David Porter Pays Tribute to Stax Legend Steve Cropper: ‘His Legacy Will Endure’

David Porter reflected on his long-standing partnership with Steve Cropper at Stax Records, describing him as an integral part of a creative musical family that transformed the music world in a statement shared with Rolling Stone. Cropper, who passed away earlier this week at 84, was a key architect of the Memphis soul sound as the guitarist for Booker T. & the M.G.s, a band known both for their own hits and as the house band for Stax during its peak years.

Porter, a prolific songwriter at Stax, collaborated with Cropper on many iconic tracks, including Sam & Daves Soul Man, which Cropper helped shape into a classic.

In his homage, Porter highlighted Cropper as one of six individuals forming the foundation of Staxs distinctive and enduring sound, alongside himself, organist and bandleader Booker T. Jones, drummer Al Jackson, bassist Donald Duck Dunn, and songwriter-turned-star Isaac Hayes. The groups musical cohesion meant everyone understood their role and fulfilled it completely, Porter said.

He further praised Croppers unique talent: He had a rare gift for locking into the musical groove while adding his own signature touch to every song, every performer, every day. He had the vision to find the musical identity of each track, making it truly come alive. That was his soul. His artistry helped shape the six members who created Soulsville USA, the Memphis Sound. His spirit will live on forever.

Croppers influence on rock and soul music is immense. Beyond Soul Man, he performed on Booker T. & the M.G.s Green Onions, Wilson Picketts In the Midnight Hour, and Otis Reddings (Sittin On) The Dock of the Bay, co-writing the latter three songs. Following his tenure at Stax, Cropper moved to Los Angeles, becoming a sought-after session guitarist. He collaborated with John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Leon Russell, Rod Stewart, and the Blues Brothers, also appearing in their 1980 film.

In addition to performing, Cropper worked as a producer, overseeing albums for the Jeff Beck Group, John Prine, Poco, and John Mellencamp, leaving a lasting mark on music history.

Author: Logan Reeves