Why I Use a Telecaster Guitar - Steve Cropper

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 พ.ย. 2024

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  • @rickcourier8451
    @rickcourier8451 3 ปีที่แล้ว +65

    Steve Cropper is one of my all time favorites. No frills just an honest player.

  • @maxmilligan5672
    @maxmilligan5672 5 ปีที่แล้ว +126

    Steve Cropper kindly signed my 67 Telecaster at a gig we did here in the UK.I was in the support band and he took time to have a real good chat about his recording days with Otis.Lovely man and a legend.

    • @thomaspick4123
      @thomaspick4123 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Steve’s collaboration with Otis on Sitting On the Dock of the Bay was lovely. Steve’s fills were angelic. Otis’s vocal was much toned down volume-wise to his usual high powered performance. But, Otis’s vocal is so emotional and sweet. One of their best together.

    • @Berniegraph
      @Berniegraph 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      A friend of mine, a huge Otis Redding fan, bumped into Steve in a hotel bar next to the venue he was playing in Holmfirth UK. Ended up having a drink with him, a good chat and the inevitable photo. Steve gave him a signed pick and dedicated a song to him at the show that night. He still carries that pick in his wallet to this day!

    • @mightymikethebear
      @mightymikethebear 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Berniegraph mementos and memories

    • @howiesmith1504
      @howiesmith1504 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@thomaspick4123 A posthumous collaboration. IIRC, right after the fatal plane crash, Stax wanted to get the "Dock of the Bay" single into immediate release. Steve, like everyone else at Stax, was torn up over the tragedy as Otis was a helluva nice guy and much beloved figure there, but he went into the studio that night, created and overdubbed the lead guitar part on the spot, and created a classic.

  • @PR-BEACHBOY
    @PR-BEACHBOY ปีที่แล้ว +52

    A great player and seems like a great guy! Joe Chambers was a wonder interviewer and a great gentleman. May he rest in peace!

    • @doccyclopz
      @doccyclopz ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Yes sir! I too really miss Joe's interviews. He is missed.

    • @doccyclopz
      @doccyclopz ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @sabbracadabra8367 Joe Chambers

  • @MetaphysicalMusician
    @MetaphysicalMusician 5 ปีที่แล้ว +41

    This guy is so down to earth and cool.Great player..a Legend

    • @warrendoris9669
      @warrendoris9669 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      And plays the hell out of that tele. He gave Otis Redding the best guitar lines possible.

  • @paulsimmons5726
    @paulsimmons5726 4 ปีที่แล้ว +33

    Cropper is a true American music legend. The number of icons he made sound good while they were in the spotlight would be staggering if you ever managed to complete the list.
    A great guitarist among the best!

  • @JamrockVybzTV
    @JamrockVybzTV 4 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    Mr Steve Cropper is a living legend! THANK YOU for everything you've done.

  • @nickf9392
    @nickf9392 4 ปีที่แล้ว +193

    The stories from the early musicians are just the best! Today, we obsess over so many minute details and go to crazy levels of OCD to get this sound or that.... These guys for the most part, picked up a guitar and amp they could afford, and just made hits with that gear. I always said you could give Jimi Hendrix a spaghetti box with strings on it and he would probably blow your mind with it. Sure gear is always a fun hobby, but man, take a lesson from these guys and just play!

    • @MusiciansHallofFameMuseum
      @MusiciansHallofFameMuseum  4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      Very true Nick... thanks for sharing your thoughts... Joe

    • @The3leggedhusky
      @The3leggedhusky 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Musicians Hall of Fame & Museum I wonder what Joe said. Probably something along the lines of “music today sounds better.” It all sounds good to the ears it’s supposed to fall on.

    • @davideskelin5807
      @davideskelin5807 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      My first drum set was a three-piece (snare, mounted tom and bass drum). Kingston brand. It had a tinny cymbal, and then for Christmas, I got a hi-hat from Sears. The whole thing cost $75, in 1977. My drum instructor made that kit sound like a $10,000 drum set. It isn't the gear, it is the musician... I know a guitarist who plays in many of the local bands. He doesn't have a guitar that cost him over $200.

    • @nowayout8773
      @nowayout8773 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      It's the same in all industries. Bicycling is notorious for advertising bikes with expensive parts that the pros get for free, and endorsements.
      The nicer the stuff the more expensive it is to maintain. Replacing bridges, nuts, fret work and if you have a good luthier then you are in luck, but it comes with a price.
      I play guitar and other instruments. I own one acoustic and recently bought a 100 buck ukulele. Ukulele is fun as hell. Love the simplicity. But yeah. These musicians are the ones who wanted to make the guitar sing not the other way around.
      I respect the old school players. There are many from Jesse Ed Davis to Joe Walsh or Danny Gatton. Hendrix was completely out of the ordinary. Music needs to make me speechless.

    • @superbroadcaster
      @superbroadcaster ปีที่แล้ว +2

      It's an issue lately, everyone insists on copying other people and the music gear industry just feeds it

  • @mrmusic248
    @mrmusic248 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Today is 7-19=23, and I am reading about Joe's passing for the first time.
    Thanks, Joe, for all the great conversations, especially with heroes like Steve Cropper.
    Rest in peace, Joe, and I hope you are enjoying all the eternal interviewing you'll be doing from now on.

    • @MusiciansHallofFameMuseum
      @MusiciansHallofFameMuseum  ปีที่แล้ว +7

      mrmusic248, thank you for you kind words and continued support for the channel, it would have meant so much to dad.
      Love the thought of eternal interviewing.
      Hope you can visit the museum sometime.
      Best,
      Britt

  • @dunlop7rush
    @dunlop7rush 5 ปีที่แล้ว +260

    "We all tuned to the piano...which hadn't been tuned in a looong time" I love it!

