CROPPER’S TURF

WITH HIS NEW ALBUM, FRIENDLYTOWN, STEVE CROPPER REVIVES HIS ROOTS.

BY LEE ZIMMERMAN

There are few artists more important — or more influential — as far as the progression of modern music is concerned than Steve Cropper. His guitar licks helped define the specific soul genre that came to be known as the Stax sound, birthed in Memphis and eventually known worldwide. As the house producer, guitarist, songwriter, A&R executive and integral part of the house band Booker T. & the M.G.’s, he played a key role in forwarding the careers of such iconic Stax/Volt stars as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, Rufus Thomas, Carla Thomas and Johnnie Taylor. His fame was furthered when in one particular number, Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man” (later covered by The Blues Brothers), he was the subject of that famous shout-out “Play it, Steve.” Being…

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Goldmine (Digital) - 1 Issue, Fall 2024

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