Hello, everyone. Welcome back to the countdown.
A vintage Christmas card image from Pinterest. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)
When Otis Redding died in a plane crash 58 years ago on December 10, 1967, his close friend & the co-writer of “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay”, Steve Cropper, was tasked with finishing that song. Despite his overwhelming grief, he completed the record and it was released a month later. On March 16, 1968, it became the #1 song in the U.S. for four consecutive weeks, led by Redding’s meticulous vocal & Cropper’s subtle yet exquisite guitar work. Years later, the staggering beauty of that track introduced me to both men and they have been with me ever since.
Otis Redding (L) and Steve Cropper (R) circa 1967. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)
Booker T & The MG’s on stage with Otis Redding during his breakthrough performance at the Monterey International Pop Festival in June 1967 (L-R): Donald “Duck” Dunn, Al Jackson Jr. on drums, Steve Cropper, Booker T. Jones (seated) and Redding (front center). (Image found online. Original source unknown.)
The success of that record proved the power of Redding’s legacy and the strength of Cropper’s talent. It helped him become a pillar of Stax Records, first as an A&R man and soon after as a founding member and lead guitarist for the label’s house band, Booker T & The MG’s. Cropper was also a producer and the co-writer of other hits like “Green Onions”, “Time Is Tight”, “In The Midnight Hour”, “Knock On Wood” and “634-5789”. He played on songs by Sam & Dave including “Soul Man” which he played on again when it was covered by The Blues Brothers in 1978 (John Belushi can be heard saying, “Play it, Steve!” during the song just as Sam Moore did on the original recording).
The Stax Museum Of American Soul posted an online tribute to Cropper last week noting “Steve helped shape the very heartbeat of American soul music. His unmistakable guitar lines, songwriting genius, and commitment to the craft left a mark on music around the world. Steve was a collaborator, a leader, and a friend. His contributions helped define what came to be known as the Memphis sound.” Amen.
That sound helped Booker T. & The MG’s land numerous awards and accolades, including an induction into The Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1992. They were also the stage band during the HOF’s opening concert in 1995. Cropper’s extraordinary guitar skills made him a sought after musician who worked with countless artists during his nearly 70 year career. His chapter is one of my favorites in all of music history. His death last week at age 84 hurts my heart so. But what a life & legacy he left us with. Thank you, Crop, for everything.
Stephen Lee Cropper: October 21, 1941 – December 3, 2025.
Booker T. & the M.G.’s circa 1967 (L–R): Donald “Duck” Dunn, Booker T. Jones (seated), Steve Cropper and Al Jackson Jr. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)
Steve Cropper through the decades (L-R) from the 1960’s, the 1970’s and the 2010’s. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)
The tribute to Cropper posted on Facebook last week on the Stax Museum Of American Soul page. (Image found online. Original source unknown.)
Booker T. & The MG’s: “Green Onions” (1962, written by Steve Cropper, Al Jackson Jr., Booker T. Jones and Lewie Steinberg).
Booker T. & The MG’s: “Jingle Bells” (1966, written by James Lord Pierpont, arranged by Booker T. & The MG’s).
Otis Redding: “White Christmas” (1967, written by Irving Berlin).
Otis Redding: “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay” (1968, written by Steve Cropper and Otis Redding).
Otis Redding: “Merry Christmas Baby” (1968, written by Lou Baxter and Johnny Moore).
The Blues Brothers: “Soul Man” (Live performance from November 1978 on “Saturday Night Live”. Written by Isaac Hayes and David Porter).
What are some of your favorite Christmas songs?
Until next time, happy listening!!!
Lilacs & Rust 