em’ High,” and “Time Is Tight.”

As a staff musician at Stax Records, Booker also played on some of the most important records in the history of R&B music, including “Born Under A Bad Sign,” “Hold On I’m Coming,” “Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay,” “Try A Little Tenderness,” “When Something Is Wrong With My Baby,” and others. While working at Stax, Booker earned a Bachelor of Music Education Degree at Indiana University.

In the 1970’s, Jones was a record producer in Los Angeles, working with Willie Nelson on three albums, including the multi-platinum Stardust. Jones produced and arranged other hits, including Bill Withers’‘Ain’t No Sunshine album, Rita Coolidge’s “Higher and Higher,” and “We’re All Alone,” and Earl Klugh’s “Magic In Your Eyes.” Jones also played on albums by Bobby Darin, Ray Charles, Bob Dylan, Stephen Stills, Boz Scaggs, Soul Asylum, John Lee Hooker, Kris Kristofferson, and Barbara Streisand. Jones recorded five solo LP’s for A&M, Epic, and MCA Record companies.

In 1992, Booker T. & the MG’s were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The band received a Grammy for its single, “Cruisin’,” and was presented with the Rhythm and Blues Association’s Pioneer Award.  In 1993, the band toured with Neil Young in Europe and the United States.

Booker has received three BAMmie Awards for outstanding keyboardist in the Bay Area. He has scored films and contributed music to films such as Get Shorty, White Men Can’t Jump, and American Grafitti