Green Onions LIVE in Nashville - Booker T & The M.G.'s - Musicians Hall of Fame Induction Concert

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This clip comes from our 2008 Induction Ceremony and Concert. We inducted the great studio band from Stax Records, Booker T & The M.G.'s.
We had Booker T. Jones on organ, Steve Cropper on guitar, Donald "Duck" Dunn on Bass and Al Jackson Jr's cousin on Drums.
They performed the iconic "Green Onions".
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[@larrysheppard8433]

I was born in 1955. I got to live through the greatest years of music ever.

[@joesimmons2406]

Ditto. I have seen the greatest music.

[@micksherwood996]

1949 me but you are right

[@elainebrown874]

I was born in”55” and I agree with you. 😎

[@Steviemacdonald6594]

Me 1956

[@williamstevenson9057]

1954 here, we grew up with the best music

[@TheAblator]

Booker T. Jones is a national treasure.

[@CDJF1]

Along with Cropper, Duck Dunn & Al Jackson jr.

[@ACTUALLYRICH]

I’m puzzled as to how he does not age like wtf man this song came out in 1962 he looks the same !!!

[@niczim123]

@@ACTUALLYRICH I know what you mean! Booker was 17 when they did 'Green Onions'

[@willcambeul6172]

@@ACTUALLYRICH Well I saw them on the Stax tour in Glasgow, in the 60s - and Booker T has definitely aged a lot.

[@kwgib]

Some Cats just got good genes (like long productive, creative/rewarding life, etc), but Good Musical Genes is even Better:-)

[@Baribrotzer]

None of them are flashy. None of them are shredders. But they play completely in the pocket, they play the RIGHT notes for the music they do, and they play them perfectly.

[@spookgook4903]

They ALL shred dude tf you talkin bout.

[@Baribrotzer]

@@spookgook4903 They can play very well, and they do. But they don't play fast for the sake of playing fast, as you might hear in some subgenres of metal, or fast because their type of music requires it, as in bebop or bluegrass or some classical pieces. That's what I meant by "shredding", and that's what the term originally meant.

[@spookgook4903]

@@Baribrotzer go watch some cropper solos.

[@New_Zealand_Music]

@@spookgook4903 well said. Steve Cropper, is well known for developing a unique style of playing. To be an awesome musician, it's not about playing faster than the other guy. It's about feel, emotion, melody, silence (is powerful). Some of the hardest music to pull off, minimalism. These guys are pure class. Just like The Funk Brothers.

[@jameslujack1717]

Keep Hammond b3s alive.

[@garytorresani8846]

These guys hit a groove and stay in it. Hey kids, learn from these guys how to play the right notes at the right time. It’s called talent and taste.

[@heavenlyguitar5913]

Every instrument clean. No massive distortion or effects. All clean! You can’t hide here. You have to know what you are playing. These guys are phenomenal.

[@paulmorgan8254]

you say that but on the original recording Steve had a lot of amp distortion.

[@heavenlyguitar5913]

@@paulmorgan8254 actually there was a little bit of break up but not a lot of amp distortion. Just listened to it again. Some of that break up can be achieved by the attack on the strings. Couple that with opening up a tube amp and you get the tone Steve got on the original recording.

[@paulmorgan8254]

@@heavenlyguitar5913 isn't that what I said? 'Couple that with opening up a tube amp'

[@heavenlyguitar5913]

No it’s not. You said lots of amp distortion. An opened up amp can either be lots of distortion or on the verge of breaking up. The original didn’t have a lot of amp distortion.

[@humphreybarclay4983]

The Fender Harvard amp actually has quite a lot of clean headroom, which is probably why Cropper favoured it. Also the smallest Fender with a 10” speaker, so very portable as well.

[@thegolfballshop]

Play this song in your head every time you make an entrance. You will be the coolest guy in the room

[@Lovecrowd]

Thanks for your advise it truly works I do it now also when i leave

[@johnohara7590]

@@Lovecrowd LMAO👍 I do it while I enter and leave the shower.

[@Lovecrowd]

Every time I have to lisson to a boring story or boring activity its a live saver

[@patrickculver7058]

That is too cool.

[@hupsnuffel]

Makes you realise we have 5 or 6 decades of absolutely great music behind us and it will never ever get this good again..........................

