Booker T. Jones: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

Jones' name is synonymous with the Hammond B3 organ. At 17, he recorded the instrument's anthem, "Green Onions," with his band Booker T and The MG's. Watch him play the song all alone in the NPR Music offices -- and with such joy, you'd swear he just discovered it.
Set List:
"Green Onions"
"Born Under A Bad Sign"
"Down In Memphis"
For more videos, visit npr.org/tinydeskconcerts
You can download the video by subscribing to the All Songs Considered Tiny Desk Concert Podcast at npr.org/tinydeskconcerts

[@Aerospace_Education]

That wasn't a Tiny Desk Concert, that was a Master Class!

[@Sparky5999]

INDEED!

[@SuperFlobod]

What's happening at 2:45 is from other planet already, wish I had transcription

[@CrochetNewsNetwork]

I had the privilege to record with Booker T. for both Melissa Ethridge and Willie Nelson. He was very kind to me and very unassuming. I pulled up to his house in San Franando Vally Ca in my MG. He proceeds to "explain " to me he was once in a group called the MG’s. I said I KNOW you’re my hero. I told him how my dad used to make me practice my drums as punishment as a kid and I would have to play "Hang ‘em High " -- for me I could never get the ending of that song as an 8 year old. It sounded to me back then to be arrhythmic and I cried a little as I never could play that part in time with the record player. He LOVED that story and laugh out loud. What a wonderful man.

[@faust451]

He explained to you he was in a group called the MGs, that is incredible. Granted, I am a huge fan of all the artists that were a part of Stax Records, but it's so hard for me to imagine there are folks that don't know of Booker T. & the M.G.'s. Great story by the way, I imagine it was a bit surreal to not only meet him, but also record with him.

[@TheAblator]

Why this man is not recognized nationally as the American legend he really is remains a mystery to me.

[@nathanreiber6819]

what makes you think he isn't?

[@anthonytaylor7928]

He is what are u talking about

[@penfold7800]

He isn't?

[@Ratboy2004]

Obvious isn't it?

[@chetdudeweb707]

He's a legend to me! I got to see him live with his band at the Paramount Theater in Oakland back around 2006 or so. A GREAT artist with a great band.

[@ziggyzettel6668]

Booker has aged WELL has he not? So humble and genuine.

[@banjopete]

ZiggyZettel , I’m guessing clean living, that’s my call.

[@chrissyyy7150]

They say black don’t crack

[@richardsfault1]

Absolute class act!

[@renejansen5939]

@@chrissyyy7150 I Do recommend you to watch the documentary that's made about the musicians behind "Buena Vista Social Club". They where black Cuban musicians. Getting the fame they earned on a high age. But they where so driven, so young in their minds. That where real musicians. I Don't think it is something ethnic, but the musicians mind. That's what prevent people to turn into sick, old and depressive elderly beings.

[@chrissyyy7150]

René Jansen I was referring to his aging as the original comment mentions

[@sf5823]

Can't believe he was only 17 when he wrote 'Green onions', I'm impressed.

[@Belchmaster41]

what do you think? do you think he chose the chord of F# minor for the second song?

[@LimitedNewsCorp]

How can one man have so much talent.

[@wighto73]

I can't believe he still tears up when he chops those onions

[@lt7114]

@@ChurroLightyear Shit he probably was too no excuse dude.

[@paisleyprincess7996]

Yep, played with Otis Redding!

[@Motorbreath1212]

The low end on that Hammond had me shook. That instrument is pure magic

[@tedrickenator]

serious lowth

[@andresdemarchi5135]

and its missing the pedals ;)

[@FlorianRachor1]

Right? When Green Onions started my jaw was in the floor.

[@rthavi4166]

I thought there was a bass player offscreen

[@stuartadamsrailfanningvideos]

The only thing that's better than a Hammond B3 is a Hammond Lumber Company (HLC) 1929 2-8-2T steam locomotive.

[@scottbaxendale323]

I’ve been in the music business since 1974 and Booker T Jones is the nicest man in the business. A gentleman with pure class. His whole family is beautiful.

