Strumming Through Legends: Steve Cropper's Last Guitar Chat with Booker T & Jeff Beck
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6 months ago
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Steve Cropper, the legendary guitarist of Booker T. & the M.G.’s, played an instrumental role in defining the essence of soul music during the 1960s.As the backbone of Stax Records, he collaborated with iconic artists like Otis Redding and Wilson pickett, contributing to the genre’s rich tapestry.
Cropper is celebrated for co-penning timeless hits such as Green Onions and (Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay,and his remarkable resume also includes collaborations with rock legends like John Lennon and Rod Stewart.
On december 3, 2025, Cropper passed away at the age of 84, leaving behind a profound legacy of guitar riffs that transformed the music landscape.
In 2024, he had a final conversation with Total Guitar, where he expressed excitement about his upcoming second solo album, friendlytown, featuring collaborations with Billy gibbons and Brian May.
During this reflective interview,Cropper shared his thoughts on his illustrious career,humbly admitting that he never considered himself a virtuoso. For him, the essence of music lies in groove and soul, and few could match his ability to create that magic.
Collaborating with Billy Gibbons
How did Billy Gibbons get involved in your new album?
“Billy and I have shared a friendship for three decades, yet we had never collaborated until now.He bumped into Jon Tiven, my co-producer, at a grocery store and inquired about my current projects.Upon learning about the album, he expressed interest in joining us, saying, ‘I’m free right now, can I be part of it?’”
“He participated in two writng sessions and contributed to nearly every track. We even co-wrote the title track, Friendlytown. Unlike most albums that place the title track later in the lineup, I insisted we lead with it as it was simply too good to be buried!”
steve cropper & The Midnight Hour (feat. Brian May) – ‘Too Much Stress’ – YouTube
Guitar Dynamics with Billy
How would you characterize your guitar partnership with Billy?
“our collaboration on this album isn’t about competing guitar skills; it’s about mutual admiration. Each song is concise, typically under 3:30 minutes, featuring straightforward structures-two verses, two choruses, and a bridge. In contrast to today’s lengthy, poetic compositions, we aimed to capture the simplicity of the 1960s.”
“Observing Billy in the studio was enlightening; he plays dual parts together, blending bass lines with melodies, reminiscent of Chet Atkins.”
“The first time I witnessed ZZ Top live,I was amazed at how three musicians could produce such a full sound. Working with billy revealed the secret behind that!”
Brian May’s Contribution
What about your collaboration with Brian May?
“Brian has known Jon Tiven for years, and we first met at James Burton’s birthday festivity about a year ago. After some discussions, we sent him a track, but there was a lull in dialog. My engineer reached out, and Brian mentioned he was overwhelmed with work.”
“A few days later, we received his version of the track, which was impressive! We titled the song Too Much Stress and crafted the lyrics around it. Brian added modulation that elevated the song. He’s incredibly talented, and I consider him one of the finest guitarists in the world.”
(Image credit: Tim mosenfelder/Getty Images)
Reflecting on Early Influences
What was your first guitar like?
“My first guitar is now displayed at the Memphis Music Hall of Fame. it had onyl three strings, and I would strum it like a rubber band when I was eight. I ordered it from the Sears Roebuck catalog; it was a Country Western model with a large round hole.”
“I remember eagerly waiting on the porch for its delivery every weekend, anticipating the truck’s arrival. When it finally came, the strings were loose, and the bridge needed repairs. They charged a 25-cent delivery fee, and my mom said, ‘I’ll lend you that quarter if you promise to become a guitarist.’ She’s not here to defend herself now, but I think I kept my end of the bargain!”
“During my early guitar-playing days, I realized that the world didn’t need another B.B. king, Chet Atkins, or Les Paul. So, what was my next step? I decided to embrace my individuality and stay true to myself. The mantra became: ‘Just be yourself and don’t change for anyone.’”
A Defining Moment in Your Guitar Journey
“The moment I felt I had transitioned from a novice guitarist was when I collaborated on Green Onions with Booker T. and the M.G.’s. Booker initially penned the song, and we developed it together. We were waiting for a singer who never arrived-he had sung all night and was too exhausted to come in.So, we started jamming.”
“Weeks later,while working on Behave Yourself,the label asked if we had anything for the B-side. I reminded Booker of those catchy riffs he had, and we played it for them.They loved it, and that’s how the record was born.”
“The most crucial quality is groove. A guitarist with groove will have longevity in their career, regardless of what groove means to them. for me, it signifies soulfulness. it’s essential to play within the confines of the music; if you stray too far outside,it may not resonate with listeners.”
“I learned to play both rhythm and lead simultaneously, ensuring that the rhythm section remained intact even during solos.”
“I’ve always considered my playing to be basic, yet it resonates with people as I keep it straightforward. I never aimed to be a virtuoso; I view the guitar as a tool. At Stax Records, I couldn’t afford to hire another guitarist, so I adapted by learning to play both rhythm and lead at the same time.”
“Randy Bachman from The Guess Who once taught me a lick that involved bending two strings simultaneously, but I figured out how to do it with just one finger. I also avoid using a capo; I believe that your finger can serve that purpose. I learned to play many chords using only three fingers rather of four, which was a significant breakthrough for me.”
Green Onions LIVE in Nashville - Booker T & The M.G.’s – Musicians Hall of Fame Induction Concert – YouTube
What Recent Gear Has You Excited?
“The last guitar I purchased was likely a Telecaster, but I’m not much of a collector, and I don’t use Teles anymore.Instead, I play Telecaster replicas made by Peavey. I accidentally ran over my current one, damaging the electronics, including the tone and volume controls and the pickup switch. I managed to fix everything, and it still sounds grate.”
