Like the most righteous of revelations, the one Steve Cropper experienced as young boy was a watershed. “I was probably a good 12 or 13 years old before I was allowed to listen to a radio,” the guitarist recalls. “I heard gospel music for the first time and it just, I don’t know, it just took me by whatever. It was the greatest stuff I’d ever heard. It was good-feeling music and it was very honest music; and that’s just something that drew me into it.”
Cropper soon recognized the same qualities in the secular expressions of R&B and soul, his profound appreciation ultimately informing the context of his career — one of the most singular and seminal in all of American music.
A founding member of Booker T. and the M.G.'s — drummer Al Jackson, bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn, and organist Booker T. Jones rounded out their most familiar lineup — Cropper has not only contributed to such instrumental classics as "Green Onions" and “Hip Hug-Her,” but as the group served as the Stax house band, his signature licks adorn literally hundreds of the label’s recordings by the likes of Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and Albert King. His credentials as a record producer and composer — he co-wrote "In The Midnight Hour" and “(Sittin’ On The) Dock of the Bay," for starters — further solidify his significance.
On his new album Cropper comes full circle, recalling his earliest musical enthusiasm by paying tribute to the 5 Royales and in particular the group's guitarist, Lowman Pauling, who he has long cited as a formative influence. Those unfamiliar with the '50s rhythm-and-blues combo may very well recognize its songs as covered by other artists, whether the Shirelles with "Dedicated To The One I Love" or James Brown with "Think" or Ray Charles with "Tell the Truth," among many others.
Set for release on August 9, Dedicated: A Salute to the 5 Royales (429 Records) reflects not only an homage to a pioneering musical group’s contributions, but considering the caliber of guest artists who appear on the album — which include Steve Winwood, Lucinda Williams, Delbert McClinton, and B.B. King — it’s an affirmation of Cropper’s achievements as well. “I’ve always said that if you want to make it in the music business, surround yourself with good talent," Cropper maintains in all modesty. "That’s what I’ve been trying to do all my life.”
Article comments
1 - James Allder
Blues Brothers forever, man ! Be well, Mr. Cropper.