[@bo2.4u6]

I'm 65 years old who still here in 2023 ♥️. GO BOOKER T !!!!

[@jeffreycollier1059]

Yes Sir- at 70! Still grooving to these songs since 1962!

[@MsElaineLewis]

He's written his autobiography, it's called Time Is Tight, I just finished it. Amazon has it. He is a very accomplished musician, when everyone else was hanging around Stax, Booker T was commuting back and forth to college, learning to read music, to play numerous instruments and how to arrange...he was a powerhouse at Stax.

[@rylieriley]

The world is a better place because this man is in it.

[@oaktadopbok665]

Two legends, Booker T. and Hammond B3

[@oaktadopbok665]

4:02 and another legend - that big ol' Leslie sitting to his right.

[@nathanwahl9224]

@@oaktadopbok665 You got it!!!!!!

[@suzanneholmes4319]

@@oaktadopbok665 👍🏼

[@stuartadamsrailfanningvideos]

And don't forget Hammond Lumber Company (HLC) 1929 built 2-8-2T steam locomotive # 17 still operating on the Mount Rainier Scenic Railroad (MRSR) in Washington state!

[@dereklarsen]

He is the most healthy and youthful looking musician of his age (Green Onions came out in the early 60's)...all i could think was...what beautiful teeth! Most successful musicians party themselves into an early grave. Also as a keyboard player myself, Green Onion was something to emulate and borrow from! The man is under appreciated; this is the first time I've seen his face. Could be an actor with his good looks.

[@davidmgolden]

Shout out to piano teachers who lay the foundation for potential greatness.

[@multimusicstudios5661]

Amen to that David!

[@JesseP.Watson]

Yep. That was a beautiful story. Could just see that little Booker T... Mmm, ...Getting sucked toward that old B3... Yeah, old B3, she's a-callin' out to little Booker T., ...Ain't no accident, m'mmm, no, no accident no'ooo'o'ohhhhh.... Oh damn. Did I...? I went off on one, didn't I...? Doh.

[@tubemagpie]

To all music teachers... all instruments..... and parents who let and encourage their kids to learn,,, and practice.

[@AAMUteacher04]

@@tubemagpie Truth

[@JJFrostMusic]

Couldn't afford a lesson so I taught myself

[@johnbazy]

Such a confident musician. And not in a show-off way, he knows what he's doing and just interprets it without fussing around.

[@expandwhatyousee]

I agree. I have been playing music with this cat that is a little younger than me. He hasn't quite understood when to not play. Its so important to give a song dynamics.

[@BassForever44]

Exactly my thoughts. The guy exudes wisdom

[@oppisjappatv172]

​@@expandwhatyousee Yeah, alot of musicians just want to play all over the track. I call it jerking off the instrument lol.

[@jtajr]

Just me, but the word I'd use would be "unpretentious."

[@wibbledee]

He just loves what he is doing, it's a part of him. He doesn't need to think about it, it's just a natural state. Genius

[@recomusicofficial]

I'm currently at a hospital waiting to get home after a surgery. The first thing that I wanted to watch and hear after waking up was Booker T playing Born under a bad sign in this video.

[@Ruote885]

... look at this man: while playing, he's the portrait of happiness. Many thanks for your songs and your smiles, Booker.

[@nosbigem]

Booker T., was a talented kid also. I went to BTW high school with him, and was raised in church with him. Booker T., wrote Green Onions while still in high school. Such a nice upstanding respectful young man.

[@Pezeshful]

1960's girl respect

[@rickraymo1319]

1960's girl... Thank you. I miss him regularly. He is on my permanent rotation, and has been since I was about nine.

[@mozdickson]

well done you Lady - nice to see such a personal and positive comment. 1960's boy.

[@warp9988]

Lucky you. He's a legend, and definitely a gentleman. A great credit to his town, his country, and a treasure for the whole world.

[@RK807]

Do you happen to know the Steinberg family? Lewie Steinberg was the bass player on the recording I think. He was the original bass player before Duck.

