By Bob Berry

The Colonel.

The nickname might not mean much to you, or, heaven forbid, you might think of Elvis’ manager, Tom Parker.

Songwriter, Producer, lead guitarist for Booker T and the MG’s, one of the great session guitarists. Nickname still might not mean much to you, but it will.

Because when Sam Moore and later, Joliet Jake yell “Play It, Steve”, you know exactly who I’m writing about.

Steve “The Colonel” Cropper.

Who co-wrote “In The Midnight Hour” and “Knock On Wood”. Who produced (co-wrote and played guitar) on Otis Redding’s posthumous Number One Song, “Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay“. Who laid down the classic licks on Booker T and The MG’s “Green Onions“, “Hang ‘Em High”. Who, with the MG’s, was part of the house band for the classic Stax Records artists like Eddie Floyd, Wilson Pickett, Carla Thomas, Sam and Dave.

Steve Cropper celebrates his birthday today (10/21). Join  Keener 13 in wishing “The Colonel” Happy Birthday.

And dare we say it? Play It, Steve!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFZ-YXm03r4

He defined the Stax Records sound. He brought down the house at the Monterey Pop festival. And 40 years after his death, at age 26, Otis Redding‘s energy is still being felt. Here’s CNN’s look at his life and legacy and a YouTube recording of his electrifying live version of Try a Little Tenderness