Steve Cropper is an American guitarist, songwriter, and producer, best known for his work with Booker T. & the MG’s and as a session guitarist for Stax Records. Recognized for his smooth, soulful guitar playing, Cropper helped define the sound of Southern soul music. His work with artists like Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and Wilson Pickett made him one of the most influential guitarists of his generation. AKA as "The Colonel," Cropper's contributions to music extend from performing to producing and songwriting.
Steve Cropper Career Highlights
1962: Joins Booker T and the MGs as the guitarist, alongside Booker T. Jones, Al Jackson Jr., and Lewie Steinberg (later replaced by Donald "Duck" Dunn). The group becomes the Stax Records house band, creating iconic tracks like "Green Onions."
1965: Co-writes "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" with Otis Redding. The song is released posthumously after Redding’s death and becomes a major hit, reaching No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
1967: Plays on hits like "Soul Man" by Sam & Dave, contributing his signature guitar riffs that become a hallmark of the Stax sound.
1970s: Continues to perform and produce with Booker T. & the MG’s and collaborates with artists outside of Stax, including Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart, and John Lennon.
1980: Appears as a member of The Blues Brothers Band in the film The Blues Brothers, bringing his soulful sound to a new generation of fans.
1990s: Reunites with Booker T. & the MG’s for various performances, and the band is inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
2008: Receives a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as a member of Booker T. & the MG’s, recognizing their influence on American music.
Steve Cropper Band - Collaborations
Booker T. & the MG’s: Founding guitarist of the band, which served as the house band for Stax Records and played on countless hits.
Known for collaborations with artists like Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, and Aretha Franklin, contributing to some of the most iconic soul recordings.
Worked with The Blues Brothers Band, both in the studio and on tour, extending his influence beyond soul music to blues and rock.
Steve Cropper Grammy Awards
2008: Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as a member of Booker T. & the MG’s
3 Most Famous Steve Cropper Songs
- Green Onions (with Booker T. & the MG’s)
- (Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay (with Otis Redding)
- Soul Man (with Sam & Dave)
Steve Cropper Scandal/Gossip/Trivia
1967: Plays a pivotal role in creating the Stax Records sound, which comes to define Southern soul music and influences numerous artists and genres.
1980: His appearance in The Blues Brothers film introduces his music to a new audience and revitalizes interest in classic soul and R&B.
2020s: Continues to perform and make guest appearances, cementing his legacy as one of the most respected session guitarists in American music history.
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