Stax Soul: The MG's Groove

From "Green Onions" to "Soul Man," Booker T. & the M.G.'s forge the unmistakable Memphis Sound, defining Stax Records' Southern soul as both hitmakers and house band.

Tracklist

  1. Green Onions — Booker T. & the M.G.'s
  2. Walking the Dog — Rufus Thomas
  3. B-A-B-Y — Carla Thomas
  4. Knock on Wood — Eddie Floyd
  5. Hip Hug-Her — Booker T. & the M.G.'s
  6. Soul Man — Sam & Dave
  7. (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay — Otis Redding

Transcript

Welcome to OffStereo. Good morning — let's get into it.

Green Onions — Booker T. & the M.G.'s

Booker T. & the M.G.'s, formed in Memphis in 1962, defined the 'Memphis Sound' of Southern soul. Their debut single, "Green Onions," was an unexpected instrumental hit, reaching number three on national charts, setting the stage for their dual legacy.

Walking the Dog — Rufus Thomas

As the Stax house band, Booker T. & the M.G.'s provided the rhythmic backbone for countless vocalists. Their tight, impeccable grooves, like the one heard on Rufus Thomas's "Walking the Dog," were essential to the label's enduring appeal.

B-A-B-Y — Carla Thomas

Stax Records fostered a unique, integrated environment, a stark contrast to the segregated South. Booker T. & the M.G.'s, with both Black and white members, exemplified this, laying down the soulful foundation for artists like Carla Thomas on "B-A-B-Y."

Knock on Wood — Eddie Floyd

The band's impact extended beyond performance; guitarist Steve Cropper co-wrote many Stax hits. He helped shape tracks like Eddie Floyd's "Knock on Wood," proving their integral role in both sound and songwriting.

Hip Hug-Her — Booker T. & the M.G.'s

Booker T. & the M.G.'s also achieved significant success with instrumental hits under their own name. Tracks like "Hip Hug-Her" charted in the Top 40, showcasing their prowess and the distinct sound of Booker T. Jones's Hammond B-3 organ.

Soul Man — Sam & Dave

Drummer Al Jackson Jr., known as 'The Human Timekeeper,' provided the infallible rhythm that powered Stax. His impeccable timing was crucial to the raw energy of tracks like Sam & Dave's "Soul Man," a definitive Southern soul anthem.

(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay — Otis Redding

The band's collaboration with Otis Redding cemented their legendary status, culminating in the iconic track "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay." Steve Cropper co-wrote this #1 hit, showcasing the band's profound and lasting influence on soul music.

Thanks for joining us on OffStereo. It's truly amazing how one incredible band could lay down such a timeless, soulful foundation for so many iconic voices.

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