The Day Andy Smith Met His Idol
The Story Behind the Green Onion Landscaping Name
Originally featured in The Gazette in August 2011.
Many people often ask where the name Green Onion Landscaping came from. The inspiration actually came from Andy Smith’s long-standing love of 1960s soul music, particularly the legendary instrumental track Green Onions by Booker T. & the MG’s.
Back in 2011, Andy had the opportunity to meet his musical idol Booker T Jones when the soul legend performed live at Stockton’s ARC theatre. Even more memorably, Andy was invited to perform on stage as part of the warm-up act before Booker T’s performance.
Before focusing fully on landscaping, Andy had previously performed as a singer with his own band, Jarvis Humby. When the opportunity arose to support Booker T live in Stockton, it was simply too good an opportunity to turn down.
Although Jarvis Humby had already split up by this point, Andy teamed up with local Northern Soul band The Roundels for the performance. The evening became a genuine once in a lifetime experience.
“I probably got familiar with Booker T and The MG’s when I was about 12 and have loved them ever since.”
Andy explained that stepping onto the stage was initially quite daunting, but ultimately an unforgettable experience:
“It was fantastic. I met Booker T when I first got there and we had a good chat. I told him about my business and took some business cards with me.”
Andy also explained how Booker T reacted when hearing about the landscaping business inspired by the famous Green Onions track:
“He was really impressed, and I think pretty chuffed to be honest. He was a really cool bloke, quite laid back and chilled out.”
The story remains an important part of the history behind Green Onion Landscaping and helps explain the inspiration behind the business name that many customers across Stockton-on-Tees and Teesside have come to recognise over the years.
Today, Green Onion Landscaping continues to provide professional landscaping services across Stockton-on-Tees, Teesside, County Durham and North Yorkshire, specialising in patios, paving, decking, fencing, planting, porcelain paving, water features and complete garden transformations.
If you would like to read more about Green Onion Landscaping and the history of the business, you can also visit our About Us page.
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Green Onion Landscaping provides landscaping services throughout Stockton-on-Tees, Middlesbrough, Darlington, Teesside, County Durham and North Yorkshire. Contact us today to discuss your project or request a free quotation.