    • @beachhunting69
      @beachhunting69 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Yup. That's classic.

    • @shakeyourguitartutorials
      @shakeyourguitartutorials 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      The way it was : )

    • @panspermiahunter7597
      @panspermiahunter7597 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      No piano use pitch pipes like we all did back in the day.

    • @commontater8630
      @commontater8630 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      A fine bunch of musicians, tuning to an out-of-tune piano! (Seriously.)

    • @tonyhemingway7980
      @tonyhemingway7980 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      We had a garage, country music, band, in the early 70s and the keyboard was an inexpensive organ. I didn't play an instrument, I just sang. The guitar and bass would tune to the keyboard but there was a problem with that. The keyboard had a knob to change it's pitch and, if the knob got moved, you could be a whole step out of key. Most songs I could handle, in a different key, but some would sound pretty bad.

  • @Riverdeepnwide
    @Riverdeepnwide 5 ปีที่แล้ว +24

    Steve Cropper 👍🏻
    A buddy worked sound back in the 60's had a talk with Mr Cropper.
    He carried the amp tubes in a padded travel case and installed them himself at sound check. Asked why he said "The case is cheaper than a new set of tubes at showtime, IF you can find 'em".
    Super guy.

  • @ikkenhisatsu7170
    @ikkenhisatsu7170 3 ปีที่แล้ว +60

    Dude is such a legend, and so many people don't even know who he is.

    • @MusiciansHallofFameMuseum
      @MusiciansHallofFameMuseum  3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Thanks for watching Ikken.... Joe

    • @GeorgiaBoy1961
      @GeorgiaBoy1961 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      @ Ikken Hisatsu - Re: "Dude is such a legend, and so many people don't even know who he is."
      Yeah, that's true, and it is a shame considering all that Steve Cropper and his fellow band-mates in Booker T. and the MGs and at Stax accomplished. But that's the fate of a session man; they work to make the headliners and vocalists sound good. In a way, Steve and the other MGs were fortunate that they could do sessions on their own and release recordings under their name. Berry Gordy at Motown, for example, prohibited his session musicians from moonlighting or recording as a group apart from their work in the 'snake pit' - what they called that old Motown studio in Detroit. So, while Steve and the other MGs go world-famous - the Funk Brothers over at Motown got nothing. Gordy didn't even list the names of session players on Motown recordings until the 1970s.
      Steve Cropper and his fellow MGs were smart, though, in that they diversified their talents by playing with all sorts of other artists once Stax-Volt shut its doors. Each of the members of the group did his own projects, and so when the opportunity came to pay together for "The Blue Brothers," at least for Duck Dunn and Steve, they were ready for it.
      Cropper is and will always be one of my favorite soul-R&B guitar players. And when all is said and done, he'll end up being one of the most-recorded guitar playing session men in history, alongside such fellow luminaries as Cornell Dupree and Reggie Young, to name two.

    • @Larrymh07
      @Larrymh07 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Your statement (which I agree with) reminds me of the beginning narration of the 1983 movie The Right Stuff. Masterfully performed by Levon Helm!

    • @evansgate
      @evansgate ปีที่แล้ว +1

      We speak his name :)

    • @OakLawnSpeedShop
      @OakLawnSpeedShop ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I am sure that is the way he liked it. RIP Colonel

  • @belo1971
    @belo1971 5 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Thank you Mr Cropper for all you have given to music ! Kindest regards from France

  • @mysteriousplankton
    @mysteriousplankton ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I have the same shirt he's wearing, so I'm one step closer to greatness. :)

  • @KevyNova
    @KevyNova 4 ปีที่แล้ว +36

    I grew up in the ‘80s and while all my friends were into hair metal bands, I was influenced by Steve Cropper, Chuck Berry, Jimi Hendrix, Dick Dale and all the guys who started it all in the ‘50s and ‘60s. I still think that’s the best music!

    • @MusiciansHallofFameMuseum
      @MusiciansHallofFameMuseum  4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Kevy....thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts....Joe

    • @YungTrinidad407
      @YungTrinidad407 ปีที่แล้ว

      I bet you were lame as hell back then listening to Chuck berry in the 80s 😂

    • @PR-BEACHBOY
      @PR-BEACHBOY ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Let’s not forget bass player and Cropper running buddy “Mr. Donald Duck Dunn” what a pair of guitar players

    • @wilburwokeii8298
      @wilburwokeii8298 ปีที่แล้ว

      Cool but who asked?

  • @frankmartin182
    @frankmartin182 4 ปีที่แล้ว +67

    Undoubtedly one of the greatest American guitar players of all time.

    • @markandersen793
      @markandersen793 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Check out his guitar duel with fellow Tele. wielder Roy Buchanan on Green Onions, it pretty awesome.

    • @OldMod67
      @OldMod67 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Spot on!

    • @Daveymallon
      @Daveymallon 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Frank Martin One of the greatest guitar players of all time, period. For what he does, there really aren’t many that can do it better. Him and Jim Burton had that double stop thing nailed the fuck on..

    • @unclenogbad1509
      @unclenogbad1509 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Totally agree.

    • @shannonthomas8894
      @shannonthomas8894 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Absolutely one of the greatest ever!

  • @snowline8935
    @snowline8935 4 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    I love these living legends who played very modest equipment when making their great records.

    • @mr.wizard2974
      @mr.wizard2974 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Is there immodest equipment ?

