Booker T. Jones: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert 

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

Two legends, Booker T. and Hammond B3

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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. :-)

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.

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.

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

Booker is an American treasure!

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.

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

What a class act Booker T. Jones is.

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

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.

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

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

First class in every respect.

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.

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 !

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.

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

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

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 RU-vid, 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.

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

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

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

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'

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

really brings out the beauty in that instrument

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!

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

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

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

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

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...

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

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

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

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.

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

It is so good to see a legend enjoy himself.

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.

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!!

A living legend

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!.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

Wow! Booker T still has it! Wonderful.

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

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.

This is damn near perfection!

Such an intelligent and soft spoken gentleman.

"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.

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

just looking at his face makes me smile :D

Wow...that crawl riff gave me chills.

Those bass tones are out of this world.

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 !

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

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

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!

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

A unique artist. Love his music.

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

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?"

I almost cried when I found this.

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

Booker T. Jones is one of my favorite musicians, he has such a humble and great character and I am inspired by his passion for music. I remember hearing Green Onions as a child and it being one of the first songs I truly fell in love with. I am in my 20s now and I have learned about the history of Stax records and have even visited the Stax museum in Memphis and I am grateful for people such as Booker for bringing beauty and art into the world.

Amazing! "Born under a bad sign" such a great song. He plays it so naturally and effortlessly.

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

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 !

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

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

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

I want "Green Onions" to play when they're lowering my coffin into the earth.

wow, green onions! one of the most recognizable songs in the wold. that bassline, the lead melody, so classic.

WoW I love that Blues song. He's amazing I grew with my dad singing these type of blues songs.