How I Made It as a Musician - Steve Cropper

[@derekdauchan2741]

After all these years, Steve Cropper's work on Stax recordings still go straight to your heart and touch your soul .

[@MikaelLewisify]

He’s very humble for a man who’s written some of the greatest songs of all time.

[@scoutfinch7727]

Reminds me of Barry Gibb's humbleness and it is a great trait to possess! TY all!

[@tonyp4092]

Mr. Cropper is an encyclopedia of information about the music industry. These videos are gold. Thank you.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Tony.. joe

[@EricBlackmonGuitar]

I learned how to play guitar solos from Steve Cropper. His solos in Green Onions, Hip Hugger, Jelly Bread and others were so soulful, yet played slowly enough for me to pick up the riffs. I owe this guy.

[@backpages4910]

Eric, I love your KZbin channel.

[@richardmindemann6935]

Me too. Green Onions is still about the finest thing put on record. I've been playing guitar for over 50 years, and Croppers influence is that you do't have to play a lot of notes, just the right ones. .

[@josephtravers777]

Mr. R&B guitarist! Anyone who has played guitar in a dance band since the early 60's owes this cat a deep sense of gratitude. I know I do.

[@shakeyourguitartutorials]

So true,We grew up with his songs .

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

When the Beatles came to America, who did they want to meet? Booker T. and MGs! George Harrison wanted Steve Cropper's autograph, and so did John, Paul and Ringo. That's respect right there - when the biggest band in the world at the time wants to pay tribute!

[@BarefootBill]

Green Onions was one of the first songs I learned. You can't miss when playing one of Cropper's tunes. How I miss those days when new music sounded GOOD and HEART-FELT! And I was groovin when Steve picked up with the Blues Brothers, just check out "She caught the Katy". Man, that is some wicked stuff! Don't lose it on that E diminished.

[@markpearson8184]

First saw the Blues Brothers when I was about 6-7 years old. Then learned the guys in the band were actual musicians, and then heard Booker T and MG's and I was hooked on being a musician and cool tunes before my tenth birthday. I was in a high school soul band when I was 13. I'm now 44 and play drums, keyboard, percussion, vocals and mess about on guitar. I've played in an orchestar all over the world and performed for the royal family. You can't underestimate the value of real music, because this is what inspires us!!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing Mark... Joe

[@theinimitablepipx8408]

One of the best interviews we've EVER seen. GREAT stories! Steve Cropper has ALWAYS been a TOTAL BADASS.

[@165Dash]

Over 50 years on, this guy still gets checks in the mail for “Knock on Wood”.

[@shanewright2772]

The greatest guitar player ever. Hearing "Green Onions " when I was 14 years old was like being hit by lightning (in a good way). This man is my idol.

[@danmcbmusic]

yeah, chop he does slightly off the beat against the main groove ... genius.

[@markpearson8184]

Me too bro!

[@kevdean9967]

This guy has been such a big part of my life from Otis to Sam and Dave to backing Albert King and the solo Booker T stuff what a legacy! Thank you very much! "Play it Steve"!!! And someone pass me the green onions!!!

[@louisgreen3915]

One of my favorite Steve Cropper solos is on Otis Reddings "Rock Me Baby". It's were he repeats this sassy blues lick and Al Jackson does a crazy drum roll that fills up a whole bar just so they could all land on the one. It brings chills down my spine every time I hear it. And I always play it LOUD..

[@warrendoris9669]

Still cant get over how great this guy is! I credit him and Otis for making me become a musician. A bunch of us owe this guy! SALUTE!

[@RodCalidge]

Imagine being the guy that WAS sitting on the dock of the bay with Otis when the two of them wrote that song. Only guy in the world with that memory

[@drlock978]

Yes! That is amazing,You think of the things I think of.

[@JakeRichardsong]

Wasn't he by himself in a houseboat in Sausalito, CA? Steve Cropper created the guitar part in Memphis, no?

[@danielamourose6361]

Yeah his bluesy slides are all over that friggin tune. Otis and him- Classic.

[@danielamourose6361]

@rj zander , and whenever I play that on my guitar with a backing track, I always feel compelled to add some cheesy bird sound. My band mates think I'm crazy, but it's so ingrained in my memory of that song.

