Cropper was one of the geniuses behind the Stax record sound. In addition to session work with acts like Sam and Dave and Otis Redding, Cropper was the guitarist for Booker T and the MGs (which was essentially the Stax studio cats stepping out).
He became more widely known when playing in the film The Blues Brothers, which featured other Stax cats (notably Donald "Duck" Dunn).
He wasn't just a fine guitarist. He was also a terrific producer. Were it not for Cropper, Otis Redding's astonishing hit "Sitting on the Dock in the Bay" wouldn't have seen the light of day. Cropper re-worked the arrangement and production not long after Redding's untimely death, producing one of the greatest songs of all time.
Edited by - eagleisland on 12/04/2025 05:10:42
I never saw him, but I did see Duck and Booker T. They were part of the band at a CSNY concert a couple of decades ago. So the only person on stage that I wasn't familiar with was the drummer.
A tour of the Stax museum in Memphis is highly recommended if you're ever in the area. Sun Studio is also in Memphis.
“ Sun Studio is also in Memphis”
Yep, like them both : Steve Cropper and Luther Perkins (what contrasts in styles, eh? )
The Civil Rights Museum/Lorraine Motel is also in Memphis. Another highly recommended site to visit.
Also Payne's BBQ, in an old auto shop. Mustard slaw on Q is surprisingly good, although they have more traditional offerings as well.
Edited by - reubenstump on 12/04/2025 16:39:26
Dealey Plaza / Lorraine Motel ,,, sad places, in my estimation, but history is history, I suppose.
I heard Booker T and the MG's do 'green onions' when i was14 years old and it changed the course of my life - Steve Cropper was a genius, very sad loss.
