Brian May, the iconic guitarist of Queen, has some high praise for a fellow musician, and it's stirring up a conversation in the music world. But is it a controversial opinion?
May, known for his masterful guitar work in the legendary band, once expressed his admiration for Steve Cropper, a guitarist who might not be a household name for many. May described Cropper's playing as having 'incredible integrity,' a bold statement that raises questions about the often-overlooked talent.
In a competitive field, with guitar legends like Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and David Gilmour vying for the top spots, May's appreciation for Cropper stands out. May's own playing style, characterized by melodic solos and grand harmonic structures, has been a defining element of Queen's sound, complementing Freddie Mercury's powerful vocals. But where does Cropper fit into this?
Here's where it gets intriguing: May's influences include guitar greats of the 1950s and '60s, such as Hank Marvin, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, and Jeff Beck. Yet, his admiration for Cropper is particularly noteworthy. May praised Cropper's ability to stay true to his roots, a quality that May finds remarkable.
And this is the part most people miss: Cropper's work is not just about technical prowess. His guitar licks on the iconic 'Green Onions' with Booker T & the MG's is just the tip of the iceberg. Cropper was an integral part of the Stax in-house band, contributing to countless soul classics and even producing and writing songs. His Telecaster skills attracted the attention of numerous artists, from Big Star to The Beatles, who almost collaborated with him during their Tennessee tour.
May's collaboration with Cropper on the 'Friendlytown' project in 2024 further solidified his respect for the guitarist. Cropper's playing, according to May, has a unique expressiveness, akin to a violin or a human voice. This quality inspired May, making him want to emulate Cropper's ability to make the guitar speak.
So, is Brian May's praise for Steve Cropper a controversial opinion, or is it a long-overdue recognition of a musical genius? The debate is open, and it's a fascinating one for music enthusiasts. What do you think? Is Cropper's talent underrated, or is May's admiration an isolated opinion?