[@KoolHandJuke]

@rj zander Just crumbs, from what I heard. Sorry. Had to do it! 😆

[@williameason1194]

The best musicians I've known spent time encouraging others, not dominating them.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching William........Joe

[@scottdunn2178]

It's also about timing, being in the right place at the right time for your particular genre of music. The only real way for bands to make any money nowadays is to tour nonstop, and sell a ton of merchandise.

[@partslig123]

I was 13 years old when I first heard Otis Redding sing on the radio.I begged my father to please take me to John B.Lee Music store in downtown Anderson,SC to check out his records.To this day I own everything that Otis has released.Everything !!! Thank you Steve for the work you did with Otis.

[@Ndlanding]

Thank you for your voluntary work with deaf patients, Jimmy.

[@justinrayguitars6024]

I remember going to a record store in Anderson back in the 70's. Came home with a Olivia Newton John album.

[@honesty1234]

@@justinrayguitars6024 because of the cover?

[@justinrayguitars6024]

@@honesty1234 that probably played a big part of it.😂

[@johnmoser2689]

True rock history great stuff thanks for sharing Steve... we would like to hear more

[@thejamaican67]

Stax records is an example of what the best of America

[@philiphicks1273]

What the best.....????

[@GuyCabliaro]

Absolutely.

[@mikedelmore2264]

Great interview - interesting subject, he's a humble, talented man who's been blessed with a legendary musical life.

[@laynelair7537]

I grew up around the area Steve was raised in! He still got those country manners! Bravo Steve!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts Layne....Joe

[@JamrockVybzTV]

Such a fantastic interview and stories! Thank you Mr Steve Cropper!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Jam... joe

[@jgevans]

One of the great heroes of American music. Such a gentleman, too.

[@msh6865]

@Musicians Hall of Fame and Museum, thank God you guys are doing this series of one on one interviews. It is absolutely fascinating to hear how some of the most amazing music ever recorded came to be. Plus, the insights, stories and first person accounts of how it all happened, told by the true legends who were there, is priceless. Thank You!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for your response. So glad you’re enjoying them as much as I did making them. Best... Joe

[@jasonhaggerty3211]

Stax is next to Godliness. Thank you Steve for music that just keeps on giving.

[@johnpick8336]

Steve and Booker T inspired lotsa of us to enjoy playing in bands in the 60's !!!!

[@mikelistman5263]

These interviews are incredible...treasures!

[@terrymiller111]

I love this guy. Looks and sounds like a catfishing guide, but is a famous musician and likeable person.

[@juniorworley5756]

Sounds like Ralph Emery

[@Baci302]

A true gentleman, an incredible musician and guitar slinger. Thank you Steve!

[@donniemoder1466]

I have not heard Steve Cropper interviewed before so maybe I don't know better, but I love these stories in this video.

[@daveowens]

Would be great if more musicians were aware of this wisdom and more importantly, applied it.

[@CaptRich-bi3gp]

Got to see him on stage with the Blues Brothers Band I believe it was '81. I was 16 the movie had been running for some time, then I heard they were going to be just down the road in Dallas. One of the best shows I've ever seen, the whole place was on their feet the entire time.

[@jfjoubertquebec]

Fascinating! Steve Cropper... no pictures but recorded wrote with him non stop 63 to 66. Wow!

[@adamofathens]

Cutting live in the studio with 3 tracks... blows my mind.

[@Daberney]

Great guitarist---was also pretty good in "Blues Brothers"! I look forward to watching more videos in this series.

[@scoutfinch7727]

That was then... How the heck do you bust in today!? Love this interview! TY!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Great question....... basically things haven’t completely changed. Today the people who are doing what radio station DJ’s use to do are called Influencers. Influencers may be people who have a large KZbin audience and like what you do and share it with their listeners or their watchers.It’s true that you don’t have the local radio stations with the freedom to play what they want to play like it used to be. There are just a handful of people who choose what you hear on the radio for the most part but now we do have this incredible thing called the Internet that reaches across the world. I still believe that old saying “ the cream will rise to the top “ is still true and if you are lucky and diligent and keep putting yourself in front of the public just like we did locally with the DJs , you will get a following that will hopefully grow until you reach the ears of someone who can really put you where you want to be in this industry. Thanks for watching and your question.. All the best, Joe

[@scoutfinch7727]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Thank you so much for this thoughtful and encouraging reply. Best to everyone and God bless!

