Hear why Booker T is in the Rock Hall of Fame
Published 5:31 pm Thursday, May 14, 2009
Booker T. Jones, who plays Mount Vernon and Seattle in the coming days, was an early inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for good reason.
As the leader of Booker T and the MGs, he played with Otis Redding while recording hits of his own, such as the strutting, organ-driven instrumental “Green Onions.”
His career, which won him induction in 1992, has attracted talented fans. He tapped Neil Young and the Drive-By Truckers to back him on April’s “Potato Hole.”
That album, Jones’ first solo outing in more than two decades, included his characteristic use of a Hammond organ on instrumental covers of Outkast’s “Hey Ya” and Tom Waits’ “Get Behind the Mule.”
Justin Townes Earle: So far, Earle is most famous for being the son of country rock star Steve Earle. That could change soon, though.
In 2008 and this year, Justin Townes Earle released “The Good Life” and “Midnight at the Movies,” respectively. Earle, who plays Bothell on Sunday, was praised for writing songs that were indebted to honky tonk and the blues instead of simply his father.
Fleetwood Mac: Fleetwood Mac fans will have plenty to enjoy during the group’s Seattle stop.
Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood and John McVie are playing the group’s biggest hits on their current arena tour. Outside Christine McVie, the lineup showcases Fleetwood Mac at its 1970s best.
Mac Wayne: The Historic Everett Theatre continues its unlikely reinvention on Saturday, as it again hosts a hip-hop show.
Little-known rapper Mac Wayne headlines the concert, appearing with DJ Nanino.
The theater had success with an October show featuring the Blue Scholars, a big name in the Northwest hip-hop scene. Time will tell if Mac Wayne, a lesser-known act, can also draw a crowd.
Taylor Swift: It’s no surprise that country’s reigning pop princess sold out her show tonight in Seattle.
Swift, 19, is the superstar of the moment. Her last album, November’s “Fearless,” has sold a mammoth 3.1 million copies since its release 25 weeks ago, according to Rolling Stone.
In the clubs
Yayo: Yayo Sanchez, 16, leads his rock band on its first tour, bringing him from Austin, Texas, to Everett; 9 p.m. Saturday, Tracey’s Place, 1707 Hewitt Ave., Everett; free; 425-259-0811.
Lady Sovereign: The British hip-hop star has yet to become a big name in the United States; 9 p.m. Thursday, the Crocodile, Seattle; $16; ticketmaster.com or 800-745-3000.
Andy Rathbun: 425-339-3455, arathbun@heraldnet.com.
