On December 3, 2025, Steven Lee Cropper died aged 84. He was musician, songwriter, record producer and actor, known as “The Colonel”. He was the guitarist of the “Stax Records” house band, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, which backed artists such as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas, and Johnnie Taylor. He was also member of the Blues Brothers Band, and recorded and performed with many other artists including Alabama, Jimmy Barnes, William Bell, Barbi Benton, Big Star, Stephen Bishop, Frank Black, Bobby and the Midnites, Booker T. & MG.’s, Ronnie Baker Brooks, Jimmy Buffett, Billy Burnette, Brian Cadd, Cate Brothers, Chicago, David Clayton Thomas, A. J. Croce, Patti Dahlstrom, Delaney & Bonnie, Ned Doheny, Yvonne Elliman, Jose Feliziano, Eddie Floyd, Peter Frampton, Richie Furay, Art Garfunkel, Cyndi Grecco, Levon Helm, Chris Hillman, Rebecca Lynn Howard, Etta James, Wynonna Judd, Albert King, B.B. King, Al Kooper, John Lennon, Ann Margret, Marilyn McCoo, Billy Davis Jr., Craig Morgan, Aaron Neville, Wayne Newton, Harry Nilsson, John Oates, Nigel Olsson, Roy Orbison, Dolly Parton, Wilson Pickett, Michel Polnareff, John Prine, Otis Redding, Bruce Roberts, Leon Russell, Sanford & Townsend, Leo Sayer, Poncho Sanchez, Guy Sebastian, Neil Sedaka, Paul Shaffer, Paul Simon, Percy Sledge, Broderick Smith, The Soul Children, The Staple Singers, Mavis Staple, Ringo Starr, Rod Stewart, Livingston Taylor, Carla Thomas, Mickey Thomas, Wendy Waldman, Tower of Power, The Manhattan Transfer, Dale Watson and Jerry Lynn Williams. Magazine “Rolling Stone” ranked him 36th on its list of the “100 Greatest Guitarists”. Cropper won two “Grammy Awards”, and as leader or co-leader Cropper released 13 albums.
Tag Archives: Nigel Olsson
B. B. King: B. B. King & Friends 80
On September 13, 2005, “Geffen” label released “B. B. King & Friends: 80”, the forty-first B.B. King album. It was recorded in 2005, at “Avatar Studios” and “Right Track Recording” in New York City, “Caesar’s Palace Showroom” in Las Vegas, Nevada, “Conway Recording Studios” in Los Angeles, “O’Henry Studios” in Burbank, California, “Ocean Way Recording” and “Olympic Studios” in London. At the 48th “Annual Grammy Awards”, “B. B. King & Friends: 80” won “Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album”.
Personnel:
- B. B. King – vocals, guitar
- Van Morrison – vocals, harmonica
- Billy F Gibbons – vocals, guitar
- John Mayer – vocals, guitar
- Glenn Frey – vocals, guitar
- Eric Clapton – guitar
- Clem Clempson – guitar
- Mark Knopfler – guitar
- Davey Johnstone – guitar
- Larry Campbell – guitar
- Dean Parks – rhythm guitar
- Elton John – vocals, piano
- Chris Stainton – keyboards
- Brian Mitchell – keyboards
- Guy Babylon – keyboards
- Robbie Buchanan – keyboards, Hammond organ
- Luke Smith – Hammond organ
- Sheryl Crow – vocals
- Bob Birch – bass guitar
- Leland Sklar – bass guitar
- T-Bone Wolk – bass guitar
- Yolanda Charles – bass guitar
- Russ Kunkel – drums
- Billy Ward – drums
- Ian Thomas – drums
- Nigel Olsson – drums
- John Mahon – percussion
- Brandon Fields – saxophone
- Jerry Hey – trumpet
- Bill Reichenbach Jr. – trumpet
- Gary Grant – trumpet
- Nathaniel Kunkel – shaker
Track listing:
- Early in the Morning – Dallas Bartley, Louis Jordan, Leo Hickman
- Tired of Your Jive – Janet Despenza, Johnny Pate
- The Thrill is Gone – Roy Hawkins, Rick Darnell
- Need Your Love So Bad – Little Willie John, Mertis John Jr.
- Ain’t Nobody Home – Jerry Ragovou
- Hummingbird – Leon Russell
- All Over Again – Carl B. Adams
- Drivin’ Wheel – Roosevelt Sykes
- There Must Be a Better World Somewhere – Doc Pomus, Mac Rebennack
- Never Make Your Move Too Soon – Stix Hooper, Will Jennings
- Funny How Time Slips Away – Willie Nelson
- Rock This House – James A. Lane
Jimmy Webb: El Mirage
In May 1977, “Atlantic” label released “El Mirage”, the sixth Jimmy Webb album. It was recorded in 1977, at “Cherokee Studios” in Hollywood, and was produced by George Martin.
