Booker T. & The Mg's

***Jackpot is honored to be releasing these four mighty reissues from Booker T. & The MG's during their hot streak from 1965-1968. Likely, the most well known, respected, and beloved instrumental band of all time, their recorded output has also become one of the most cherished ever put to tape. (AAA) all analogue process sourced from the original master tapes.  Cut by Kevin Gray.  

Initially serving as the house band for Stax Records, organist Booker T. Jones, guitarist Steve Cropper, bassist Lewie Steinberg (later replaced by bass monster Donald ‘Duck’ Dunn), and drummer Al Jackson Jr. were instrumental in creating the “Memphis Sound.’   They recorded the basic tracks for well over a hundred records, including backing some of the greatest artists of all time: Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Rufus Thomas, and Albert King, all the while breaking barriers as one of the South’s first integrated acts. 

But they became legendary powerhouses of their own making when they started recording for themselves. Throughout their history, they racked up Top 40 hits, had their songs covered by artists as diverse as The Ventures, Count Basie, and Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement award, and continued being the band of choice in collaborations with legends such as Bob Dylan & Neil Young.

1967’s Hip Hug-Her is one of their most beloved records, with its toe tapping into the pop world. Spawning two significant hits, their cover of the Young Rascals “Groovin” and the title track, which many recognize as the iconic opening and closing credit sequence music for the movie ‘Barfly.’ Limited hot pink vinyl pressing.