    • @DucksDeLucks
      @DucksDeLucks 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@mr.wizard2974 Some people don't bother to cover the electronics inside the amp and show naked speakers. That's pretty immodest.

  • @stevehelton997
    @stevehelton997 4 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I met Steve and Duck at the Peabody Hotel . Unbelievable , Steve talked and talked , what a great couple of guys .

    • @MusiciansHallofFameMuseum
      @MusiciansHallofFameMuseum  4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Steve....Thanks for watching....... My wife and I spent the night in Memphis and stayed at the Peabody around 1985 heading to my brother in-laws wedding near Branson. I headed down to the bar for a drink before going to bed and to hear the band I had heard while checking into our room. It was so crowded I couldn’t hardly get in and could barely see the band from the back side of the bar but they sounded so good I stayed anyway. When they took a break I went outside and sat in the lobby. I met Duck the first time sitting out there because he went out there too to get out of the club. Duck was like Steve was to you... he talked the whole time and was very interesting to listen to. Best... Joe

  • @rstuartcpa
    @rstuartcpa 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Love that Steve shares his settings on the tele...volume and tone all the way up with the pickup selector in the middle! Wow, Steve Cropper is my number one guitar hero!

    • @johnvender
      @johnvender 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Reminds me of hearing how to get the best sound out of an old Vox AC30, turn all the knobs to full :)

    • @nicksonthevet
      @nicksonthevet ปีที่แล้ว

      I do this all the time, and I find this has the best sound

  • @christophermay4998
    @christophermay4998 4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Steve Cropper is the real deal........amazing talent.........

  • @russellparratt9859
    @russellparratt9859 5 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    I have always admired Steve Cropper's work with Booker T and the MG's, and I can honestly say that the blonde Tele with rosewood fretboard is the Tele I wanted, because of Steve Cropper. Well, I ended up with a 1988 American Standard Telecaster in Vintage White, which was the closest option available at that time. Now this guitar is 31 years old, and the polyester finish has turned to a richer yellow. It's the only Telecaster I've ever needed.

    • @HeleneLogan
      @HeleneLogan 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Russell Parratt Telecasters are workhorse guitars. I have a number of rosewood neck Teles (along with Strats, etc.). The Teles are still my faves, and normally my go-tos for...well, everything! ✌️

    • @russellparratt9859
      @russellparratt9859 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@HeleneLogan I like the idea of having a few Telecasters, but I can't justify it in terms of money or storage space. But, I've always loved the early '60's bound Sunburst Telecaster Custom, too.
      Also, Esquires interest me, but they're quite rare. ( My first ever electric guitar was a cheap Esquire copy.)
      But, the model I have now, because it has a TBX tone control, probably gets a more biting, trebly sound than even an Esquire.
      For some reason, I prefer Rosewood necked Telecasters, and Maple necked Stratocasters. After a while, we get to know what we want.
      I also think that the bridge pickup on a Telecaster is THE supreme pickup, and would prefer it to a P90 or PAF any day.
      My Telecaster also would be my go-to guitar for rock shredding, if I was into that style. But I'm not.

    • @GeorgiaBoy1961
      @GeorgiaBoy1961 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @ Russell Parratt - Steve Cropper is the reason I bought a Fender reissue 1953 Telecaster when they came out in the 1980s.... man, that sucker sounded good! I had to buy it!

    • @russellparratt9859
      @russellparratt9859 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@GeorgiaBoy1961 Thanks for your reply. I have all the Fender literature from that time, and know the guitar you're talking about.
      That's an excellent choice.
      I ended up buying a Vintage Reissue Stratocaster, circa 1991, and for me it's the benchmark for authentic Stratocaster sound. Even though Fender had limited resources at that time, their quality was superb.

    • @GeorgiaBoy1961
      @GeorgiaBoy1961 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@russellparratt9859 - I love Strats, too, so enjoy yours. They're wonderful guitars. That Leo Fender was a genius.

  • @brettlazor8219
    @brettlazor8219 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I could listen to Steve tell stories all day long. Thanks for this.

  • @JDSAGE
    @JDSAGE 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Thanks for sharing some History about my favorite guitar Steve Cropper.Best wishes.

  • @_Peremalfait
    @_Peremalfait 5 ปีที่แล้ว +51

    One of the greats, both Steve Cropper and the Telecaster. Funny how the first solid body electric after all this time is still the choice of many top musicians. I guess Leo Fender knew what he was doing back then.

    • @mikethebloodthirsty
      @mikethebloodthirsty 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Its such a workhorse guitar, no messing... and also quite versatile. A great tool.

    • @winstonbeech3418
      @winstonbeech3418 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I'm a total beginner. I had several different guitars... combos, an LP... I only have my 2017 American Tele and a Gretsch. I love the clean sound. Wish I could play it better but I can always hand it to my teacher and let him put it through its paces.

    • @monmixer
      @monmixer 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Amazing for a man that doesn't play a guitar.

    • @michaelroche4559
      @michaelroche4559 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It’s the same in the world of bass guitar: the P-bass, like the Tele, was (essentially) the first bass guitar, and it’s still hugely popular today. Leo Fender was a genius.

    • @_Peremalfait
      @_Peremalfait ปีที่แล้ว

      @@michaelroche4559 Amazing isn't it? And after the Tele, Leo Fender made the Stratocaster!

  • @chuckmccroskey4864
    @chuckmccroskey4864 5 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    My first concert experience was, opening act Sam &Dave backed by Booker T & the MGs, then James Brown. Now, I play a Blonde Tele ‘ G&L , through a Swart & Rivera combo. Yes, I’m a Soul Man!