Personnel:
- Jimmy Webb – vocals, keyboards
- Fred Tackett – guitar
- Dean Parks – guitar
- Lowell George – slide guitar
- Herb Pedersen – banjo, 12-string guitar, backing vocals
- George Martin – keyboards, synthesizer, arrangements, conductor
- David Paich – keyboards, synthesizer
- David Hungate – bass
- Larry Knechtel – bass
- Dee Murray – bass
- Nigel Olsson – drums
- Jim Gordon – drums
- Harvey Mason – percussion
- Kenny Loggins – vocals
- Billy Davis Jr. – vocals
- George Hawkins – vocals
- Sherlie Matthews – backing vocals
- Susan Webb – backing vocals
- Clydie King – backing vocals
- Harry Bluestone – concertmaster
- John H. R. Mills – engineer
- John Mills – engineer
- George Tutko – engineer
- Bob Fisher – mastering
- Bob Defrin – art direction
- Steve Smith – photography
- Henry Diltz – cover photography
- Richie Unterberger – liner notes
Track listing:
All tracks by Jimmy Webb, except where noted.
- The Highwayman
- If You See Me Getting Smaller I’m Leaving
- Mixed-Up Guy
- Christian, No
- Moment in a Shadow
- Sugarbird
- Where the Universe Are
- P.F. Sloan
- Dance to the Radio – Fred Tackett
- The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress
- Skylark (A Meditation) – Jimmy Webb, Paul A. Skylar
Eric Carmen: Boats Against the Current
In April 1977, “Arista” label released “Boats Against the Current”, the second Eric Carmen studio album. It was recorded in 1977, at “Crystal Sound” and “Studio 55” in Los Angeles, “Sound Factory” in Hollywood, “Brother Studio” in Santa Monica, and was produced by Eric Carmen.
Personnel:
- Eric Carmen – lead vocals, acoustic piano, synthesizers, 12 string acoustic guitar, electric guitar, conductor, electric harpsichord, drums, percussion, backing vocals, arrangements
- Andrew Gold – electric guitar solo, electric guitar
- Richard Reising – acoustic and electric guitar, acoustic piano, backing vocals
- Richie Zito – acoustic and electric guitar, backing vocals
- Michael Boddicker – synthesizers
- Dave Wintour – bass
- Jeff Porcaro – drums
- Nigel Olsson – drums, backing vocals
- Gene Estes – percussion
- Ollie E. Brown – percussion
- Jim Horn – saxophone
- Bobby Keys – saxophone
- Tom Scott – saxophone
- Steve Madaio – trumpet
- Paul Buckmaster – string arrangements, conductor
- Burton Cummings – backing vocals
- Curt Becher – backing vocals
- Joe Chemay – backing vocals
- Bruce Johnston – backing vocals, arrangements
- Brian Wilson – backing vocals
- Kevin Beamish – engineer
- Larry Emerine – engineer
- David Henson – engineer
- Mark Howlett – engineer
- Dennis Kirk – engineer
- Tim Kramer – engineer
- Earle Mankey – engineer
- Howard Steele – engineer
- Thom Wilson – engineer
- Val Garay – mixing
- Doug Sax – mastering
- Bob Heimall – art direction
- Ed Caraeff – design, photography
- Benno Friedman – inside photography effects
- Norman Adams – inside artwork
- Michael Manoogian – calligraphy
All tracks by Eric Carmen:
- Boats Against the Current
- Marathon Man
- Nowhere To Hide
- Take It or Leave It
- Love Is All That Matters
- She Did It
- I Think I Found Myself
- Run Away
Nigel Olsson: Nigel Olsson’s Drum Orchestra and Chorus
In August 1971, “DJM” label released “Nigel Olsson’s Drum Orchestra and Chorus”, the debut Nigel Olsson album. It was recorded in 1971, at “Dick James Studio”, and was produced by Nigel Olsson.
Personnel:
- Nigel Olsson – vocal, drums, percussion
- B.J. Cole – steel guitar, dobro
- Caleb Quaye – guitar, keyboards
- Mick Grabham – guitar, percussion
- Dee Murray – bass guitar
- Jeff Titmus, Stuart Epps – percussion
- Katrhi McDonald – lead and backing vocals
- Claudia Linnear, Doris Troy, Liza Strike – backing vocals
- Clive Franks – engineer
- Barry Sherlock – tape operator
- David Larkham – art direction, design
- Ian Digby Ovens – photography
Track listing:
- Sunshine Looks Like Rain – Caleb Quaye, Mick Grabham, Nigel Olsson
- I’m Coming Home – Caleb Quaye, Mick Grabham, Nigel Olsson
- Nature’s Way – Randy California
- Hummingbird – Leon Russell
- Some Sweet Day – Caleb Quaye, Mick Grabham, Nigel Olsson
- I Can’t Go Home Again – Gary Wright, Kristina Uppstrom
- And I Know in My Heart – Caleb Quaye, Mick Grabham, Nigel Olsson
- We’ve Got a Long Way To Go – Ricky Nelson
- Wierdhouse – Nigel Olsson
- China – Mick Grabham
Uriah Heep: …Very ‘Eavy…Very ‘Umble
On June 13, 1970, “Vertigo” label released “…Very ‘Eavy …Very ‘Umble”, the debut Uriah Heep album. It was recorded July 1969 – April 1970, at “Lansdowne Studios” in London and was produced by Gerry Bron.