[@cemegonuts]

Its nice to hear the clicking of the keys and switches. This environment provides a real intimate context of a classic instrument played by one of the best. Great musician, great instrument, great environment. :-)

[@exoticcar5482]

It's funny such subtle sounds grew on people as the Hammond Organ company originally considered them manufacturing defects yet they just so happen to add a cool percussive effect to the music

[@carlwinslow5905]

Yes key click was considered annoying to Laurens Hammond so they decided to use filters to get rid of it. They did it with the L series and M100 series

[@michaeldoster4847]

You better believe it!

[@Ianthe22]

Never heard the HAmmond been called a classic be4XD.

[@az33135]

Also police siren

[@ottotater2787]

Just got my Bluetooth hearing aids and this is one of the first things I have listened to and it doubles my joy. Been so happy to hear today but so much happier to listen to this.

[@eiryldavies1394]

This man is magic. I’ve loved his music since I first heard Green Onions as a teenager in the early 60s. Have all his records. I have been privileged to meet him twice. What a nice, humble man he is. A true great, a living legend.

[@jward9637]

Booker is an American treasure!

[@stvynix3687]

YES he is!!!

[@the_minimalistic_adventure]

This is such a classic performance. I come back to this one often.

[@sandragriffiths9692]

I saw him with MG's and Otis Redding and Sam and Dave in London in the 60's, just before Otis was sadly killed. I have loved 'Green Onions' all my life.

[@njtomboy]

Wow

[@TheNightcomers]

The energy in that room must have been awe inspiring!

[@sandragriffiths9692]

@@TheNightcomers Yes, I have never forgotten it. I actually saw it all twice, in the afternoon with friends and back again the evening with my boyfriend. Amazing👏👏👏👏👏

[@radwizard]

Maybe the most underrated musician of all time. I only say that because, his influence was a paradigm shift that is with us today. I really hope I get the chance to see him play live. Thank You Mr. Booker T. Jones.

[@laronlemon2723]

There is a raw power in the simplicity of his performance. Bravo sir, you are a legend.

[@johntechwriter]

Laron Lemon Agreed, and he wasn't even using the bass pedals. Just raw musicianship, able to convey a lot of emotion in just a few notes. Good vocalist, too!

[@colleengrace5898]

This song was released and played on the radio when I was five years old. I still remember it.

[@postatility9703]

A man brilliant in so many ways:Keyboards and other instruments, writing,arranging,leading a band,producing and,above all else,a man of great class and professionalism. I'm so glad that these gems are available on KZbin, so that current and future generations can watch and listen to this incredible artist.He is a perfect role model and inspiration for all aspiring musicians.

[@goodun2974]

I could count on one hand the number of musicians who played a tiny desk concert that actually had an emotional effect on me; but this performance is Awesome!

[@gregorywells9363]

I feel like I just heard music for the first time.

[@gregorywells9363]

I love this!

[@andydanilo]

yeahhhh !! so great !

[@johnbethell1952]

Born under a bad sign is one of my favourite song ever

[@jimihd1]

+john bethell cool

[@GH-oi2jf]

john bethell - Isn’t that line one of the best in blues? - “If it wasn’t for bad luck, I wouldn’t have no luck at all.”

[@bphilbac]

Wow, Mrs. Cole was my music teacher also. I grew up in Memphis, so amazing.

[@robertlafnear4865]

Hammond B3= Best of there Best and in Bookers hands.... wow. I traveled miles to hear E. Power Biggs play a hammond when I was 20....... I'm 72 now and it still sounds wonderful !

[@stuartwade01]

I've always loved Booker T's organ playing, and now seeing how nice of a person he is, I respect him even more.

[@edfou5]

This amazing man wrote Green Onions at 17. Mind boggling!

[@MichelLinschoten]

edfou5 how is that mind boggling this is what legends have in common. Most top musicians wrote their material in their teens

[@MrArchie800]

But the sad thing is; if he had written that same tune today he would have been laughed out of class and told to fu## off back home and get some lessons from a TV chef about how to ‘make it in the modern world’!