    • @onpsxmember
      @onpsxmember 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      G&L's are great. I know so many Tele lovers who end up there and buy a few and never look back.

    • @GeorgiaBoy1961
      @GeorgiaBoy1961 ปีที่แล้ว

      @ Chuck McCroskey - I got the chance to see Sam and Dave live at a club in Atlanta back in 1980 or 1981. It was near Georgia Tech where I was a student at the time. Those guys darned near tore the roof off the place, a big club whose name I can't recall. Just like a scene out of "Animal House" or something. I was stunned years later to learn that Sam and Dave didn't get along with one another; given how good they sounded together, that was a stunner to me.... seeing Booker T. and the MGs live on their reunion tour in the 1990s was one of the musical highlights of my life. Absolutely amazing, I was on cloud nine for a week.... Far as James Brown goes, I saw him and Wilson Pickett on a double bill. Talk about double dynamite in person!

  • @stevehornshaw4478
    @stevehornshaw4478 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Just amazing hearing the greatest who are humble but so talented and to hear those stories. Thanks

  • @charliegregory4148
    @charliegregory4148 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Steve seems like a friendly, down to earth, for real guy👍❤

  • @Gilyslas
    @Gilyslas 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Great guitarist. God bless you Steve for inspiring so many of us to play.

  • @1952FMS
    @1952FMS ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This man has done so much for music, from Jimi to Otis he has added so much to so many. I thank you Steve

  • @dickjohnson4268
    @dickjohnson4268 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    "Thanks, Steeeeve!" Truly a soul man.

  • @fredmahar5431
    @fredmahar5431 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Thank you Steve !!...you're the best!💜🎸

  • @AnthonyMonaghan
    @AnthonyMonaghan 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    These interviews are excellent. I could listen to Steve talk all night. Thanks.

  • @Ramshackled17
    @Ramshackled17 5 ปีที่แล้ว +15

    I love his playing

  • @54fighting5
    @54fighting5 ปีที่แล้ว

    Steve Cropper deserves the title Legend! These older vids make me think of Joe. Such a nice man... RIP🙏

  • @Kyrieru
    @Kyrieru 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I love how people always ask sort of "what's the magic" questions and the the answer is pretty much always "because it's what we had" or "iunno, just sounds better to me".

    • @WessexMan
      @WessexMan 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      So true.

  • @Daveymallon
    @Daveymallon 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    What a player. Talk about the perfect marriage of melody and feeling. Not many better at what he does, if any.. Teles are a beautiful thing. I have two and they aren’t my primaries but they are the favourite auntie or uncle that gives you what you want when you want it.❤️🤘🏻🤘🏻

  • @BlindTom61
    @BlindTom61 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I made a career from the licks I learned from listening to Steve Cropper. He still the best in my book.

    • @warrendoris9669
      @warrendoris9669 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Best most original soulful licks from this guy! Check him out on Otis Let me come home!😎😎

  • @ajdc88
    @ajdc88 5 ปีที่แล้ว +217

    we like both kinds... country AND western!

    • @TheReubenKincaid
      @TheReubenKincaid 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      What key?

    • @matthewturnage4998
      @matthewturnage4998 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

      A, good country key.

    • @guitrr
      @guitrr 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Matthew Turnage So G Major

    • @matthewturnage4998
      @matthewturnage4998 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@guitrr I was quoting Duck Dunn's line from Blues Brothers, in response to the question of which key, so it is A.

    • @Wardell43
      @Wardell43 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Best Country tune, "Hang em High"

  • @glenkepic3208
    @glenkepic3208 5 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Born in '57 so a fan for a long time.
    Two tracks stand out, though...
    'Paradise Road' from American Graffiti with Green Onions. One my fave bits of film ever.
    Sam And Dave. "Soul Man". sliding sixths. Learned this from a guitar mag tab. ha, story was Sam or Dave kept waiting for the Zippo lighter to fall off his knee. "Play it Steve!"
    Never did. Helped me learn the break for Johnny Winter's "All Tore Down".
    man, around the 2:50 mark, Steve mentions a Fender Harvard amp. I read yeears ago, this was Randy Rhoads favorite amp. Thank goodness, not among the great things stolen thanksgiving night from Musonia

    • @super63strat
      @super63strat 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Older and worth the age .I too have that been through the Best of Musical times in the history of r and b ..Was with Billy Harner and Keith touring in teen age days

  • @joeroganjosh9333
    @joeroganjosh9333 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    ‘nobody was in tune….’ that’s going to keep me smiling all day.

  • @drippinglass
    @drippinglass 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Very Kool story!
    Steve makes the Tele sing!

  • @jamien.8639
    @jamien.8639 5 ปีที่แล้ว +66

    I liked Steve when he was with Murph and the Magic Tones.

    • @BackToTheBlues
      @BackToTheBlues 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      High point of his career.

    • @marcholland1554
      @marcholland1554 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Quando, Quando.

    • @guitarzan34
      @guitarzan34 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Long live the Blues Brothers!

    • @kenchristie9214
      @kenchristie9214 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      before Murph & The Magic Tones, Steve and "Duck" were with that obscure group Booker T & The M.G's. Time Is Tight is still one of the two greatest ever instrumentals.

    • @michaelriley7064
      @michaelriley7064 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Ross Mark its a great line in the movie but there is a difference between country an western....western has more swing in it an different style abit for pedal steel players an def.old school..BOB WILLS AN THE TEXAS PLAYBOYS is a prime example..

