Booker T. Jones says he never shot for a Grammy

I called legendary keyboardist Booker T. Jones up today at his home in Lake Tahoe, in advance of his show at the Vogue Theatre next month.

The last time I'd talked to him was back in 2009, after he'd recorded his Potato Hole album with the Drive-By Truckers and Neil Young. That album went on to win a Grammy, as did its followup, 2012's The Road to Memphis, which he made with the Roots.

So I asked him if he felt any pressure to go for a hat track--three Grammies in a row--with his latest album, Sound the Alarm.

"Ya know, I was very happy when I won," he replied, "but I never really sought after getting that award. I'm lookin' at them right now--I can't believe I have four of 'em. 

"But I've gotten in trouble with that attitude," he added with a chuckle. "'Well what do you mean you're not shooting for a Grammy!'."

Jones has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, along with his old band the M.G.'s, of "Green Onions" fame. He wasn't shooting for that one, either.

"No, not at all. Didn't even think we were in contention for that, 'cause I always thought we were a soul band, or an R&B band."

He might not shoot for Grammy Awards or Rock Hall inductions, but one thing Booker T. Jones does do is shoot for a great live show. You can find that out at the Vogue Theatre on February 13. Tickets are available here.

And for more from Booker T., see the full interview in the Feb. 10 issue of the Georgia Straight.  Read it on paper for that old-school M.G.'s vibe.