Steve Cropper, who passed away recently, was one of the best guitarists in history, a founding member of Booker T. & the M.G.’s and co-writer of classics like Green Onions, In the Midnight Hour, Knock On Wood, and (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay. As a member of the Stax house band, Cropper helped shape their tight, earthy groove. Centered around Booker T. & the M.G.’s/The Mar-Keys and the Memphis Horns, the Stax band powered hits for Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and Eddie Floyd, while the Hi Rhythm Section at Royal Studio (also featured in this compilation) crafted the deep soul of Al Green and Ann Peebles. Together with the Memphis Boys at American Sound (compilation coming soon), these crews forged the unmistakable sound of Memphis soul.
Stax core members: Booker T. Jones / Steve Cropper / Donald „Duck“ Dunn / Al Jackson Jr. / Wayne Jackson / Andrew Love / Lewie Steinberg Hi core members: Teenie & Leroy & Charles Hodges and Howard Grimes
