Stax RecordsFifty years ago this week, the classic Booker T. & the MG's instrumental "Green Onions" first appeared on the Billboard singles chart.  The mid-tempo R&B tune, driven by Booker T. Jones' grooving Hammond organ and Lewie Steinberg's insistent bass line, peaked on the Hot 100 at #3 in late September of 1962.  It also reached #1 on Billboard's R&B chart.

Nearly two decades later, the song also became a hit on the U.K. Singles Chart, making its way to #7 in January 1980.  Over the years, "Green Onions" has popped up in a variety of movies, TV shows and commercials.  In 1999, the tune was honored with a Grammy Hall of Fame Award, and earlier this year the Library of Congress added it to National Recording Registry list, which recognizes American recordings of historic, aesthetic or cultural significance.

Jones posted a Twitter message on Tuesday commenting about the song reaching the half century mark.  "Green Onions is 50 years old!!!" he wrote.  "Can't believe it went by so fast -- still my favorite.  Thanks for all the support all these years everybody!!"

Coinciding with the chart anniversary, a remastered version of Booker T. & the MG's Green Onions album was released in July.

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