Blues legend Steve Cropper is back with another sizzling single, “Friendlytown,” the title track from his upcoming album set to drop on August 23rd via Mascot Label Group/Provogue. This release follows the critically acclaimed “Too Much Stress,” which featured a powerhouse collaboration with Brian May.
A Blues-Rock Powerhouse
“Friendlytown” showcases Cropper’s unmistakable loping riff, elevated by the gritty Texas blues guitar of ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons. Roger C. Reale’s commanding vocals blend bluesy grit with radio-friendly hooks, creating a sound that’s sure to resonate with longtime fans and newcomers alike.
Cropper co-wrote the track with bandmates Roger C. Reale, Jon Tiven, and his old friend Billy F. Gibbons. The result is a muscular blues-rock anthem that highlights the contrast between Cropper’s angular guitar work and Gibbons’ instantly recognizable style.
Star-Studded Collaborations
The album’s previous single, “Too Much Stress,” boasts an impressive lineup featuring not only Cropper and Gibbons but also Queen’s Brian May. The track showcases May and Reale trading vocals, with May adding gospel-style backing and the guitarists exchanging blistering solos.
‘Friendlytown’: A New Classic in the Making
Produced by Cropper and longtime collaborator Jon Tiven, “Friendlytown” promises to be a masterful blend of Cropper’s classic sound and fresh, contemporary elements. The album features an all-star cast including lead vocalist Roger C. Reale, drummer Nioshi Jackson, and the Reverend Billy Gibbons, with engineering by Eddie Gore.
“If there was a Mt. Rushmore of Guitar pickers,” Tiven notes, “Mr. Steve Cropper would be there.”
A Legacy of Blues and Soul
With a career spanning decades, Cropper has left an indelible mark on the music world. From his early days with The Mar-Keys and Booker T. & the M.G.’s to his groundbreaking work at Stax Records, Cropper’s influence is undeniable.
His accolades include:
- Two GRAMMY Awards (from seven nominations)
- Ranked #2 greatest guitarist of all-time by Mojo Magazine (behind Jimi Hendrix)
- #36 in Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time”
Cropper’s contributions to soul music are highlighted in HBO’s new documentary, ‘Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.’ At Stax, he co-wrote hits, played guitar, and produced for legends like Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, and many others.
Post-Stax, Cropper’s talent has graced recordings by artists as diverse as Jeff Beck, John Prine, Ringo Starr, and Elton John.
As he prepares to release “Friendlytown,” Cropper reflects on his legacy with characteristic humility: “When I think about my legacy, I want it to be said that I was a nice guy.”
With this latest release, it’s clear that Steve Cropper’s musical journey is far from over. Blues fans around the world eagerly await the full album, ready to experience another chapter in the story of this guitar legend.
