The Origin of Green Onions
“Green Onions” by Booker T. & the MG’s is one of the most enduring instrumental hits of the 20th century. It was released in 1962 and reached number one on the R&B charts and number three on the pop charts. The song features a simple, catchy melody played over a bluesy groove that is hard to forget.
But what is the origin of this timeless classic, and what is its meaning? In this article, we will explore the history behind “Green Onions” and what makes it so special.
Booker T. & the MG’s
To understand “Green Onions,” we first have to understand Booker T. & the MG’s. The band was formed in Memphis, Tennessee, in the early 1960s and consisted of four members: Booker T. Jones on organ, Steve Cropper on guitar, Lewie Steinberg on bass, and Al Jackson Jr. on drums.
The band was originally formed to be the house band for Stax Records, a Memphis-based label that specialized in soul music. Booker T. & the MG’s quickly became one of the most sought-after session bands in the music industry, playing on countless hits for Stax artists such as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and Sam & Dave.
The Creation of “Green Onions”
“Green Onions” was recorded in one take during a break in a Stax Records session in 1962. According to legend, the band started playing a riff during the break, and producer Chips Moman hit the record button. The resulting track became “Green Onions.”
The song was initially released as the B-side to the band’s first single, “Behave Yourself,” but radio DJs quickly latched onto “Green Onions” and made it a hit. The song’s success helped establish Booker T. & the MG’s as one of the premier instrumental acts of the 1960s.
The Meaning Behind “Green Onions”
So, what does “Green Onions” actually mean? The straightforward answer is: nothing. The title of the song was a joke among the band members, who were eating green onions as a snack during the recording session. They needed a name for the track and decided to name it after the snack they were eating.
Despite the lack of any deeper meaning, “Green Onions” has become an iconic piece of music. The simple, funky groove of the song has been covered by countless artists and used in movies, commercials, and TV shows.
The Legacy of “Green Onions”
“Green Onions” remains a classic of instrumental music, and its influence can be heard in countless songs that have come since. The song has been covered by artists as varied as Neil Diamond, Roy Buchanan, and Blues Traveler.
In a 2013 interview with Rolling Stone, Booker T. Jones reflected on the song’s legacy: “It’s amazing that something so simple has been able to make such an impact on so many lives. All these years later, people still love it. That’s what makes me so happy.”
The Enduring Appeal of “Green Onions”
What is it about “Green Onions” that makes it so enduring? Perhaps it is the simplicity of the melody and groove, which make it easy to remember and hum along to. Or maybe it’s the way the song captures a certain time and place in music history, a moment when a group of musicians came together and created something that would last for decades.
Whatever the reason, “Green Onions” remains a beloved song that has stood the test of time. For fans of instrumental music, it is essential listening, a track that showcases the talents of some of the most legendary musicians of the 1960s. For anyone who is a fan of music, it is a reminder of the power of a simple riff and a catchy melody to capture our hearts and minds.
