Steve Cropper

https://variety.com/2025/music/news/steve-cropper-dead-guitarist-booker-t-otis-redding-blues-brothers-1236599198/

 

Variety’s obituary does an excellent job detailing the many facets of Cropper’s musical career as a guitarist, producer, and songwriter. His death leaves Booker T. Jones as the sole surviving member of Stax Records’ legendary instrumental quartet Booker T. & the MG’s. I wasn’t aware of his role as a co-writer of numerous soul music classics, including “In The Midnight Hour” (Wilson Pickett), “Knock On Wood” (Eddie Floyd), and “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay” (Otis Redding).

 

Also worth noting: his work backing “Blues Brothers” John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.

“The 885 Greatest Cover Songs”

Well, it’s December, and WXPN is at it again. This year they’re counting down “The 885 Greatest Cover Songs,” determined as usual by listener votes. My favorites are below. [Updated 12/17/2025 to add countdown positions in parens]

 

1.      Over The Rainbow – Eva Cassidy (#286)

2.      Hazy Shade of Winter – The Bangles (#23)

3.      Try A Little Tenderness – Otis Redding (#190)

4.      The Ghost Of Tom Joad – Rage Against the Machine (#259)

5.      Jersey Girls – Bruce Springsteen (#26)

6.      Georgia On My Mind – Ray Charles (#287)

7.      The Letter – Joe Cocker (#90)

8.      Barbara Ann – The Beach Boys

9.      Am I The Same Girl – Swing Out Sister

10.   You’ll Never Walk Alone – Gerry & the Pacemakers

 

The one I forgot: Passionate Kisses – Mary Chapin Carpenter (#241)

 

And two odd ones that I hope make it to the countdown:

Money – The Flying Lizards (#168)

Feelings – The Offspring