[@raybin6873]

I'd like to say it's out there...hidden in the woods. Not in the limelight. 😁👍

[@Johnboy33545]

It's 2 years on but you're still wrong. I've been listening to Rock and Roll since its been around. I'm only 75 but I had an older sister that loved her music so I got an early exposure. There's always been great music with more to explore. It "get this good again" everyday somewhere for someone. That to me is never-ending. Everyday I'm alive I find more great music than i have time to listen to.

[@danielcombs3048]

The night before my older brother was being shipped out to Vietnam. I called into the radio station. And requested Green Onions in his honor. And to my surprise moments later. The DJ announced the song dedicated to my brother. And every soldier being deployed. At that moment I felt like the whole of America came together to honor all the brave men and women serving. Thanks for the reminder.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Danielcombs, thankful for your brothers service! Thanks for you comments & supporting the channel. Hope you can visit the museum sometime. All the best, Britt

[@anjou6497]

WOW. Love and respect to you , your brother and the brave boys. 🧡🌿🔥

[@danielcombs3048]

@@anjou6497 thanks, appreciate you. Support the military and their families.

[@ShikataGaNai100]

@@danielcombs3048 ...and from this USAF Vietnam Disabled Veteran and Fender Jazz Bass player.

[@geraldhills41]

Remember the great performance in the Blues Brothers film ?

[@stephanievitt5700]

This never gets old. 🥰

[@terriecotham1567]

well said

[@Ram-by2gz]

This is the perfect rock and roll song. The riff is about as simple as it can be and all the musicians are playing totally in the pocket and their breaks are simple and to the point. 60 years later and it still sounds fresh. Doesn't get any better than Green Onions!

[@robjkenyon]

All fantastic musicians. Booker T is a musical genius and Steve Cropper is probably the best guitarist ever. He never played a wrong note.

[@damamae950]

and he only played the notes that added to the song

[@oldermusiclover]

sadly Duck is now gone

[@bridgetharris698]

Time ain’t got nothin’ on them. Damn they sound as good as ever…

[@Mike583]

Green Onions & Time is Tight,2 of the best instrumentals ever!❤😎👍

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing Robert… I loved covering them in my band too… best, Joe

[@tommykirwan6764]

I couldn't agree more. The first time I heard Time is Tight & then Green Onions, I was "Hooked on the Book"! Best Jazz/Rock instrumental group that I've EVER Heard!!!

[@CDJF1]

The heartbeat of SOULS VILLE .....STAX. RIP Duck & Al.

[@paularnold1641]

agree 100%

[@alanferlet5201]

1963 and still the best rock instrumental of all time…😊

[@michaelbarry5933]

The original was brilliant and really short. This is brilliant and longer - thank you!

[@boblister665]

At 72 I grew up with listening to some of the greatest music ever played. We were to stoned to appreciate it most of the time but really look back with a smile. Motown music was also great and under rated at the time

[@roberttomlinson3635]

🎯

[@martinwalker7202]

65 years old and have ❤️ed this track all my life. Genius!

[@rickgrimes2056]

19 year old bassist here Duck is one of my biggest inspirations I love his style

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

That’s good to hear Rick… I knew Duck and you’ve made a great choice… Best, Joe

[@poochie3275]

RIP Duck! No better bass player!

[@agnostic47]

Love the way Don Duck looks over at Steve's guitar while he's soloing.

[@WilliamDoyle-rb6lt]

I used to go to a dance place called Guys and Dolls and the kids would do a line dance to this song. I'll never forget it. It was great.

[@TripReviews]

One of the ultimate summertime driving songs. Flying fast along a deserted highway radio cranked up windows wide open.

[@jaquesax995]

This is what it's about what a groove Duck,Booker,Steve and Al what a song!

[@carrollcaldwell4570]

You have to have lived at that time to really appreciate this music!

[@charlottevictoria.hubbard7472]

Along with the Memphis Horns they were Backbone of some of the World’s greatest Soul tunes ever recorded. Fantastic.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Charlotte….Joe

[@shazam6274]

I'm guessing Booker T was around 64 when this was made. I was amazed by his beautiful hands! His face looks pretty young too. I bought "Green Onions" with money from fixing radios. Just fantastic!

[@Baci302]

My goodness, after all these years, these cats are still The Coolest. This was an amazing performance worthy of a very long standing ovation. Wow. And I forget just how much of an OG Guitar Hero Steve Cropper is.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts 302….. Joe

[@hartholz7015]

It is totally impossible to forget how Steve Cropper is a guitar player. So many years loving this music... It was a gift of my Mother, making me know Booker T. & the M.G.'s

[@nikshmenga]

The Stax House Band and the greatest American Rock and Roll band.

