Booker Taliaferro Jones was born in Memphis, Tennessee on November 12, 1944. Developing a keen interest in music as a young lad, Jones would always listen to jazz pianist Phineas Newborn whenever he passed Phineas’ house. By the time he was in high school, he was already proficient on the trombone, oboe, keyboards, and saxophone since he often played in his local church and with R&B combos in late nightclubs.
By 1960 Jones was recruited to play sax with Rufus and Carla Thomas on their session. The Stax Records (initially formed by Estelle Axton and Jim Stewart) along with guitarist Steve Cropper, bassist Lewis Steinberg and drummer Al Jackson Jr. formed the MG’s.
Jones and the MG's enjoyed considerable success recording and releasing hits, backing Stax's leading artists (like Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Eddie Floyd, and Albert King), touring Europe and the U.K. He also helped Otis Redding create his legendary set at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival.
On January 15th, 1992, Booker & the MG's were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. His two albums Potato Hole (2009) and Road to Memphis (2011) won the Best Pop Instrumental Album in both years.
Music, Pop
Hip-Hop, Music
Country, Music
Music, Pop