Talking Guitars: Guitar Repairs. RIP #SteveCropper. 🎸#WorkbenchWednesday #GuitarLiveStream 12/3/25

On this episode of Talking Guitars on JohnnyBeaneTV, we opened with a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Steve Cropper, whose family announced his passing today. I share the story of meeting him nearly 30 years ago at the guitar shop I worked at—an unforgettable moment with a true icon. Legendary guitarist Steve Cropper — the soulful force behind Booker T. & the MG’s, Otis Redding, and the Blues Brothers — has passed away at the age of 84. His son Cameron confirmed the news to Variety on Wednesday. Cropper’s influence on Memphis soul is immeasurable. As a guitarist, producer, songwriter, and engineer at Stax Records, he shaped the sound of an era. His tight, tasteful, unmistakable guitar work powered Booker T. & the MG’s, while also elevating recordings by Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, Rufus and Carla Thomas, Eddie Floyd, and more. In 1996, Mojo magazine ranked him the second-greatest guitarist of all time, just behind Jimi Hendrix, praising his metronomic timing, razor-sharp riffs, and perfectly placed licks — always serving the song, never overstaying their welcome. As a songwriter, Cropper co-wrote classics like “Green Onions,” “Time Is Tight,” and “Soul-Limbo,” along with timeless R&B hits including Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”, Wilson Pickett’s “In the Midnight Hour” and “634-5789,” and Eddie Floyd’s “Knock On Wood.” After leaving Stax in 1970, he continued making history. Booker T. & the MG’s reunited into the ’90s, backing icons like Bob Dylan, John Fogerty, Neil Young, and Levon Helm. Cropper also became widely known to new generations as the guitarist for The Blues Brothers, appearing on their platinum records and in both films. In 1992, Steve Cropper was rightfully inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Booker T. & the MG’s. Then it’s off to the workbench! I swap out the strap pins on my TEASE Telecaster, tighten up some screws on a Squier Tele, and Ron jumps in to show off some killer 3D-printed guitar goodies he’s been crafting. And somehow… we wrap the night talking about MASSIVE burgers—PermanI Brothers, local burger joints, and the monster creations Ron hunts down. Guess we were starving! Rock, mods, memories, and monster burgers—classic JohnnyBeaneTV energy. 🎥 Catch it LIVE or watch the replay — only on Johnny Beane TV! 👇 Smash LIKE, jump in the chat, and let’s talk guitars! If you’re into guitars, gear, and music news, you’re in the right place — smash that LIKE, hit SUBSCRIBE, and hang with us because Talking Guitars is where the party’s at! 🎉 🔥 Every Week on Johnny Beane TV — Your Ultimate Guitar Hangout! ⚡ Epic Guitar & Gear Unboxings 🔧 Mod Tips, Pro Tricks & DIY Hacks 🎤 Live Q&As with Players Worldwide #guitarcommunity #SteveCropper #TalkingGuitars #JohnnyBeaneTV #Telecaster #GuitarMods #3DPrinting #GuitarStories #GuitaristsOfYouTube #GuitarShow #PermaniBrothers