[@DrJetty]

The house band nicknamed The Swampers at Fame Studios Muscle Shoals were equally as good. Quite amazingly both house bands grew up and lived locally to the studios where they worked, such talent.....

[@jimmyharris2006]

I was lucky as a kid I was 15, and got the record with Peterson at stacks

[@jimmyharris2006]

But then I had a big advantage I grew up in Memphis. And actually playing it lafayette's Sunday night at Overton square

[@jimmyharris2006]

But then I had a big advantage I grew up in Memphis. And actually playing it lafayette's Sunday night at Overton square

[@charlottemoore667]

I was in love with their talent then and still love Green Onions. What a distinctive sound.

[@LawrenceGottlieb]

R.I.P Al Jackson, and thank you MHoF!!

[@paularnold1641]

agree 100%

[@anthonydixon452]

All I can say is WOW! The intricacies of Cropper's picking is just magical.

[@bobclavile5653]

Wow. What great memories Booker T and his M.G.'s just brought back to this 75 year old. CLASS is, and what MUSIC was back then. Our younger generation will never understand what they are missing today. THANKS and CONGRATS to all of you.

[@isabelgellibrandi7496]

Actually I'd give you whatever odds you like that it's in fact the other way round? The older generation will never understand what they are missing today, especially with a silly close minded attitude like yours...

[@mariojutic6609]

Im one of the younger generation. Born 1998. Some of us know that stuff and appreciate it a lot

[@59BUTTERFLY1]

Keep rocking because without y'all there wouldn't be what music is today!

[@AirCoded1523]

That’s what KZbin is for

[@jameslujack1717]

They are jamming ..ty!!

[@jeffsowell130]

Awesome......I was fortunate to meet Steve Cropper in Tennessee

[@larrytallant8144]

Time was, actual musicians were inducted into the RnR Hall if Fame. You know....people who could lay their hands on an instrument and play. Didn’t need computers, click tracks, samplers, turntables, etc. they could play literally anywhere and did. Bars, theaters, vehicles, under a tree, or over a highway. Because of THIS channel I watch, I listen and I remember. Keep plucking.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks again Larry……. Joe

[@enriquepina9829]

Hell Yeah!!!!!! Takes me way back!!!!!!!!! Im 71 now, still Rock n Roll!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@gwag8410]

And that’s the way you do that…😏 very cool Joe..

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Gwag… Joe

[@joelhorton1429]

No words were better spoken!

[@KOOLDAVE1953]

Cropper & Dunn...two of my heroes for sure. We used "Green Onions" as our break song at EASTOVER RESORT in Lenox, MA for well over forty y.ears

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks 1953…. I totally agree with you… great song. We did Time is Tight too. Best, Joe

[@noi5emaker]

it doesn't get any better than this! One of my all time favourite tunes. That B3 gives me goosebumps!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Me too Nick…. Joe

[@alaneevans]

I love this sound. Great to hear such professionals play.

[@mikewaddell8902]

Donald Duck Dunn my most favorite bass player of all time, even though he did not play on the original recording of "Green Onions." He caught on real fast!

[@dariowestern]

Minimalist and uncomplicated playing made this song the classic it’s been through the ages. :)

[@normanriggs848]

Folks. Life doesn't get much better than this!! What great memories!!!

[@andreapasillas5803]

I remember hearing this regularly on the radio when I was a kid. What a great, classic song. Always been a Steve Cropper fan.

[@steveorozco5793]

Wow nothing better. Man I can listen to this all night day. O yes .

[@harryjohnson8605]

This song will never age. It does something to you inside. Freedom

[@velvetjones1856]

Epic having the original crew playing together. Still sound as good as ever.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching M2…. joe

[@DeptOfRevenue]

*Well, original crew except for the original drummer Al Jackson Jr.*

[@brucelinton6881]

@@DeptOfRevenue and the original bass player Lewis Steinberg

[@riceski]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum This is great - GF and I watching and listening - we're in our early 70's so - well we are headed back into the 60-70's :) Thanks for the share

[@steveesposito5895]

@@DeptOfRevenue , who is on drums on this clip? Al Jackson Jr died in 1975

[@paullee2177]

Great memories. Dunn and Cropper are a couple of the best rock and roll guitar players of all time.