[@mdkvisions]

Please tell me he's a millionaire and not ripped off by The industry like a lot of the old Black Musicsns

[@MrArchie800]

@@mdkvisions Fraid not - he was ripped off

[@dynjarren7523]

MrArchie800 Did The Stax record label ripoff all their artists? If so, that’s sad.

[@stevewills735]

A sheer genius of his instrument . Notice the confidence without a thread of arrogance.? a true inspiration cheers !

[@DaStoneboat]

Breaking down "Born Under a Bad Sign" and getting into the dark notes, heard it like I never heard it before, thank you Booker T.

[@SergeantReese]

What a class act Booker T. Jones is.

[@kupsingh]

What a great talent - his approach to the Hammond and his sound is as smooth as butter. And he's got a soulful voice, I had no idea he could sing.

[@wism881]

Aside from this utter, amazing legend behind the keys, who loves the guy in the green polo who constantly has the expression in his face - 'bloody hell, it's him, it's him, he's here'

[@justmuoki]

"When I found out the lessons were $15, I went and got a paper route and got the money." DEDICATION

[@frod043]

Muoki Musau today kids would rob a jewelry store instead of working for it.....

[@vroeniedik]

@@frod043 what lol

[@horacerumpole6912]

True to his namesake!

[@jennygoodwine2494]

yeah, that made me tear up.

[@jennygoodwine2494]

i'm really inspired by how he KNEW what he wanted and was willing to work to get it.

[@mamachip]

I was privileged to have met Mr Jones several years ago and was so impressed by his warmth, kindness and polite, well-spoken and unassuming demeanor, and his being completely devoid of any kind of attitude that those "living legends" in our culture seem entitled to exhibit. . Amazing to hear the artist who wrote these tunes as a teenager in Memphis in the mid-sixties play them unaccompanied in a live room, and still enjoying it. Such a great guy, such a role model for anyone, in any walk of life

[@wingzofsteel]

First class in every respect.

[@steviefriend1303]

This man is an absolute LEGEND. Not only for himself but also brought up others with his talent and platform. Music itself thanks him!!!!!

[@lnapjr76]

Tiny Desk, you've outdone yourself by bringing us the great Booker T. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@cosmicgirl7288]

This was subliminal. I think I started to cry when he talked about learning to play the organ. This is a legend, this is the voice of a generation, this is America. I felt like a child listening to the meaning of music. Hallelujah!.

[@michaeldoster4847]

Praise the Lord, and put your hand on the radio...!

[@traylestrat]

Listening to a subtle genius, manifesting through an incredible instrument. Takes one to know one.

[@FreeTheJambon]

How was it subliminal though?

[@lonesomepiper6783]

Because its greatness lies in its subtlety!

[@adamdadamusic]

I think you mean sublime, if so, yes you are spot on.

[@SlashManEXE]

That was downright interesting. Loved all his dialogue in between songs

[@jtrice6852]

As a child, I asked my older brother who played folk guitar in coffee shops to explain the "twelve-bar blues." He played "Green Onions" while counting off the measures, 1, 2 , 3, etc. When he was done, he turned to me and asked rhetorically, "Any questions?"

[@tromboneJTS]

"Green Onions" - a great example of the power of the 12 bar blues. This song was featured in a recent documentary about the Rolling Stones.

[@RafaelSanchez-rx5mt]

I can listen to Booker T. Jones talk for hours. I always learn something from him. He seems so nice.

[@ncollins7213]

really brings out the beauty in that instrument

[@toney5043]

As an B3 player myself, this was pure GOLD. Will always be greatful to Booker T for inspiring me in my youth to take up this instrument. He is certainly one of greats of all time.

[@penfold7800]

What an absolute Legend. It's so amazing how humble this guy is, talking so matter of fact and then bangin out utter classics like he's just noodling in his front room. Amazing!!! So glad you invited him, and so absolutely stoked that he came. What a truly lovely man.

[@octavioserranomusic]

I am listening to this at my college library on my headphones, and I was going to start clapping to my laptop when I realized where I was. Great man.

[@BigBlack81]

I was in a coffee house and damned near did the same thing. Glad to know I'm not the only one.

