“Green Onions” is an instrumental R&B hit recorded by Booker T. & the MG’s, an American instrumental soul/funk band, in 1962. The track features a distinctive Hammond organ riff played by Booker T. Jones, along with Steve Cropper on guitar, Lewie Steinberg on bass, and Al Jackson Jr. on drums.
“Green Onions” is characterized by its infectious groove, catchy melody, and soulful improvisation. The song’s title comes from its bright and vibrant sound, which is reminiscent of green onions, a type of vegetable. The track is known for its iconic bassline, organ melody, and tight rhythm, making it a quintessential example of the Memphis soul sound.
Upon its release, “Green Onions” became an instant hit, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard R&B Singles chart and peaking at number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song’s popularity led to its inclusion in various movies, TV shows, and commercials over the years, solidifying its status as a classic instrumental track in the history of R&B and soul music.
“Green Onions” continues to be celebrated for its timeless appeal and has been covered and sampled by numerous artists, making it one of the most recognizable and enduring instrumentals in the world of music.