[@Goomer]

My first Concert in 71, I think, at 14 was Richie Havens, Booker T and the MG's opening for Credence Clearwater Revival at The Boston Garden.

[@staxmantim]

WOW! Talk about nothing like the first time

[@Goomer]

@@staxmantim Tickets were $3.50

[@theresewalters1696]

Damn good!!!

[@williedaniels3882]

@@Goomer That was 2 hrs pay for some folks back then!

[@humboldthammer]

Wow. 1970 for me -- Filmore West in SF -- Elvin Bishop, Boz Skaggs, and It's a beautiful Day.

[@daf827]

Legends. National treasures.

[@vernwallen4246]

This CLASSIC has endured the passages of time and maybe into infinity?🗽🗽🗽👍👍👍

[@reddeserted13]

Greatest rock n soul band of all time.

[@deboisblanc]

Loved living in Memphis and walking in the footsteps of all the legendary musicians

[@debbonow]

Such a special place for music! 💜

[@frederikclaessen3184]

The magic is still there...🖖

[@ikkenhisatsu7170]

One of the most significant bands in American music ever. What a group of top-notch musicians - largely unknown. Some of the best ever!

[@edhombre]

Every time I hear this song I can’t help but to think of the sandlot

[@benniebarrow348]

Headed out to paradise rd to watch Milners coupe and Falfas 55 line up for the race …….just awesome .

[@paulinechapman5669]

Wow..calming while being jazzy..you wont sleep through this..guaranteed ..🇨🇦

[@johnzimmerman1159]

When a classic is played by the original classics how can it be more classic? Especially to see the reverence between them.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Well said John…. Thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts…..Best, Joe

[@jimbohnenkamp5082]

Booker T., looking dapper. Seems he can do all there is to do with that keyboard. I love the tones when he sounds like the latter part of "Hang 'Em High". He was about 20 when this song was recorded.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Jim…. joe

[@baadtaste1337]

just got to love that groove

[@SLO4SpeedBump]

I remember when this song was released in 1962. I was 12 years. What a great era for music.

[@debdenmark1]

I was 4 years old in 1962. I liked it then and I still listen to it now😂

[@timothygreen7708]

Born in 1964 and this is one of the best jam sessions without a doubt good old rock and roll baby. 💥

[@c.blakerockhart1128]

Many years ago now, my wife and myself went to see B.B. King at his club for our anniversary. It was ABSOLUTELY AWESOME. About halfway through the show Mr. King says "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, Mr. Steve Cropper is in the house." I REALLY want his autograph, but he was just out to relax and unwind. So I didn't bother him. He probably wouldn't have minded, but I didn't want to intrude. But at least I DID get to see him IN PERSON. 😎 Thanks JOE. Have a BLESSED DAY.🙏

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing Blake……. Joe

[@melodymakermark]

Man, there is no one more approachable than Steve Cropper. Wish you’d gotten that autograph. I get where you’re coming from though.

[@c.blakerockhart1128]

@@melodymakermark Thanks. I have no doubt that he would have signed my ticket right under B.B. KING, and he would probably have let me get a picture with him. But he went over and sat by himself and I didn't want to be rude to a LEGEND. 🇺🇸😎

[@c.blakerockhart1128]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum hey Joe, hope your doing well. Have a BLESSED DAY.😎

[@melodymakermark]

I’ve lived in Memphis all my life and have run into Steve a few times, and spoken to him on a couple of occasions. Such a good dude. I wouldn’t mind having that autograph myself. Maybe next time.

[@jimhoffmann]

This sounds truly great! One of Rock’s greatest songs.

[@KurisuKagato]

Probably next to Hocus Pocus by Focus (IMHO)

[@SSJIndy]

This and Grazing in the Grass were two favs in high school pep band.

[@tommckinnon1005]

This very song is the reason I learned to play guitar as a young man, later adding organ and bass and I am still performing on all three almost 60 years later. Thank you guys for inspiring me and countless others.

[@granddaddyrap]

Booker T and the MG’s and the Ventures are my All Time instrumental groups. I still listen to videos all the time. Great video. Thanks

[@pricedives]

Simply the best instrumental ever!

[@Brian-uy2tj]

I really like how Booker T turned on the tremelo on the organ later in the tune. Truly one of the greatest instrumentals. It is right up there with the Ventures as instrumentals go.