  • @CC-te5zf
    @CC-te5zf ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Telecaster observation: In the old days, it was the starter guitar - but made it to so many records. It's 2022. Telecasters are for sale all over the place and... they're still used in recording and live performances. Some things just don't need changing. This was a great segment - especially for us guitar nerds. Hope all is well - Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.

    • @edeledeledel5490
      @edeledeledel5490 ปีที่แล้ว

      Just watched a clip with Jeff Beck playing a Telecaster with the Yardbirds back in the 60s. He used Telecasters all his career as well.

  • @Dreyno
    @Dreyno 5 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Nice he didn’t want to mention who borrowed the Esquire and didn’t give it back. Gentleman.

  • @super63strat
    @super63strat 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Saw him back in his Booker T touring days in the sixties in Southern NJ..Great pl
    Ayer , thanks for the entertainment and awesome interview .Green Onions , Sam and Dave , Blues Brothers , and on and on . Teles and Esquire fan and player here . I have a 1957 cbs Esq. Seventies tele, Jaguar .,the tele is ....my favorite go to guitar other than stratocaster ...Steve Cropper is the soul of Soulman

  • @darrelldadams
    @darrelldadams ปีที่แล้ว

    My favorite part of The Blues brothers movie is seeing the look on cropper's face while they were playing. Looked like he was having a blast, playing with that band.

  • @WovenChaos
    @WovenChaos 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Enjoyed listening I love the telecaster just the best guitar
    ✨🎭🤘🎭✨🎭🤘🎭✨🤘🎭✨

  • @laserlithuanian
    @laserlithuanian 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    steve is an outstanding musician

  • @peterjohnson617
    @peterjohnson617 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I loved "Green Onions" great to hear a seasoned pro speak about the tool`s of his craft......

  •  ปีที่แล้ว +1

    True legend and one of the contributors to the Memphis sound.

  • @matthewgrimm5383
    @matthewgrimm5383 5 ปีที่แล้ว +59

    This man is a legend. Pay close attention

    • @markandersen793
      @markandersen793 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@chipgaasche4933 YOU LISTEN BOY!

    • @lowellkennett6560
      @lowellkennett6560 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Really? with all the outrageous stuff on the internet you get fired up about somebody suggesting people pay close attention to steve cropper? btw the earth is flat

    • @jamespollock11
      @jamespollock11 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@chipgaasche4933 ookay Biff--er...CHIPPERMUNK

    • @jamespollock11
      @jamespollock11 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@chipgaasche4933 wasn't one of the kids on My Three Sons called Chip? By the Is that short for, the casual informal form of, the nick of...Chalmondelay? And is there still a bounty on wolves in your county?

    • @Dave-vc4mh
      @Dave-vc4mh 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Matthew Grimm Steve” The kernel “ Cropper🤘😎🤘

  • @jacksoneverage7163
    @jacksoneverage7163 5 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    Man I love Teles. The one guitar that's stood the test of time. The design was so good that it really hasn't changed in all these years.

    • @LfunkeyA
      @LfunkeyA 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      cant intonate and stiff as all hell, dont sound like the best deal

    • @theshakinsteamrollers2947
      @theshakinsteamrollers2947 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@LfunkeyA Real guitars are always like that..............but check yr bridge saddles

    • @jacksoneverage7163
      @jacksoneverage7163 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      LfunkeyA I’d suggest maybe you go buy an Ibeenhad and play. Because obviously you and Tele’s don’t get along lol.

    • @kevinbillingsley8256
      @kevinbillingsley8256 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      "The one guitar that's stood the test of time?" LOL Are you kidding? You don't think Stratocasters and Les Pauls have stood the test of time? Tell me, do you see more Tele copies today than you do Strat or LP? LMAO The Telecaster is the one that DIDN'T stand the test of time.

    • @thirdgearband
      @thirdgearband 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Bertie Bollocks they should of kept making the Gibson Blues Hawk man what a great guitar getting Tele, Strat, and Gibson tones all with the 6-way vari-tone selector. True Blues P90’s in a semi hollow body! I have a older SG, Tele, LP, and Strat and the Blues Hawk runs with the best of them. 1996 model red

  • @stevenmgyori3826
    @stevenmgyori3826 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Thanks to Steve for All he's created and Shares! Love Ya Brother! Great Topic and Interview!
    Thanks for sharing, Be Well!

    • @Vichedges
      @Vichedges 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      His tone on those old records was unreal. I'm a Les Paul guy but a Tele is next on my list of guitars I'm going to buy. There's a MIJ one on Reverb for $400 that's been calling my name for the past month but I think I'm going to hold out for a nicer one, nothing against MIJ but that particular one isn't the greatest.

    • @stevenmgyori3826
      @stevenmgyori3826 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Vichedges I'm of like mind, Gibson player switched to Fender. Finally decided on a Tele Pro HS!
      It's a Great Guitar! Still had Fender fever so I aquired a HSS Strat Pro!
      Their Great Guitars and sometimes can be had New reasonably priced at close outs or blemished! Thanks for sharing brother! Be Well!

  • @obiem9319
    @obiem9319 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Steve Cropper has the best representation of the American English accent and R&B guitar style.

  • @samhill6590
    @samhill6590 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    My first guitar came from Western Auto in the 60s. They also sold individual strings. I remember my mom getting mad because I broke a string. She should see me now. I buy them in bulk, 24 sets at a time!

    • @blueterrace
      @blueterrace 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Sam Hill my first guitar came from thrifty drug store. Had a rotating rack w/ about eight guitars on it.