[@Breakbeats92.5]

It's been said that if you want to be successful in today's musical landscape you have to be a good and reliable PERSON. You can throw a guitar pick in any direction and hit a talented musician. Labels are looking for quality people to invest in. Your talent will take care of itself, your character will fill in the blanks when your talent doesn't carry the day.

[@massapower]

He's ABSOLUTELY right !😎✌

[@stephenlennartz3466]

Follow the dots!? I'm in! Thank you, Mr. Cropper. From the legend.

[@giulioluzzardi7632]

When I tune in to the channel the best thing I hear is "Hello, I'm Joe Chambers"...thats when I know its going to be great!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Giulio.... I swear every time someone like you makes such a kind comment it makes the time and effort put forth by myself and everyone involved at the museum making these interviews worthwhile. Of course I enjoy the interviews too but there’s a lot that goes on before and after the actual interview to make them happen. It’s all in house so we’ve had growing pains along the way learning by trial and error to get things sounding and looking right. Hopefully we’re getting more consistent as we go. I for one certainly was not a experienced interviewer but I to hopefully am getting better. Again, thank you very much for your support. Best.... Joe

[@JohnnyCameo]

“Just follow the dots...” Lol. He makes it sound so easy

[@RoxxHoffner]

One of my all-time favorite musicians. Great insight. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheClemcaster]

Steve Cropper...last word in economy. If you want a peerless lesson in guitar playing as part of an ansemble, he's the man.

[@DanielVerberne]

‘Ensemble’

[@TheClemcaster]

@@DanielVerberne You are of course, quite correct. Any thoughts about the post generally?

[@TheClemcaster]

@D D Thankyou D D; I like to think of a group of words as a whole rather than er....individually.

[@markrodgers2976]

What "thoughts about the post" were you fishing for? You just stated the obvious, basically preaching to the choir, so not a lot of room, or need, for further embellishment.

[@deanguando1335]

It's true - talent alone won't get you there. But you still need talent.

[@jorgejohnson451]

“Well, I tell that lie but it’s a true story...” That’s poetic.

[@fr1nkly]

Listen again, Steve says 'live' not lie. That is poetic though.

[@mojoman2001]

I thought he said "a lot" -- I tell that a lot.

[@jorgejohnson451]

Hell, I forgot where that was. 😂

[@jorgejohnson451]

fr1nkly Ok.

[@scoutfinch7727]

I caught that, too! Awesome response!

[@chrisst8922]

I've seen him interviewed several times and he always come across as a very decent and nice Gentleman.

[@Tickbryan]

I've visited the Stax Museum in Memphis and I recommend it highly.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

One of my very favorite museums. When I was just starting to put together the MHOF&M I went to Stax to try and figure out what made a great music museum and learned a lot. I still consider it one of the best designs. Thanks for watching.... Best, Joe

[@hang-sangitch]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Very cool 👌😎☺️

[@jayham____fromgeorgia]

A promotions guy who did work for Ardent, and, was featured in the great Big Star doc. John King, i think, is the fellas name. Would really like to hear more about the Memphis scene in the seventies.. Really digging these interviews.. Thank you for archiving and preserving rock n roll, and all music history in general..

[@robhead22]

Ive watched a lot of your videos. Im sorry i waited until today to join, give you a well deserved thumbs up, and leave a comment. You do great videos. With Terrific interviews. Thank you!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Rob, your kind comment and especially support for the channel would have meant so much to my dad Joe… he really appreciated his friends here on YT. Hope you can visit the museum sometime too. Best, Britt

[@robhead22]

@@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum i will definately visit the musicians hall of fame. And respond here to you when i do! Its summer!! Thats a perfect trip for me to take! Thank you for all you do!! And may God bless your father

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Rob, thank you. Just in case I miss the message here, ask for me at the museum. See you soon, Britt

[@GravityFarm]

What an interesting dude! So humble too.

[@RobHollanderMusic]

Great interview series. Looking forward to visiting the Hall of Fame & Museum next time I'm in town.

