Booker T. Jones

"The first time I saw a Hammond organ I just got a feeling inside about it and I was comfortable. I still am comfortable."

• Born Booker Taliaferro Jones Jr. on Nov. 12, 1944, in Memphis, Tennesssee.

• Jones formed the famous Stax Records backing band Booker T. & The MG's in 1962. Originally comprised of guitarist Steve Cropper, bassist Lewis Steinberg (later replaced by Donald "Duck" Dunn) and drummer Al Jackson Jr., the group backed recordings for Otis Redding, Bill Withers, Sam & Dave and Eddie Floyd, among others. Booker T. & The MG's also recorded their own material, including their 1962 No. 3 smash, "Green Onions."

• In 1978 Jones released the first of several solo albums, a catalog that includes two Best Pop Instrumental Album GRAMMY wins for 2009 for Potato Hole and 2011 for The Road From Memphis. He also became a sought-after producer, helming notable recordings such as Willie Nelson's successful country crossover album, 1978's Stardust.

• Did you know? Jones co-wrote the blues standard "Born Under A Bad Sign," which was recorded by artists such as Albert King, Cream, Etta James, and Jimi Hendrix. King's 1967 version was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame in 1999.

• Jones earned his first career GRAMMY at the 37th GRAMMY Awards with the MG's for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for "Cruisin'." The group earned the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. "Green Onions" was inducted into the GRAMMY Hall Of Fame in 1999.