  • @warrendoris9669
    @warrendoris9669 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Awesome player! Invented a whole new style of guitar! 👍👍👍👍

  • @WayneMemphisMojo
    @WayneMemphisMojo 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Dang Joe, just when I think I've seen all your interviews ... I run across another. Thanks for saving these & posting them for us

    • @MusiciansHallofFameMuseum
      @MusiciansHallofFameMuseum  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Hi Wayne... you’re welcome... there is another video we did with Cropper too other than the Tele one. Just go to MHOF TH-cam CHANNEL... there’s a ton of them.... with more coming... Best..... Joe

    • @WayneMemphisMojo
      @WayneMemphisMojo 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@MusiciansHallofFameMuseum Thanks for the info ... y'all just keep doin' what y'all are doin'

  • @chrisandersen5635
    @chrisandersen5635 ปีที่แล้ว

    What a goldmine this one interview is. Thank you. Looking forward to hearing the other ones.

  • @mtnbikertx6134
    @mtnbikertx6134 4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Truer words were never spoken, I get more joy out of my 149.00 dollar Squier tele from Mexico . the challenge to make it sound off and sustain a bit. Thanks Mr Cropper!!!!

  • @mrDCunningham
    @mrDCunningham 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I love my Tele. And these interviews. Great work Joe 👍🏻😎

  • @viennapalace
    @viennapalace 3 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    I find it interesting that one of the greatest guitarists of all time didn't waste time mucking about with tone controls & foot pedals.
    His playing was his sound. What the engineers ended up with to use on the recording was almost incidental. It already sounded like Steve Cropper.
    Seems to me that a lot of guitarists these days concentrate more on their gear than their technique...

    • @MusiciansHallofFameMuseum
      @MusiciansHallofFameMuseum  3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Thanks for watching vienna.........Joe

    • @GeorgiaBoy1961
      @GeorgiaBoy1961 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Back when Cropper started out in the late 1950s and early 1960s, guitar effects were pretty primitive. In his case, he was probably limited to the tone controls on his amp and guitar, the characteristics of the room, and his reverb and tremolo circuits on his Fender Princeton amp. No one ran direct to the board in those days, or almost no one, so live mic placement was paramount. The singer and the whole band had to deliver when the light came on or the take would be done over. Cropper had such a unique style of playing lead and rhythm guitar at the same time. Jerry Wexler, the famous producer and co-owner of Atlantic Records, was blown away by it, and by the way Booker T. Jones and the guys worked out tunes without writing much down. Wexler later went on to say that apart from the great Cornell Dupree, he'd never seen another guitar player able to hold down two parts - lead and rhythm - at once like Cropper did.
      Cropper's sound on those early Stax-Volt records is just so great! Not just his choice of notes and what/what not to play, which was superb, but his tone and overall sound.

    • @chizorama
      @chizorama ปีที่แล้ว +3

      What about Hendrix? He already had the skill, bit he utilized his pedals to take his sound to the next level. Same with Eddie Kramer in the studio, they did make some masterpieces together.

    • @viennapalace
      @viennapalace ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@chizorama As you said (proving my point), he already had the skill... But have you ever seen (or heard) Hendrix playing an acoustic guitar? I have & he sounded just like Hendrix.
      I'm not saying DON'T use pedals & effects, I'm just saying don't use them as a shield to cover up your lack of practice.

    • @chizorama
      @chizorama ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@viennapalace Sorry for the misunderstanding, Jimi's 12 string version of Hear My Train a'Coming is one of my favorite songs by him, saw a few other snippets of him playing acoustic, all amazing.

  • @skippettit4014
    @skippettit4014 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I love these sessions -- keep up the great work!!!

  • @bosse641
    @bosse641 ปีที่แล้ว

    My dream guitar. Hopefully I will own one one fine day.
    Albert Collins, the Ice Man, made me a fan of that guitar.

  • @davidboyce8683
    @davidboyce8683 ปีที่แล้ว

    I was lucky enough to see the original blues brothers band with tower of power at the Royal festival hall in London. This man is an incredible guitar player, a gig I will never forget.

  • @wintonhudelson2252
    @wintonhudelson2252 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Personally, I liked the neck on the jazz master much better. Still playing Ventures model Mosrite. Gene Mole was the shop foreman at the Bakersfield factory in the '60s and a fine musician in his own right. I remember he performed with the "Sharpshooters" in the Valley back in the '80s.

  • @phillipchambers6055
    @phillipchambers6055 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hi Jo, it's great to see another CHAMBERS on line :)

  • @vulgarresponse7080
    @vulgarresponse7080 5 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    I got a pair of telecasters I'm addicted, I find they are excellent for blues.

    • @GeorgiaBoy1961
      @GeorgiaBoy1961 ปีที่แล้ว

      @ Vulgar Response - If you like Telecasters and you like blues, have you heard of the late great Albert Collins? Albert could make a Telecaster do things that you'd never believe if you hadn't heard it. Nothing like tuning to an open E-minor chord, using a capo, and running into a Fender Dual Showman turned up to the max with a 100-foot long guitar cord. Albert would make a gag out of playing to traffic outside the club sometimes, and one time, he went into a phone booth (yeah, it was a long time ago!) and ordered a pizza! Played his axe the whole time, too.... man, that guy was some kind of performer and showman. It tore me up when he died back in the mid-1990s.

  • @roymartin500
    @roymartin500 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I love the neck pickup on a Tele for the Jimi Hendrix "warm but twangy ", perfect for my leads. I love the Esquire for different reasons.