[@missunderstanding357]

Appreciating some good music! Can't help it! 😆

[@BenedictHarris]

Are you finished college now?

[@robertbailey2089]

@@BenedictHarris Got to be honest, I am curious myself

[@chrisgillmangable]

So how did college work out Octavio? I have grave concerns given that you were clearly surfing KZbin when you really should have been doing some work. Speaking of which....

[@rashadcoes9043]

I was friends with his son. Great engineer in his own right. Very sad when Booker III passed. His dad is a LEGEND!!

[@PhilloTBillo]

I love the way BOOKER says an instrument grabbed him. I feel that.

[@jasmiller1207]

you feel the drums & the effect of a full band even. w/o them, with the rhythmic way he plays. Amazing!

[@nopasta922]

It is so good to see a legend enjoy himself.

[@tonitarantino-posidonia]

When you are so Good, people can hear the riddim session inside You. Thanks Mr. T.

[@andrewfyakim525]

Booker T is a 'class-act' !... Ya have to love this guy... I was nine years old when he released Green Onions and I LOVED it even then... I played professionally for years and regret I ever sold my Hammond B3...

[@penfold7800]

Wow!!!! Love the sub-bass pedals. Super cool!!

[@ElvizaPelvis]

Brilliant! And what a beautiful face he has when he plays.

[@iamlove113]

Elviza Pelvis Yes. Exactly... I jumped his invitation and enjoyed the journey with him.

[@delewan]

He has such a great, easy voice, too. What a class act.

[@20gilbert20]

Wow!!! Booker T. Jones!!!!!!! Mr. Green Onions himself!! This song has moved me since it first came out in the '60's. God Bless you, Mr. Jones!!

[@musiccollector]

Wait till you hear "Time Is Tight"!!!

[@michaeldoster4847]

I saw Jimmy Smith live in a club in the West end of Atlanta, and thought I would die. Only white guy in the the basement club. I was there to see him. And nobody cared. It was Heaven. Booker T. had always been my very favorite since I found out about Hammonds. I have a 1938 BC out of a church wired for 3 Leslie and a Tone Cabinet. All Booker T.'s fault! Therefore, THIS PUTS ME IN ANOTHER DIMENSION !!! Born Under A Bad Sign! I cannot say thank you enough for presenting this for others gratis on the net! Thank you PBS, and specially Thank You to Booker T. !!! God bless you all!

[@sandragriffiths9692]

I have seen Jimmy Smith and love the B3, love Booker T Jones, I didn't know he had such a great soulful voice as well as being a wicked player and song writer.

[@igalca21]

if it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all... SWEET!

[@musiccollector]

This is like Herb Alpert showing us how to play the trumpet - the Legened meets the Instrument! Booker, thank you for the absolutely immortal masterpiece,"Time Is Tight". I am so glad that you made a good living off your singles. You deserve it. And, thanks for making awesome memories for me from 1969.

[@armandozarzoza]

Daaam. First Time. I Hear It. Late. 70 s In Mexico. And Forgot about it. Now. The I Hear it. 😎. Cool😮🎉

[@sandraroberts7406]

AFTER 60yrs. STILL JAMMING. SOUNDS GREAT!!!!! HIT IT BOOGIE.

[@pduvallsr]

Music that is inspiring and what a voice. I don't remember him being noted as a vocalist but besides being a great organist he has some very soulful pipes.

[@hashd.r.3789]

I almost cried when I found this.

[@michaeldoster4847]

I DID!

[@Sr19769p]

Same, dude

[@kawiman09]

Hash D.r. Here here

[@edh482]

I have! Wow

[@gdfggggg]

I’m there for you

[@manysnakes]

Booker T Jones is an absolute genius. We are lucky to share the earth at the same time as this artist.

[@zetacon4]

Wow, this is my first time to hear this legend play. I don't know how I managed to miss him for most of my life. This is a real honor. What a very nice man. We are so blessed to have many great and wonderful musicians from my age group still with us. I miss those who have passed on too. What a joy this is.

