Awwwwww CRAP. First I've heard of this terrible news.
His music with Booker T and others is among my favorite ever. So glad I got to see him with the band in 1998 here in Atlanta ... plus the tour with Neil Young in '93 when they were his backing band. (I've also seen Booker T solo three times)
Here's part of what I wrote about their '98 show:
"You really have to appreciate a group like Booker T & The MG’s, on several levels.
For one, they’re one of the few integrated groups—particularly with a black person as the leader—that have lasted.
Second, they do it all instrumentally; what the hell ever happened to instrumental hits?
Third, their style of blues-heavy R&B is really a template for many other blues-heavy R&B bands that have come up since they started.
Fourth, they don’t try to hit you over the head with raging solos and constant musical drama—often as not, they just allow many songs to just meander along a little bit at a slower pace than what most of the world moves at these days."
Sad news, Sal. Booker T & the MGs McLemore Avenue album (where they do all of Abbey Road their way) is great fun! Glad I got to see The Colonel with Dave Edmunds Rock N Revue back in 1990 (He even sang "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay"). I thought it was peculiar that in the liner notes of the Atlantic R&B 1947-1974 boxed set, it listed "personnel unknown" for Sam & Dave's "Soul Man" session --as if we can't hear Sam yell "Play it, Steve" on the record.
Was thinking I never saw him or the MGs but Noel's comment reminded me that I too saw them with Neil in 1993 at Jones Beach. Good show once the rain stopped. Love his work with Booker T. Too many great songs to name but obviously Green Onions, Melting Pot, Hang 'em High off the top of my head. Pretty sure there's no Booker T I don't like.
Should be on every list of greatest guitarists. His 2011 Dedicated — A Salute to the 5 Royales was great, and one of a very small handful of successful duet records. Never really flashy, always perfect.
Summer of 1995: in a one-off line-up (maybe two), Booker T & the MGs opened for the Allman Brothers Band. It's the only time in my forty years of concert-going where the headliners came out and raptly watched the opener. I had front row, so it was heaven. Cropper's influence is immeasurable.
Like L. Buckingham and M. Campbell, he played just what the song needed, always tastefully, even tho you knew he could let 'er rip had he wanted to. C in California
15 comments:
Awwwwww CRAP. First I've heard of this terrible news.
His music with Booker T and others is among my favorite ever. So glad I got to see him with the band in 1998 here in Atlanta ... plus the tour with Neil Young in '93 when they were his backing band. (I've also seen Booker T solo three times)
Here's part of what I wrote about their '98 show:
"You really have to appreciate a group like Booker T & The MG’s, on several levels.
For one, they’re one of the few integrated groups—particularly with a black person as the leader—that have lasted.
Second, they do it all instrumentally; what the hell ever happened to instrumental hits?
Third, their style of blues-heavy R&B is really a template for many other blues-heavy R&B bands that have come up since they started.
Fourth, they don’t try to hit you over the head with raging solos and constant musical drama—often as not, they just allow many songs to just meander along a little bit at a slower pace than what most of the world moves at these days."
Time Is Tight, friends.
That's great stuff, Noel.
Sad news, Sal.
Booker T & the MGs McLemore Avenue album (where they do all of Abbey Road their way) is great fun!
Glad I got to see The Colonel with Dave Edmunds Rock N Revue back in 1990 (He even sang "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay").
I thought it was peculiar that in the liner notes of the Atlantic R&B 1947-1974 boxed set, it listed "personnel unknown" for Sam & Dave's "Soul Man" session --as if we can't hear Sam yell "Play it, Steve" on the record.
Was thinking I never saw him or the MGs but Noel's comment reminded me that I too saw them with Neil in 1993 at Jones Beach. Good show once the rain stopped. Love his work with Booker T. Too many great songs to name but obviously Green Onions, Melting Pot, Hang 'em High off the top of my head. Pretty sure there's no Booker T I don't like.
Oh dear, Steve Cropper was the Real Deal. RIP.
Steve Cropper's guitar playing was magic!
Captain Al
Should be on every list of greatest guitarists. His 2011 Dedicated — A Salute to the 5 Royales was great, and one of a very small handful of successful duet records. Never really flashy, always perfect.
There are legends and there are LEGENDS
84 is a great run. Definitely a LEGEND in all respects.
Summer of 1995: in a one-off line-up (maybe two), Booker T & the MGs opened for the Allman Brothers Band. It's the only time in my forty years of concert-going where the headliners came out and raptly watched the opener. I had front row, so it was heaven. Cropper's influence is immeasurable.
placement of Green Onions in American Graffiti was ingenious and blew my 13 year-old mind.
bob in IL
No.One.Better. Time ain't tight no more.
He left a great legacy, for both guitar playing and songwriting. He didn't overplay, he just played the right notes every time.
A musician's musician. RIP
Like L. Buckingham and M. Campbell, he played just what the song needed, always tastefully, even tho you knew he could let 'er rip had he wanted to.
C in California
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