  • @jamescarter8699
    @jamescarter8699 ปีที่แล้ว

    I know exactly who he is and I started playing a Telecaster because of him. And I also found that the Telecaster was all over the hits on the radio in the 50's thru the 80's and even today.

  • @realityboost4405
    @realityboost4405 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    "I don't think any of us played in tune…We'd usually tune to the piano, which HADN'T been tuned in a long time" …Just a priceless lesson on what's truly most important: the in-the-moment experience and togetherness of playing music with friends.

  • @virtuososo
    @virtuososo 5 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    Steve played a Peavey Generation for years - he might still. That led to the Peavey Cropper Classic - a sweet Tele-inspired guitar with dual blade pickups. He could kill the buzz in any position. ;-) I lucked out and got to jam with him once back in '99. Highlight of my "hobbyist" career.

    • @sam_klotz
      @sam_klotz 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      A boss of mine has an early prototype of a peavey generation, blade pickups like you mentioned. It’s easily the best tele style guitar I’ve ever played.

  • @jimmyleon2983
    @jimmyleon2983 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Original Steppenwolf guitarist, Michael Monarch, also used a Fender Esquire on Steppenwolf's debut album. The guitar you hear on the record 'Born To Be Wild', & that entire album is an Esquire.

  • @paulcooper5748
    @paulcooper5748 5 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Great musican and nice guy.

  • @tcrane8630
    @tcrane8630 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    This man IS rock and roll / R&B

  • @bmwcarrmann429
    @bmwcarrmann429 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Hello Steve Cropper my cousin was the late Tyrone' Green that played drums for Wilson Picket my dad met you also in New York at his funeral I have always been a a fan of yours I love everything you have played on whatever and whenever I say you I have just enjoyed Congratulations in all of your accolades and hall of fame.peace

  • @douggarrett5288
    @douggarrett5288 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I could listen to this guy all day.

  • @robertcudny1839
    @robertcudny1839 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    "Colonel" Cropper and the beautiful Southern accent. What more you can ask for.

  • @0mega.mechan1c.
    @0mega.mechan1c. 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The 1st song I learned on guitar when I was in my early teens was Otis Redding's "Don't mess with Cupid". Cropper is TOPS.

  • @arnoldzilban8274
    @arnoldzilban8274 ปีที่แล้ว

    What a beautiful, down to earth interview.

  • @mrcomenttoe2009
    @mrcomenttoe2009 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I think it was 1987 I was happy to acquire a CD finally of Booker T and the mg's and that was the CD that I must have played continuously everywhere and anywhere it just fit everywhere we went just thought I'd share that you guys are great thanks for sharing this and all the great music subscribe folks I did

  • @stevejoines8604
    @stevejoines8604 5 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    In the words of the great Rev Willie G ....telecasters dont lie

    • @adriannasanchez468
      @adriannasanchez468 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Same with a Martin d18. D28 will whisper sweet thing, but a d18 tells no lie

  • @cew142
    @cew142 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Fascinating!!! Thanks for posting!!!

  • @justme-re4jz
    @justme-re4jz 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    hey, i know joe. he used to have a music store in murfreesboro tn. i bought 3 guitars, one old fender amp and many packs of strings, picks and various guitar stuff. he was a nice man. was playing very regular back then in the late 80's. would stop by and pick up some picks or what ever i thought i might need for the gig that night. would always ask where we were playing that night, band name was bulletproof. would always say his wife didnt want him playing out anymore. i remember him having a gold record in his shop for co-writing old 8 x 10, that randy travis sang and also one for being ascap song writer of the year one year. what an achievement that was. he was a nice man. he had a store just outside lavergne tn. where i first met him. i bought a new red strat for myself, a black ibanez roadstar for my son and a left handed ovation acoustic balladeer for my daughter for christmas that year. no longer have my strat, which i was a fool for selling it, my son lost his roadstar, his junkie x-girlfriend stole it and would never say what she did with it. pawn shop i bet, still have the ovation, serial number is 04104, really nice guitar. i cant play it though, left handed, im right handed. all in all i really enjoyed spending time at his stores. he always had very interesting gear there. last time i was there before i moved back to maryland, he had a i think it was a 58 gold top les paul. very expensive guitar even back then. got a old fender concert fender amp off of him. was a great amp, wish i still had it. tube, 4 ten inch speakers. played it for many years and thought of him everytime i plugged in to it. sounded great. was playing alot and thought i needed something alittle newer, so like a dumbass, i let it go. im still playing, hope i can play for many years to come.

  • @thomaspick4123
    @thomaspick4123 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I also love the tone of the Esquires. The tone circuit is unique. Regular Telecasters, I agree with Steve. Play the pickup selector in the middle position. Those old bridges with 3 brass barrels were hard to into steel, but the quality of the tone was nice. More modern Teles with 6 individual saddles are better for intonation. But, they do not sound as good to my ear.

  • @misterschubert3242
    @misterschubert3242 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    1) They are extraordinarily simple to maintain.
    2) They only go out of tune if some a-hole comes along and turns one of the tuners.
    3) You can use it to paddle the canoe to and from the gig.
    I've tended to use a stratocaster over the years, but my teles have far more clarity and I never accidentally turn them down with the side of my pinky while playing...

  • @watkinsharp8756
    @watkinsharp8756 ปีที่แล้ว

    Steve Cropper is a master of good taste.
    the right note at the right time

  • @Jackdesj
    @Jackdesj 5 ปีที่แล้ว +42

    Good Lord, Steve Cropper does not age.

  • @Alanoffer
    @Alanoffer 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great interview as usual ,asking all the right questions ,

  • @laurenced2916
    @laurenced2916 4 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    First you trade the Cadillac for a microphone, then you lie to me about the band, now youre gonna put me right back in the joint!

