[Cover photo credit to Stacie Huckeba]

Guitarist and songwriter Steve Cropper has marked a key moment in his career with the release of his new album, Friendlytown, now available via Mascot Label Group/Provogue. He has also revealed the music video for the album’s latest single, “You Can’t Refuse,” featuring the guitar work of Rock artst Tim Montana, and rhythm courtesy of Simon Kirke (Free, Bad Company).

Cropper explains:

Tim came to a party I had some time back, and it turns out he was a big fan of my work. When he played on the album, he said ‘just make sure you spell my name right!’”

Friendlytown has a lineup that features Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Brian May (Queen), Simon Kirke (Free, Bad Company), and Tim Montana and blends Rock, Blues, and Soul.

Produced by Cropper alongside bassist, multi-instrumentalist, and longtime friend Jon Tiven (Wilson Pickett, Don Covay, and Frank Black), Friendleytown also features lead vocalist Roger C. Reale and Nashville drummer and percussionist Nioshi Jackson. Producer, artist developer, and studio co-owner Eddie Gore (Aaron Goodvin, Keb Mo, Jonathan Singleton) engineered the album and contributed organ.
 
Cropper’s name is closely associated with the Soul label Stax Records, and he is featured in HBO’s new documentary, Stax: Soulsville U.S.A.

 
While at Stax, Cropper co-wrote hits, played guitar behind, and Produced Otis Redding, Eddie Floyd, Wilson Pickett, Bill Withers, Sam & Dave, Albert King, Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas, and Johnnie Taylor.

Post-Stax, Cropper produced and/or played on sessions for Jeff Beck, Jose Feliciano, Yvonne Elliman, John Prine, Tower Of Power, John Cougar, Paul Simon, Ringo Starr, Buddy Guy, Johnny Lang, Elton John, and Steppenwolf, among many, many others.
 
Reflecting back on his journey, Cropper says:

When I think about my legacy, I want it to be said that I was a nice guy.