Born in South Memphis, Tennessee, Jones was a child prodigy, playing the oboe, saxophone, trombone, and piano at school and serving as organist at his church. He attended Booker T. Washington High School, the alma mater of Rufus Thomas and shared the hallowed halls with future stars like Isaac Hayes's writing partner David Porter; saxophonist Andrew Love of The Memphis Horns; soul singer/songwriter William Bell and Earth, Wind, and Fire's Maurice White.
Jones's first entry into professional music came at age sixteen, when he played baritone saxophone on Satellite (soon to be Stax) Records' first hit, "Cause I Love You", by Rufus Thomas and Carla Thomas.
While hanging around the Satellite Record Shop run by Estelle Axton, co-owner of Satellite Records with her brother Jim Stewart, Jones met record clerk Steve Cropper, who would become one of the MGs when the group formed in 1962. Besides Jones on organ and Cropper on guitar, Booker T. and the MGs featured Lewie Steinberg on bass guitar and Al Jackson, Jr. on drums (Donald "Duck" Dunn eventually replacing Steinberg). While still in high school, Jones wrote the group's instrumental "Green Onions", which not only became a hit in 1962, but remains an enduring classic more than 40 years later.
Over the next few years, Jones would divide his time between studying classical music composition, composing and transposition at Indiana University, playing with the MGs on the weekends back in Memphis[1], serving as a session musician with other Stax acts, and writing songs that would become classics. He wrote, with Eddie Floyd, "I've Never Found a Girl (To Love Me Like You Do)", Otis Redding's "I Love You More Than Words Can Say", and, with William Bell, Albert King's "Born Under a Bad Sign." The latter would later be popularized in the cover version by power trio Cream.
In 1970, Jones moved to California and stopped playing sessions for Stax, after becoming frustrated with Stax's treatment of the MGs as employees rather than musicians. While still under contract to Stax, he appeared on Stephen Stills' eponymous album (1970). The 1971 album, Melting Pot would be the last Booker T. & the MGs album issued on Stax.
Jones produced three albums with his former wife, under the name Booker T. & Priscilla, as well as making the charts as a solo artist in 1981 with "I Want You". He produced Priscilla's sister Rita Coolidge, Bill Withers's debut album Just As I Am (on which he also played several instruments), and Willie Nelson's album Stardust. He has also lent his trademark keyboards to everyone from Ray Charles to Neil Young to Natalie Merchant. Jones currently still plays with Booker T. & the MGs and his own Booker T. Jones Band.
Jones was inducted into The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, and was honored with a Grammy award for lifetime achievement on February 11, 2007.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Representing Memphis
Booker T. Jones Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
They know how to deep fry
Take it up to Orange Mound
We're representing Memphis
I like it at the Harlem House
Almost good as at my Momma's house
Make it at the Klondike
I grew up there so don't talk about my city
From the hood to the burbs we all stay busy
From the bottom to the top we got it alot
We're representing Memphis
I love it on the Southside
They know how to deep fry
Take it up to Orange Mound
We're representing Memphis
I like it at the Harlem House
Almost good as at my Momma's house
Make it at the Klondike
We're representing Memphis
I grew up there so don't talk about my city
From the hood to the burbs we all stay busy
From the bottom to the top we got it alot
We're representing Memphis
I grew up there so don't talk about my city
From the hood to the burbs we all stay busy
From the bottom to the top we got it alot
We're representing Memphis
I grew up there so don't talk about my city
From the hood to the burbs we all stay busy
From the bottom to the top we got it alot
We're representing Memphis
The lyrics of "Representing Memphis" by Booker T. Jones is an ode to the city of Memphis, Tennessee. Jones talks about the different neighborhoods and establishments in Memphis that he enjoys visiting, such as the Southside, Orange Mound, Harlem House, and Klondike. Jones also talks about the pride he feels for his city, warning others not to talk badly about Memphis, and emphasizing that people from all walks of life in Memphis are busy but have a lot to offer.
By mentioning specific places in Memphis, Jones reveals his love and appreciation for the city. Each location named in the song has a cultural significance that pays homage to Memphis's rich history. In using descriptions like "deep fry" and "almost good as at my Momma's house," Jones reflects on the unique experiences and flavors that Memphis has to offer. Additionally, the repetition of the chorus highlights the importance of representing Memphis in a positive light and honoring its legacy.
Overall, "Representing Memphis" is a celebration of the vibrant and diverse culture of Memphis. Jones captures the essence of the city and its residents, encouraging others to embrace the unique qualities of Memphis.
Line by Line Meaning
I love it on the Southside
I thoroughly enjoy being on the southern side of Memphis
They know how to deep fry
The locals are adept at deep-frying food
Take it up to Orange Mound
Let's go to Orange Mound, a neighborhood located in Memphis
We're representing Memphis
We're representing and celebrating our city of Memphis
I like it at the Harlem House
I appreciate Harlem House which is a musical venue located in Memphis
Almost good as at my Momma's house
The food and atmosphere at Harlem House is nearly equivalent to that of my mother's house
Make it at the Klondike
Let's head to Klondike, a historic neighborhood in Memphis
I grew up there so don't talk about my city
As a native Memphian, I take offense if you speak negatively about my city
From the hood to the burbs we all stay busy
Both the inner city and suburban areas are constantly bustling with activity
From the bottom to the top we got it alot
No matter what social or economic status, Memphis has a lot to offer its residents
We're representing Memphis
We continue to celebrate and showcase our hometown of Memphis
I grew up there so don't talk about my city
As a proud Memphian, I take any criticism of my city to heart
From the hood to the burbs we all stay busy
Residents of all areas of Memphis are constantly on the go and productive
From the bottom to the top we got it alot
Whether you're at the bottom or top of the social ladder, Memphis has a wealth of resources
We're representing Memphis
We are still presenting our hometown of Memphis and its wonderful qualities
I grew up there so don't talk about my city
Having been raised in Memphis, I won't tolerate criticism of my beloved city
From the hood to the burbs we all stay busy
Whether living in a hood or suburb, everyone remains industrious
From the bottom to the top we got it alot
Regardless of social rank, Memphis offers a great deal of opportunities
We're representing Memphis
We are still showcasing our hometown city of Memphis
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BOOKER T JONES, LIV JONES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Jan. Mal.
Over the period of three years I heard this song at least 1000 times. I could listen to it 30, 40 times a day without being overwhelmed by it.
I like the simplicity of the song, nice feel and so pleasant, so not-sophisticated playing of booker t. He makes such a nice atmosphere.
Ellis Oliver
You know how it feels when you run into a song that just gives you chills?
Somehow, this simple tune strikes deep.
Jan. Mal.
Exactly. Without knowing why, this song strikes deep.
Raptormau
It was the end of an incredible summer trip in a different country. I was overwhelmed by everything I had lived in the past few days, having the last lunch with my friends by the pool when this song started. I'll never forget that feeling thanks to this song.
Nathan Diaz
you don't even have to be from memphis to love this song.. good music
Mssassy sabrina
Just heard this on a car radio. Had to check it out. I likes. Makes me wanna represent Memphis even if I'm from Boston. Love Sharon Jones.
Ken K
If the rest of the album is anything like this song, it's gonna go down as one of the greats by Booker T. I especially appreciate that Questlove is involved.
E Rowan
One of the smoothest organ licks I've ever heard.
Sergio Silva
it seems almost impossible a song be so good. It's truelly amazing...
leftussr
I've now known this song for 5 years... Still Probably one of the best song ever.