 The group was formed at Booker T. Washington High School in Memphis, Tennessee, USA.The original line-up comprised John Gary Williams, Julius E. Green, William Brown and Robert Phillips.They were originally called The Emeralds, but changed their name because there was another group of that name; the name "Mad Lads" was suggested by Stax employee Deanie Parker in response to the group's behavior and also in recognition of local disc jockey Reuben "Mad Lad" Washington.