Steve Cropper (a loving husband and father) shares a lifetime of legacy in music. His early years in music started at age 14 when he got his first guitar and jumped in a band with friends from high school called the Royal Spades. That path initially led Cropper to his first charting album that hit number 5 on both the pop and R&B charts all the way through some of his accomplishments with the Blues Brothers in the late ’70s and his widely popular hit, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” with Otis Redding.
Cropper’s career is full of a plethora of accolades including numerous roles in the music industry. Most notably he is the guitarist of the Stax Records house band, Booker T., and the M.G.’s. They were known to back artists such as Otis Redding, Carla Thomas, Johnnie Tayler, and more. He has produced many of these records as well and recently ranked 39th on Rolling Stone magazine’s, “100 great artists of all time.” Some of his hits include, “In the midnight hour,” with Wilson Pickett, “Tower of Power,” by Rod Stewart, and of course, “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” with Otis Redding.
Raised in the country near Dora Missouri and Memphis, TN, Steve Cropper developed a rich foundation of perspective and gospel music. Referencing deep into his childhood, the days he followed his father “learning on the job” on the farms in Missouri, “I don’t know anyone else that ever plowed with a mule barefoot when they were eight years old. If that didn’t teach you a thing or two about life, not much else could.”
While Steve has an incredible list of notoriety both as a songwriter and musician, the most impressive thing about him is his dedication to growing, evolving, and never taking a moment for granted. When asked why are you so successful, he says, “I’m not, If you’re successful then there is no reason to learn anymore.” With the same notion, he describes his favorite song, favorite venue, favorite show as the one “he’s currently playing.” Living life at the moment and cherishing opportunities are just a few of the things we can learn from Steve.
You can find some of Cropper’s memorabilia in the Smithsonian, Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame, Rhythm and blues hall of fame as well as the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Steve will be celebrating his 80th Year gracing the world with his humble presence at the Ryman Auditorium on September 7, 2021. Tickets are available for purchase at www.playitsteve.com