For most musicians, it would be enough to record with Soul and R&B legends like Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and Sam and Dave.  Or to lead one of America's first racially integrated bands to national success with a hit instrumental.  Or to be awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award (2007), induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1992) and the Nashville Musicians Hall of Fame (2008).

But for Booker T. Jones, the man behind hits "Dock of the Bay," "Midnight Hour," "Soul Man" and some of the '60s greatest songs, resting on his laurels doesn't seem to be in the cards. 

Earlier this month, Jones was nominated for two Grammy Awards for his 2009 album, Potato Hole: Best Pop Instrumental Album (category 10) and Best Rock Instrumental Performance (category 19) for the single 'Warped Sister."  Potato Hole features Jones backed by critically-lauded country-rock band the Drive-by Truckers and guitar work by Neil Young.

Jones performs at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday, January 16.  Tickets are on sale now at www.powayarts.org and by calling 858.748.0505.

Single ticket prices: $42.

Youth through age 18: just $5  (with purchase of adult ticket)
Senior Pricing: 15% off regular ticket prices.
Groups: discounts available for groups of 10 or more

  

By phone: 858-748-0505     

Online at: www.powayarts.org 

At the box office 15498 Espola Road, Poway 92064

Jones is perhaps best known as the leader of Booker T. and the MGs, the band that achieved national success with the hit instrumental "Green Onions."  In addition to recording their own albums, the MGs were the house band at Memphis' legendary Stax Studios where they backed Otis Redding on "Dock of the Bay," Wilson Pickett on "Midnight Hour," Sam & Dave on "Soul Man" and many more. 

"If someone had dropped a bomb on Memphis in the early '60s, we wouldn't have some of the defining R&B and Soul music of our time," said Michael Rennie, director of the Poway Center for the Performing Arts Foundation, "Booker T. was the eye of that wonderful, creative storm -- the quintessential secret weapon behind some of America's favorite songs."

Booker T. has also lent his legendary keyboard chops to artists like Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton and Neil Young and has produced albums for Willie Nelson.

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.

For more visit www.powayarts.org or call http://www.bookert.com.

For interviews, contact: Michael Rennie, mrennie@powayarts.org or 858.668.4799

HI RES PHOTOS: availalbe at www.powayarts.org/press_room.asp