Steve Cropper Was Instrumental in the Blues Brothers

I recently watched “Stax: Soulsville USA,” a limited series documentary that delves deep into the history and impact of Stax Records, the legendary label that shaped the sound of soul music. The film got me thinking about the profound influence Stax had, not just on music, but on culture as a whole. You can find it here on HBO.

Booker T. & the M.G.’s, the Staple Singers, Rufus Thomas, Otis Redding, Isaac Hayes, Carla Thomas, Sam & Dave, and so many more were part of an extraordinary catalog that defined the sound of soul and R&B. These artists, all pillars of Stax Records, created timeless tracks that have influenced generations of musicians and continue to be celebrated today. If you haven’t already immersed yourself in their music, now is the perfect time to explore—you’ll likely find that many of these songs are already familiar, as their influence is deeply embedded in the fabric of American music and culture. From the grooves of Booker T. & the M.G.’s to the soulful power of Otis Redding, Stax’s legacy is one of unparalleled musical richness. It’s fascinating to see how the legacy of Stax, with its roster of impressively talented musicians, continues to reverberate through popular culture.

This reminded me of the later influence of Steve Cropper on the film “The Blues Brothers,” which I think can’t be overstated. As a legendary guitarist and producer from Stax Records, Cropper brought a wealth of experience and authenticity to the project. Alongside him, as was often the case, was bassist Donald “Duck” Dunn, another venerable Stax veteran whose groove anchored many of the film’s most memorable tracks. Together, they merged seamlessly with the talented musicians from the Saturday Night Live band to shape the sound that would define the Blues Brothers band. Their contributions were instrumental—literally and figuratively.

When Aykroyd and Belushi set out to create a band that paid homage to the blues and soul music they loved, they knew they needed musicians with deep roots in the genre. The SNL band was filled with top-tier musicians—landing a spot in it was no easy feat. Each member brought impressive credentials and versatility to the table. The addition of seasoned professionals like Cropper and Dunn elevated the music to another level, blending the energy of live TV performances with the precision and depth of experienced session players.

The film features several tracks from the Stax catalog, with standouts like Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man” and “Hold On, I’m Comin’,” which Cropper and Dunn originally played on. The inclusion of “Time Is Tight” by Booker T. & the M.G.’s, another Stax classic featuring Cropper and Dunn, further enriched the film’s soundtrack. While the Bar-Kays from Stax weren’t directly featured, their influence was felt in the vibrant, energetic sound that the Blues Brothers band captured, channeling the spirit of Stax Records and the Memphis sound. This influence is perhaps most recognizable in the Blues Brothers’ rendition of “Gimme Some Lovin’,” which Cropper also helped shape, infusing it with the Stax sound he had helped define. Their contributions, along with those of the SNL band, were key to ensuring the music in The Blues Brothers wasn’t just a backdrop but a central character in the story.

It’s easy to dismiss The Blues Brothers as a novelty act, but with serious pros like Cropper, Dunn, and the SNL band behind them, the project had real musical credibility. The fusion of these talented musicians created a sound that was both authentic and accessible, resonating with audiences and elevating the film to iconic status. Their work on The Blues Brothers is a testament to the enduring legacy of Stax Records and the timeless influence of these musical professionals.

And that’s before we even mention the other icons of music they were able to pull in. Legends like Cab Calloway, who brought his classic performance of “Minnie the Moocher” to the screen (though he wanted to do an updated version), Ray Charles, whose rendition of “Shake a Tail Feather” lit up the movie, Aretha Franklin commanding the room with “Think,” and James Brown bringing the house down as a gospel preacher in “The Old Landmark.” These artists weren’t just cameos; they were integral to the film’s celebration of American music. It was a Goldilocks moment, where the timing was just right to bring together artists of this stature—partly due to the film itself, they would have been unattainable shortly after.

The film stands as a testament to the enduring influence of these musical giants and their contributions to the soundtrack of American culture.

And speaking of Stax icons, I also dearly love Roebuck ‘Pops’ Staples’ version of “Papa Legba” in the Talking Heads’ “True Stories” film. Check out the audio here. Then go watch the whole movie.

Oh, and watch the documentary.