[@dwaynewladyka577]

I saw Booker T Jones live at the Edmonton Blues Festival, in Edmonton, Alberta, and met him and his son Ted, after the concert. Green Onions is a great instrumental. Cheers, Joe!

[@dannymcrooster4089]

Everytime I get my green onions from my orchard I always recall this theme. 😎😍

[@wesleyshepherd8971]

one of the greatest trios of alltime. booker t and boys could not be topped.

[@garyhuman6747]

It's 09-15 Saturday 9th. October 2021 this tune is still so bloody good,... love it !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jasonoliver9050]

And still love it.

[@artmchugh5644]

WOW !!!! old school Leslie speakers !!!!!🎸🎸🎸🎸🎤🎤🎼🎼🥁🥁🥁🍺🍺🍺

[@gkprivate433]

cropper got around and lived that era to the max. Some cool stories. He can come over for a beer at my pool anytime

[@jackprice7828]

I learned to play drums practicing with Booker T's band records back in the 60's and 70's. Al Jackson was a metronome. I owe my timing perfection to him to this day.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing your memories Jack…. Joe

[@onewomanandsomesongs]

The most groovin’ song ever! How I love it.

[@Pachecure]

This piece was like a "Gateway Classic" that drew me into playing keyboards and writing music.

[@rogerbixley791]

When I lived in the UK many years ago our local pub had this on their juke box....we played this so many times we wore the record out and they had to get another copy to replace it.

[@2vintage68]

Great blast from the past.! Saw this band live four decades or more ago. They were backing up Neil Young that night in an unannounced concert in Santa Cruz Ca. Really a great concert....good days.

[@AlbertoGarcia-lj8xd]

Efectivamente. En el año 1993/94 visitaron España , Galicia precisamente con esa formación- Los MG y Neil. Fantástico sonido.

[@scruffynubbles4792]

First time hearing this ... I was 18 yrs old in a bar on Hillsborough street in Raleigh, NC. OHHHH what memories!!!

[@bamagurl3242]

I remember this tune as s child! Great sound!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching bama girl…. Joe

[@chump5101]

I'm 75 now, but these are the guys who taught me how to play when I wasn't.

[@anthonybutler6365]

Never gets old still as good today as it was when recorded

[@1ik2tam]

Nobody make music like this no more. Remember the doors, or Andre Brasseur, Organ, guiitar and drums.... Beautiful!!!"!

[@jaikumarvenkatchari3838]

Came across a clip a couple of months ago where Mr.Booker performed with John Mayer,'Born under a bad sign". What an astounding voice he has.

[@timhopper389]

I was just 13 years old when I heard this and watching these guys groove makes me feel like a kid again !!!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Tim… Joe

[@jimhutchinson4394]

Man what a groove, it doesn't get any better.

[@debbieedwards711]

We will never hear anything this great again. The meaning of perfection. Gotta love it!❤

[@stlrockn]

It was a great night seeing these legendary players together again and made even better because I met them afterward and shook their hands. An evening I will never forget.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Glad you could attend stlrockin. That was a fun night…. Best, Joe

[@wardvanderberg1403]

One of the greatest songs ever. Love this.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Ward…..Joe

[@robertholland9331]

I’ve enjoyed this music for a very long time ….actually had the record many years ago….as a longtime 66 droptop Chevelle owner, I think of “ Paradise Road” every time I play or here this song …

[@scarsdale22]

Greatness is so evident here…. They are so sure of their musicianship.

[@Mopar-Pioneer]

Time is tight was ALWAYS their best song !!!!!!!

[@oraliadiaz9338]

Back In 1972- I was a wild young thing, and cruised the streets of KC MO with a reckless young Marine, heading to the muck in Viet Nam, playing this over and over. Just a random memory from a great grandma.

[@ernestoborrego5102]

Keeping it clean, FH!!! My ears... my eyes!!! My brain!!! Perfection!!!

[@ivannovotny4552]

Thank you Joe for sharing this classic version of Green Onions with us. Much appreciated.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Ivan…. Joe

[@Alanoffer]

Great to see these guys sounding as good as ever ,

[@gatorshd]

Never gets old.

[@rocketpost1]

One of the classic tunes and I can still remember being blown away when I heard it for the first time back in the early 60s. These guys have still got it and Steve's improv was a treat.

[@sandy5548]

One of my favorites,god love em