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks.....Joe

[@AnthonyMonaghan]

Way back when A - sides and B - sides were as God damn good as each other. The first 7 inch I bough, as a ten year old was "Green Onions" It was all about the guitar from then on in. This man. Great interview.

[@kevingoins9858]

With "Behave Yourself" as the very groovy b-side.

[@royrush5374]

I used to have a Stax promo 45 called Winter Snow. It said, "introducing Issac Hayes on piano". Beautiful song!

[@anomalous9448]

Love these stories.

[@77pearcearrow]

One of the greats!!!

[@deweywatts8456]

Right place, right time, andddd.... a brilliant mind

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Hi Dewy... well said... thanks for watching.., best, Joe

[@GTsuji]

Cropper could get more music out of a few notes than 99% of today’s shredders.

[@monmixer]

Absolutely his point. You do not have to be that good. Just good song and a great vibe to it / hook

[@thomasfarmer1730]

Less is more 😉

[@utoobia]

Of the guitarists who are top technicians (they can play difficult things and fast things) the true artists are the ones who mix the technical in sparingly with the SOULFUL.

[@stephenspataro5391]

Such amazing wisdom

[@747obrien]

Unassuming and modest. In an era when any ‘no mark’ can be called a Legend, this guy is the real deal.

[@cisco993623]

Fun stuff...Great insights... Simple honesty that's easy to relate to from a legend

[@BlindTom61]

I was at Otis Redding’s last show. It was at Leo’s Casino in Cleveland. He flew out of there with his band heading west and the plane went into the water. I saw the paper the following morning I couldn’t believe it I was saying. Heartbreaking…

[@maxdakota111]

Ah, yes. The old Leo's Casino - 55th and Euclid in Cleveland, OH. My aunt used to work there as a server, part-time, and actually got us (my cousin and I) in every now and then to see some shows. Some great memories. Besides the Beatles on Ed Sullivan in '64, seeing those old soul and r&b acts really inspired me to be a musician.

[@BlindTom61]

@@maxdakota111 Me too. I put away the Martin and got an old Tele and started listening to any and all Stax-Volt records. Steve was my hero -- still is.

[@sthulander1]

Joe Chambers hesitated, in respect for the tragedy of Otis' plane going down in Lake Monona, Madison, Wisconsin - saying he hated to bring up a 'bummer'. Terrible tragedy for sure. The band that was to open for Otis and the Bar-Kays that night was the Grim Reapers from Rockford, Illinois, an hour south of Madison. The Reapers were up and coming. Their leader? A young Rick Nielsen, who later formed Cheap Trick. Both bands were to play at Ken Adamany's club on State Street, The Factory. Oddest of coincidences, the Grim Reapers, on that fateful day. I believe it was Rick who took the stage to tell the audience about the tragedy. Adamany had scrambled to find a replacement band at the last minute. I don't think the show was cancelled, which seems really odd.

[@jennifursun3303]

@@BlindTom61 oh mercy i know a couple of friends I wish I could buy and Old Martin for sadly I don't have 5 arms 6 legs and 2 first born children

[@patrickvarine8476]

I feel really lucky to have seen Steve perform with Booker T & the MGs about a dozen years ago. One of the all-time great session guys.

[@ibleebinU]

Joe did the best interviews.....ever....period!

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

IbleebinU, thanks so much for the kind words & continued support. All the best, Britt

[@joelfildes5544]

Great guy,great picker and a living legend...plus a Tele player...PROPER !

[@michaellavender]

Loved every second of this..

[@patrickostrom2762]

Booker T and the Mgs where the original salt and pepper of 60s Stax Soul Men! First I heard Green Onions Steve cropper guitar, Booker's Hammond organ ,wow! I bought that 45 record! As a kid! Steve a true musician ,artist,writer, producer and lay back gentleman!

It's talent, personality, business sense, luck, timing!

[@derek5168]

You can listen to a brilliant jimi Hendrix guitar solo and then listen to the guitar riff for time is tight it's just as great without anything being complicated Steve was and is musically smart as any guitar players who wow everyone with their dexterity

[@mikewetzel1162]

Wow great interview; a whole new viewpoint on songwriting that most people probably don't think about too much. Man I have over 200 great songs now but no one know about them yet and now I know how to get them out'; I just need the right contacts and connections to make it happen. If anyone know someone who need some great Country songs let me know. Thanks

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks for watching Mike.... Joe

[@deckles100]

Very interesting...really enjoy this channel

[@rdhawk70]

Got acquainted with both these gentlemen, in Nashville, they are the "Real Deal".

