Play it Steve
Steve Cropper is the lead guitarist in Booker T and the MGs. A talented song writer, he co-wrote In the Midnight Hour with Wilson Picket, See Saw with Don Covey, Knock On Wood with Eddie Floyd and Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay with Otis Redding. Steve started out in the Mar-Keys, writing and then playing on LAST NIGHT, a Mar-Keys hit.
The greatest soul guitarist in the world, Steve Cropper in the early '60s, was in the Mar-Keys and then joined of Booker T. & the MG's. Steve became a songwriter, an arranger and a producer for Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and Wilson Pickett. In seventies he produced Jeff Beck and Mitch Ryder. He also appeared on Saturday Night Live (USA) with John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd as part of the backing band for what was to become the Blues Brothers.
Born 21 October 1941, Willow Spring, MO
Soul Fans in the UK know Steve when he was introduced to the Manchester audience on the 1967 Stax Tour at the Palace Theatre - half the audience stood up to applaud him, although many were surprised to discover he was white. He looked visibly surprised that he had such a large following in the UK. He was and remains a modest and unassuming star.
Steve signing autographs at the stage door of the Municipal Hall, Newcastle UK, April 2005
I became a soul fan listening to Booker T and The MGs and Otis Redding in the early 1960's.
In Manchester many soul fans appreciated Steve Cropper. We played 'Candy' by the Astors till the grooves wore out just because we knew Steve was responsible in contributing to that song as well as many others. The Stax sound and Steve's contribution helped generate a music genre that just goes on and on. Steve is a fantastic guitarist as well as a true gentleman. Several fans waited to see him with Booker T and Duck Dunn outside the Municipal Hall in Newcastle UK in April 2005. We had waited two hours but they made sure we all got autographs, photographs and a few words each from our musical heroes. Come on back to England soon Steve there is a lot of love here for you.