    • @nathanmcgrady
      @nathanmcgrady 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      We're on a mission from GOD

  • @bobblehead67
    @bobblehead67 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I was checking out Cropper's Esquire just last week at the Smithsonian American History museum! That tweed Harvard sits right next to it. If you're in DC check it out.

  • @RobertVeasquez
    @RobertVeasquez ปีที่แล้ว

    Missing you, Joe. You never knew how much you were loved and appreciated, not really!

    • @MusiciansHallofFameMuseum
      @MusiciansHallofFameMuseum  ปีที่แล้ว

      syn707, thank you for your very kind words and continued support for the channel- dad always really appreciated his friends like you here on YT… and I do too.
      Hope you can visit the museum sometime.
      Best,
      Britt

  • @v2vroth
    @v2vroth 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Great interview thanks for posting!

  • @josefk5659
    @josefk5659 5 ปีที่แล้ว +27

    I was gonna get a tele or Les Paul Junior. I think I’m sold

    • @harryballs5080
      @harryballs5080 5 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Josef K you need them both!

    • @leeholzmann1023
      @leeholzmann1023 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      go the tele josef k...

    • @autocrow
      @autocrow 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Funny you would say that. I just watched an interview with Laura Cox today who just switched from tele's to a LP Jr. Because she said they sounded a lot alike to her. She demonstrated and I agreed. The LP Jr has that tele like twang.

    • @jonathanjohnson8656
      @jonathanjohnson8656 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I play teles mostly, have a vintage epiphone lpjr , both are great guitars. The two guitars have different scale length. So try both before you buy and see what you like best. Of course there's no law that says that you can't have both. Hope you find your dream guitar..

    • @henryhunter5026
      @henryhunter5026 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      An SG Junior is also worth a try. It’s all a matter of personal taste, both the LP and SG Juniors are amazing guitars and I have both but I find myself playing the SG Junior more often. I also prefer my Esquires to my Telecasters.

  • @tomy.1846
    @tomy.1846 ปีที่แล้ว

    Love to hear him play, so melodic!!!

  • @carlcurtis
    @carlcurtis 5 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I remember Jim Mesina's playing with Poco on their live album "Deliverin'" and the Telecaster. Such clean notes. Steve's got it right.

    • @bobbystereo936
      @bobbystereo936 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Steve also produced poco's next album ''From the inside'' It's the only record they tuned everything down a half step.

    • @carlcurtis
      @carlcurtis 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@bobbystereo936 I know. They weren't too happy with that album--don't know why (I love it still). But later, after Richie became a Christian, he got Steve to play on his first solo album "I've Got A Reason," I think on the last track. Great guitar work.

    • @bobbystereo936
      @bobbystereo936 5 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@carlcurtis kool. I'll check it out. Not sure if i have that one or I still have dreams? Gotta dig out my vinyl collection.

    • @carlcurtis
      @carlcurtis 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@bobbystereo936 I'm going from a distant memory, but I think you'll find Steve playing on the song "Over and Over Again," the last track of Richie's "I've Got a Reason." Wish I had it on cd.

    • @bobbystereo936
      @bobbystereo936 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@carlcurtis Oh! Is that a good album? Ive got a reason?

  • @RideAcrossTheRiver
    @RideAcrossTheRiver 3 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    "The solo in 'Proud Mary' was me being Steve Cropper." -- John Fogerty

  • @brisleeadams
    @brisleeadams 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I need a Tele... I had a blast visiting the Musicians hall of Fame, sept 2019, still have the guitar pick!
    Cheers from Paris

    • @MusiciansHallofFameMuseum
      @MusiciansHallofFameMuseum  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks for visiting the museum Brislee... glad you enjoyed it and thanks again for watching our videos....Joe

  • @deanbembridge8640
    @deanbembridge8640 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great guitar player and tells a great story of the old days ,I learned green onions many years ago when I first started playing ,I thought I was the Dogs Bollocks , taught it to a few people I gave lessons to in the past as well , I've always wondered how it got the name though 👍🎸

  • @libertatem_semper
    @libertatem_semper 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Joe Chambers is about the nicest person you could ever hope to meet. He runs the Musicians’ Hall of Fame in Nashville and it is 100% worth the visit. Better than the Rock HoF in Cleveland IMO.

    • @MusiciansHallofFameMuseum
      @MusiciansHallofFameMuseum  4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Jeff.... all I can say is thanks to our viewers for sharing your thoughts on sharing The R&R is a great musician stah

  • @voodoochile3201
    @voodoochile3201 5 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    'Wanna learn some real soul licks? Steve cropper's got'em!🎸👍🏿

  • @alphadogstudio
    @alphadogstudio 5 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    I never really appreciated Telecasters until I started doing sessions and he is absolutely correct, if you want a guitar that will cut through a mix play a Tele!

    • @daveg4236
      @daveg4236 5 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      alphadogstudio. My band plays one song where I absolutely need a Tele but had an issue bringing one guitar for one song so I dialed in my pedal board to get the Tele for every song we play. Absolutely love it

    • @zeyy84
      @zeyy84 5 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Exactly

    • @andy_182
      @andy_182 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Jesse a tele isn’t versatile

    • @jonbrooks6748
      @jonbrooks6748 5 ปีที่แล้ว +7

      @@andy_182 it is if you can play well.

    • @nickklok4955
      @nickklok4955 5 ปีที่แล้ว

      Truth in my believe. Sounds wonderful with a bit of distortion aswel.