[@bogdanneagu6460]

The legendary man, behind the "Melting Pot" song! He was a beast in his prime! Artists like him will never die!

[@matrox]

Wow...that crawl riff gave me chills.

[@Elijahluke1995]

That’s “Spain” by Chick Corea. It’s a jazz standard

[@freedomfreedomfreedom]

Thank you KZbin algorithm for recommending this to me. This fixed my day.

[@musiccollector]

KZbin, the everlasting memory-maker. Thank you!

[@tjones5522]

Peeped in the door for a moment, and I stayed a while. I'm glad I did.

[@keithbate9405]

A living legend

[@lahotboy]

I love NPR! one of the reasons, I will continue support Public radio and TV...

[@monoplectronic2010]

If I could swing that hard I'd be grinning too... good lord. Thanks for all the grooves Booker, respect.

[@guyalton706]

So well spoken, so handsome and brilliantly talented..... I bet the ladies love him!

[@mkalic]

just looking at his face makes me smile :D

[@kipponi]

That's true he enjoys life and music.

[@georgewatson6689]

Hyyy

[@user-md4lv8fs6i]

I lost this interview and so happy to have found it again today. It was seriously one of the best interviews I've seen. So fantastic.

[@nielsott]

Wow, first time I get to hear/see Booker T. Jones, after playing his tune "Born under a bad sign" in a band for 12 years myself. Such a good performer he is!

[@MyTube4Utoo]

I remember hearing this and other Booker T. & the MG classics when I was kid. Little did I know (then) that Booker was barely older than me. Steve Cropper was one of the reasons I started playing guitar when I was (12). The guys were, and will always be, music legends. My hat's off to you, sir.

[@oldschoolSlyfan]

I think if I ever met him, I would have to drop to one knee. This is an example of greatness. Damn!

[@dtimm612]

Loved his intro to the Hammond organ story, great as always NPR

[@tpobrienjr]

Booker T. Jones is my idea of a National Treasure. Thanks for the last "movement" I had not heard before. It was wonderful.

[@McGriddle69]

My lord this guy is one of the last living musical legends out there.

[@helloxonsfan]

This is damn near perfection!

[@natashayerkovich6602]

St back and watch a Legend play....Wow

[@efrainhernandez645]

I've always loved this song & now I love the cool remix!!Bravo Mr. Booker T!! 👏 Bravo!!! 😎👍You totally rock!!!

[@MrAristaeus]

I just love the fact that Mr. Booker T Jones thought it right and proper to wear a smart and ironed shirt for the performance. This man is straight up and down old school class.

[@garys8990]

I first heard Booker T. on a record Thanksgiving night in 1962 at age 8. When I started playing Hammond Organ he was and still is an artist I try to emulate. He is one of the greats! No doubt! keep on Playing Booker!Thanks for posting !

[@sansocie]

For all the unknown teachers: you live on.

[@lukeparnell5572]

Well said!

[@bikerbisht110]

Much respect to this talented man, not forgetting his buddies, "The M.G.'s"

[@Syarikat]

In addition to the awesome playing, the sound is also phenomenal

[@LinusRedding]

WHAT AN INCREDIBLE ARTIST..THE LIST OF OTHER PERFORMERS CLASSICS THAT HE HAS PLAYED ON, NOT TO MENTION THE MUSIC WITH BOOKER T AND THE M.G.s.......JUST AWESOME !

[@carrellwashington4007]

Thank you NPR. You are the curator of our shared times, clues to our future, and an inspiration that serves to guide us toward the realization of our most graceful potentialities. Let us be limited only by the farthest reaches of our hopes, fortified by our faith, and assured that we can all.experience the blues and keep on keeping on.

[@berke2336]

The Hammond organ needs a mainstream comeback. Booker T, Emerson Lake and Palmer, Yes, Lonnie Jones, Rick Wright, and on and on and on. The B3 is just incredible.

[@jazzyben]

You forgot the great Steve Winwood,

[@davrodwatto4090]

This is what Booker T looks like!!! I had green onions as a kid when I was a Mod. Brilliant. Tune