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Albert King, Steve Cropper, Pop Staples

Biography

Albert King, Steve Cropper, and Pop Staples are three of the most influential guitarists in American blues, soul, and gospel music, whose collaborative album 'Jammed Together' (1969) stands as a testament to their combined artistry. Albert King, renowned for his powerful string bending and expressive solos, was a leading figure in electric blues, shaping the sound of modern blues guitar. Steve Cropper, known as 'The Colonel,' was the backbone of Stax Records' house band Booker T. & the M.G.'s, contributing to countless soul classics and co-writing hits like '(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay.' Pop Staples, the spiritual leader of The Staple Singers, blended gospel with blues and R&B, pioneering a tremolo-rich guitar style that influenced generations.

Their collaboration on 'Jammed Together' emerged during a period of creative synergy at Stax Records, where artists frequently crossed genres and projects. The album, largely instrumental, features each artist singing one track and showcases a blend of blues, soul, gospel, and rock influences. Although the three guitarists recorded their parts separately due to busy schedules, the resulting music balances King's dominant blues licks, Cropper's relaxed, soulful solos, and Staples' gospel-infused tremolo.

The legacy of King, Cropper, and Staples extends far beyond this album. King inspired legends like Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimi Hendrix, and Rory Gallagher, while Cropper's work shaped the sound of soul and R&B, influencing artists from the Beatles to Rod Stewart. Staples' gospel innovations helped bridge sacred and secular music, leaving a lasting mark on both genres. Together, their work on 'Jammed Together' exemplifies the rich musical dialogue between blues, soul, and gospel in late 1960s America.

Fun Facts

  • The three guitarists never actually recorded together in the studio for 'Jammed Together'; their parts were overdubbed separately due to scheduling conflicts.
  • Steve Cropper was mentioned by name in the lyrics of Sam & Dave's 'Soul Man' and again in the Blues Brothers' cover.
  • Pop Staples was the patriarch of The Staple Singers, whose music bridged gospel and mainstream R&B, earning them a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
  • Albert King's signature guitar style involved playing a right-handed guitar left-handed, contributing to his unique sound.

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

  • Tal Farlow - Steve Cropper admired Farlow's jazz guitar technique, influencing his approach to sound and phrasing. (Cropper's early guitar style) [1950s-1960s]
  • Lowman Pauling - Cropper cited Pauling of The '5' Royales as a key influence on his rhythm and blues guitar playing. (Booker T. & the M.G.'s recordings) [1960s]
  • Gospel Church Music - Pop Staples was deeply influenced by gospel traditions and church music, which shaped his signature tremolo style. (The Staple Singers' repertoire) [1930s-1950s]

Key Collaborators

  • Booker T. & the M.G.'s - Steve Cropper was a founding member and guitarist, backing numerous Stax artists. (Soul classics, Stax recordings) [1960s-1970s]
  • The Staple Singers - Pop Staples led the group, blending gospel and R&B with his daughters. (Respect Yourself, I'll Take You There) [1950s-1970s]
  • Otis Redding - Cropper co-wrote and produced hits, including '(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay.' (Stax recordings) [1960s]
  • Eddie Floyd - Cropper co-wrote 'Knock on Wood' and collaborated on Stax sessions. (Knock on Wood) [1960s]

Artists Influenced

  • Stevie Ray Vaughan - Albert King's blues guitar style directly inspired Vaughan's playing and tone. (In Session (with Albert King)) [1980s]
  • Jimi Hendrix - King's string bending and phrasing influenced Hendrix's blues-rock approach. (Hendrix's blues repertoire) [1960s]
  • The Beatles - Cropper's guitar work and production were admired by Lennon and McCartney, who considered recording with him. (Otis Redding productions) [1960s]
  • Rory Gallagher - King's blues legacy shaped Gallagher's guitar style. (Gallagher's blues recordings) [1970s-1980s]

Connection Network

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Discography

Albums

Title Release Date Type
Born Under A Bad Sign (Mono) 1967-01-01 Album
Born Under A Bad Sign 1967 Album
In Session (Deluxe Edition / Remastered 2024) 2024-10-18 Album
Chronicle 1979-01-01 Album
I Wanna Get Funky 1973-01-01 Album
In Session 1999-01-01 Album
Years Gone By 1969 Album
Stax Profiles: Albert King 2006-01-01 Album
I'll Play The Blues For You 1972-01-01 Album
Jammed Together 1969-01-01 Album
The Definitive Albert King 2011-01-01 Album
Albert King Live: Blues For You 2025-06-03 Album
Funky London 1994-01-01 Album
King Of The Blues Guitar (Reissue) 1989-08-08 Album
I'll Play The Blues For You [Stax Remasters] 2012-01-01 Album

Top Tracks

  1. Born Under A Bad Sign - Mono Mix (Born Under A Bad Sign (Mono))
  2. Born Under A Bad Sign (Born Under A Bad Sign)
  3. I'll Play The Blues For You - Edit (Chronicle)
  4. Crosscut Saw - Mono Mix (Born Under A Bad Sign (Mono))
  5. As The Years Go Passing By (Born Under A Bad Sign)
  6. Oh, Pretty Woman - Mono Mix (Born Under A Bad Sign (Mono))
  7. Travelin' Man (I Wanna Get Funky)
  8. The Sky Is Crying (Years Gone By)
  9. Pride And Joy - Remastered 2024 (In Session (Deluxe Edition / Remastered 2024))
  10. Crosscut Saw (The Very Best Of Albert King)

Tags: #audio-drama, #audiobook, #author

References

  1. last.fm
  2. overdoseoffingalcocoa.blogspot.com

Heard on WWOZ

Albert King, Steve Cropper, Pop Staples has been played 18 times on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station. Showing the 10 most recent plays.

DateTimeTitleShowSpotify
Jan 8, 202614:10Personal Managerfrom Born Under A Bad SignBluesw/ DJ Giant
Dec 25, 202514:31I`ll Play The Bluesfrom Bluesville - Original Blues ClasBluesw/ DJ Giant
Dec 25, 202514:12Cold Feetfrom The Very Best Of Albert KingBluesw/ DJ Giant
Dec 18, 202519:09santa claus wants some lovingR&Bw/ Your Cousin Dimitri
Dec 18, 202514:58Down Don`t Bother Mefrom Born Under A Bad SignBluesw/ DJ Giant
Dec 17, 202514:18Help Me Somebodyfrom Ddicated - A Salute to The 5 RoyalsSittin' at the Crossroadw/ Big D
Dec 12, 202515:41I Got The Bluesfrom New Orleans HeatThe Blues Breakdown
Dec 11, 202515:24Down Don`t Bother Mefrom Born Under A Bad SignBluesw/ DJ Giant
Dec 8, 202519:29Santa Claus Wants Some Lovin'Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr.
Dec 4, 202522:43World in Motionfrom Peace to the NeighborhoodKitchen Sinkw/ Jennifer Brady

View all 18 plays