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

rd hawk Thanks rd hawk!

[@mikkelnashville5204]

Thank you love it...

[@davesiler4064]

I grew up in Memphis,,,,,,gosh, how I remember Stax Records!!!!!

[@wm.p.callahan979]

Love ya music man!! We're you the fabulous funk bros. Excuse my ignorance thanks Steve your music was special to us......

[@catirerubio]

Look up the definition of great soul guitar player in the encyclopedia, find a picture of Steve Cropper.

[@kdunger7895]

loved his guest appearance on Erics guitar festival

[@eddiegoof]

one of the most underrated musicians ever

[@JohnDaly-x4i]

Orchestar! I like that.

[@JosephSantangelo]

"Play it Steve!"

[@sirfrancisdrake4285]

Please be advised Steve Cropper is the Treasure I have always been looking for.. Non more valuable to a song.than Cropper.

[@charlotteskiftun753]

Check out of sloan...1st recording at 14 yrs old....300 compositions later

[@jackwezesa1081]

Gotta love those B sides !

[@kitano0]

Check out "Dedicated-A Salute to the Five Royales"...Steve plays and co-produces, and a who's who of incredible singers performing some fantastic material.

[@rickflippin1]

A freakin awesome legend love me some green onions

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thanks Rick....Joe

[@matthewclark7952]

Very interesting. Good video, thanks!

[@lylewilliams1371]

Thank you!

[@cigdamagelungs]

Probably invented pocket playing,what a giant and great songwriter.love all your interviews

[@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum]

Thank you Richard....... Joe

[@sayeager5559]

The 7/3/93 Neil Young with the MGs show is on You Tube and very worth watching.

[@CVGuitar]

This is great

[@terenceboris851]

the golden era of music is behind us

[@marvinhancock6433]

Go back and listen to the MGs live and tell me he was not the precursor to guitar players liked page Clapton Beck and so on

[@marklenhard6052]

Spent an afternoon in Rochester NY with Steve and Duck listening to the two of them telling stories. They were there to play the street for a music festival about 10 years ago. Had to ask Steve who he thought the greatest guitarist was. Answer took me back a bit. Jose Feliciano!!

[@kevingoins9858]

Hey this Rochester native was honored to had interviewed Steve for my podcast series re: Otis. No surprised he mentioned Jose, Ernie Isley of the Isley Brothers gave Mr. Feliciano the same props.

[@Drewster58]

Nice guy, personable.

[@thiosemicarbizidebenzoylal2921]

Steve Cropper is a genius musician no matter how much he downplays his involvement music evolution. He isnt only a genius but unique. There were thousands of guitarist in his heyday that were great guitarist, but none had the insight of Cropper for the next chord or note that he had. The man is simply a monolith in the world of music.

[@AffordableEscapesShreveport]

I would love to hear what Steve Has to truthfully say about the late great Jimi Jamison. Jimi spent alot of devoted time at Stax * loved everybody there.

[@WillyRaschke]

Otis passed before I was born, but I tear up when I think about him.

[@BeauJames59]

I spent most of my time at radio stations- Steve Cropper

[@dogcowrph]

Steve produced the great unknown Iron City Houserockers third album “Blood On The Bricks” in 1981. A great lost album. That bands second was co-produced by Ian Hunter/Mick Ronson and Miami Steve Van Zant in 1980. Also worth seeking out.

[@melodymakermark]

He also produced Jeff Beck’s orange album.

[@clarkewi]

Amazing stories.

[@TheTrollMastah]

I LOVE Otis Redding

[@bobbys4327]

it's not just talent. says one of the worlds most talented guitarists lol

[@JNava]

Bobby S that really says a lot. It really is all about business. If you don’t know the business, they will step all over you & leave you dry & empty in the middle of nowhere.

[@KoolHandJuke]

@Avrage Joe Did you mean quantamize it?

[@KoolHandJuke]

@Avrage Joe Totally agree. Pop music is 99% talentless garbage these days. So sad.

[@beatleneil]

Lovely video. U got a new subscriber homey.