“After plugging it in, I turned to my engineer and said, ’It still sounds good to me,’ so it clearly has something special. I use it regularly, although the pickup switch rattles after the accident.”
“I keep tightening it,but it keeps shifting. The bridge pickup is a bit too shining for my taste, so I stuffed some cardboard in there to keep the switch from moving!”
Steve Cropper & The Midnight Hour - Friendlytown (Official Lyric Video) – YouTube
Unexpected Talents Among Guitarists
“One guitarist who truly surprised me was Dave Mason, formerly of Traffic. I had no idea of his exceptional skills until I toured with him. His live performances are remarkable. Jeff Beck is another standout; whatever idea popped into his head,his hands could execute it flawlessly. You could never tell him, ‘You can’t achieve that.’ He would simply reach for it and make it happen.”
“Jeff pushed the boundaries of what was thought possible on the guitar, and he always made it sound amazing. Producing The Jeff Beck Group album in 1972 remains one of my proudest achievements.”
Guitarists Who Didn’t Impress
“There was one individual who came into Stax and covered the strings with a handkerchief to prevent anyone from seeing his technique. While I’m sure he was a talented player, that approach didn’t resonate with me. I value openness and sharing in music.”
Steve Cropper & The Midnight Hour (feat. Tim Montana) – ‘You Can’t Refuse’ (Official Audio) – YouTube
Impressive Non-Guitarists
“A magazine once contacted me, claiming that Stax Records was the first label to utilize an automatic drum machine. I replied, ‘Yes, that would be Al jackson!’ With Al on drums, you could seamlessly edit the intro from take one with the intro from take ten, and no one would ever notice-he was that precise as a timekeeper. Playing alongside him was a fantastic experience.”
Words of Wisdom for Aspiring Guitarists
“my advice is simple: don’t enter this industry for the money. Pursue it for the joy it brings you, and if you possess talent, someone will eventually recognize that and compensate you.”
Reflecting on Performance Challenges
“I can’t recall ever having a truly bad show. There have been records that didn’t perform well commercially, which I suppose could be seen as a failure, but I’ve always felt that the quality of my work has been solid. I refuse to release anything that doesn’t meet my standards. It may not always sell, but I stand by my creations without regrets.”
Strumming Through Legends: Steve Cropper’s Last Guitar chat with Booker T & Jeff beck
Strumming Through Legends: Steve Cropper’s Last Guitar Chat with Booker T & Jeff Beck
The Legacy of Steve Cropper
Steve Cropper, renowned as one of the most influential guitarists in the history of soul music, has left an indelible mark on the music industry. As a founding member of Booker T.& the M.G.’s, Cropper played a pivotal role in shaping the sound of Stax Records during the 1960s. His collaborations with legendary artists such as Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett have solidified his status as a guitar icon.
Final Conversations with Legends
In his last interview, Cropper shared the spotlight with fellow legends Booker T. Jones and Jeff Beck. This conversation not only highlighted their musical journeys but also provided insights into their creative processes and the evolution of their styles.
Musical Journeys
Booker T. Jones: Known for his innovative keyboard work and songwriting, Booker T. has been a cornerstone of soul music.
Jeff Beck: A guitar virtuoso, Beck is celebrated for his unique sound and ability to blend various genres, from rock to jazz.
Steve Cropper: With his signature guitar riffs, Cropper has influenced countless musicians and continues to inspire new generations.
Key Highlights from the Interview
During the conversation, Cropper, Jones, and Beck discussed various topics, including their early influences, memorable performances, and the importance of collaboration in music.
Early Influences
Each artist shared their unique influences that shaped their musical styles:
Artist
Influences
Steve Cropper
B.B. King, Chet Atkins, Les Paul
booker T. Jones
Ray Charles, Jimmy Smith
Jeff Beck
Eric Clapton, Jimi Hendrix
Memorable Performances
Cropper reminisced about his time performing Green Onions with Booker T. & the M.G.’s, a defining moment in his career. He described how the song came together during a jam session, showcasing the spontaneity and creativity that characterized their work.
Collaborative Spirit
the trio emphasized the meaning of collaboration in their music. Cropper noted, “Working with other musicians allows you to explore new ideas and push your boundaries.” This sentiment was echoed by both Jones and Beck, who highlighted how collaboration has enriched their artistic expressions.
Creative Processes
Each artist shared insights into their creative processes:
Cropper: Focuses on groove and simplicity, believing that music should resonate with the audience.
Jones: Emphasizes the importance of melody and harmony, frequently enough drawing inspiration from everyday life.
beck: Known for his improvisational style, he often experiments with different sounds and techniques in the studio.
Lessons Learned from Legends
Throughout the interview, Cropper and his fellow musicians shared valuable lessons for aspiring guitarists:
Be Authentic: Cropper advised young musicians to stay true to themselves and not try to emulate others.
Embrace Collaboration: Jones emphasized the importance of working with others to enhance creativity.
Practice Diligently: Beck encouraged aspiring guitarists to dedicate time to practice and hone their skills.
Personal Experiences and Anecdotes
Cropper shared a memorable experience from his early days at Stax Records, where he learned the importance of rhythm and timing. He recalled how he adapted his playing style to ensure that the rhythm section remained strong, even during solos.
First-Hand Experience
“I learned to play rhythm and lead simultaneously, which allowed me to maintain the groove while soloing,” Cropper explained. This technique has become a hallmark of his playing style and has influenced many guitarists who followed in his footsteps.
Final thoughts from Steve Cropper
As the conversation drew to a close, Cropper reflected on his career and the impact of his music. He expressed gratitude for the opportunities he had to work with astonishing artists and the joy of creating music that resonates with people.
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