Influential guitarist Steve Cropper died last week.

He made his name with Booker T and the MGs on such songs as Green Onions, Time is Tight and Soul Limbo.

Over his long career he was invited to contribute to the work of various soul and rock luminaries.

He co-wrote (Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay for Otis Redding, Soul Man for Sam and Dave and the following two for Wilson Pickett and Eddie Floyd respectively.

Wilson Pickett: In the Midnight Hour

Eddie Floyd: Knock on Wood

Steven Lee (Steve) Cropper: 21/10/ 1941 – 3/12/2025. So it goes.

Like Hard to Handle, Otis Redding’s biggest hit was released after his death. So it goes.

Not typical Redding, it has a more reflective feel.

Otis Redding: (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay

Back to Otis Redding for some more soul. A no. 15 hit in the UK in 1967.

Otis Redding: Hard To Handle

After Percy Sledge last week, some more soul.

This was the first track by Otis Redding that I remember hearing. If I can believe Wikipedia the backing was provided by Booker T and the MGs and Isaac Hayes worked on the arrangement.

Otis Redding: Try a Little Tenderness