Personnel:
- David Byron – lead vocals
- Ken Hensley – piano, organ, mellotron, backing vocals
- Mick Box – lead and acoustic guitars, backing vocals
- Paul Newton – bass guitar, backing vocals
- Alex Napier – drums
- Nigel Olsson – drums
- Keith Baker – drums
- Colin Wood – keyboards and backing vocals
- Peter Gallen – engineer, mixing
- Peter Olliff – mixing
Track listing:
- Gypsy – Mick Box, David Byron
- Walking in Your Shadow – David Byron, Paul Newton
- Come Away Melinda – Fred Hellerman, Fran Minkoff
- Lucy Blues – Mick Box, David Byron
- Dreammare – Paul Newton
- Real Turned On – Mick Box, David Byron, Paul Newton
- I’ll Keep on Trying – Mick Box, David Byron
- Wake Up (Set Your Sights) – Mick Box, David Byron
John Baldry: Everything Stops for Tea
In May 1972, “Warner Bros” label released “Everything Stops for Tea”, the seventh John Baldry album. It was recorded January – February 1972, at “I.B.C.” and “Morgan Studios” in London, and was produced by Elton John and Rod Stewart.
Personnel:
- John Baldry – vocals, guitar
- Elton John – piano, backing vocals
- Rod Stewart – banjo, backing vocals
- Madeline Bell – vocals
- Doris Troy – vocals
- Liza Strike – vocals
- Barry St. John – vocals
- James Litherland – guitar
- Bob Weston – guitar
- Davey Johnstone – guitar
- Sam Mitchell – steel guitar
- Ian Armit – keyboards
- Jimmy Horowitz – keyboards
- Stefan Delft – viola
- Richard Brown – bass guitar
- Bill Smith – bass guitar
- John Porter – bass guitar
- Klaus Voormann – bass
- John Dentith – drums
- Nigel Olsson – drums
- Terry Stannard – drums
- Micky Waller – percussion
- Ray Cooper – percussion
- Ronnie Wood – cover drawing
Track listing:
- Intro: Come Back Again – Ross Wilson
- Seventh Son – Willie Dixon
- Wild Mountain Thyme – traditional; arranged by John Baldry, Davey Johnstone
- Iko Iko – Sharon Jones, Jesse Thomas, Joe Jones, Mary Lynn Jones
- Jubilee Cloud – John Kongos, Peter Leroy
- Everything Stops for Tea – Al Goodhart, Al Hoffman, Maurice Sigler
- You Can’t Judge a Book by the Cover – Willie Dixon
- Mother Ain’t Dead – traditional
- Hambone – Sam Mitchell
- Lord Remember Me – Myrtle Jackson
- Armit’s Trousers – Ian Armit
Elton John: Tumbleweed Connection
On October 30, 1970, “DJM” label released “Tumbleweed Connection”, the third Elton John studio album. It was recorded March 1970, at “Trident Studios” in London, and was produced by Gus Dudgeon.
Personnel:
- Elton John – lead and backing vocals, piano, Hammond organ
- Caleb Quaye– lead guitar, acoustic and electric guitar
- Les Thatcher – acoustic guitar, twelve-string acoustic guitar
- Lesley Duncan – acoustic guitar, backing vocals
- Mike Egan – acoustic guitar
- Gordon Huntley – steel guitar
- Brian Dee– Hammond organ
- Ian Duck – harmonica
- Herbie Flowers, Dave Glover, Chris Laurence – bass guitar
- Dee Murray– bass guitar, backing vocals
- Nigel Olsson – drums, backing vocals
- Roger Pope – drums, percussion
- Barry Morgan– drums
- Robin Jones – congas, tambourine
- Karl Jenkins– oboe
- Johnny Van Derek – violin
- Skaila Kanga– harp
- Madeline Bell, Tony Burrows, Kay Garner, Tony Hazzard, Tammi Hunt, Dusty Springfield, Heather Wheatman, Yvonne Wheatman – backing vocals
- Paul Buckmaster– arrangement, conductor, orchestration
- Robin Geoffrey Cable – engineer
- Gus Skinas – editing
- David Larkham – art direction, design, artwork, photography
- Barry Wentzell, Ian Digby-Ovens – photography
- John Tobler– liner notes
Track listing:
All tracks by Elton John and Bernie Taupin, except where noted.
- Ballad of a Well-Known Gun
- Come Down in Time
- Country Comfort
- Son of Your Father
- My Father’s Gun
- Where to Now St. Peter?
- Love Song – Lesley Duncan
- Amoreena
- Talking Old Soldiers
- Burn Down the Mission
Jimmy Webb: Land’s End
In June 1974, “Asylum” label released “Land’s End”, the fifth Jimmy Webb album. It was recorded in 1974, and was produced by Jimmy Webb.
Personnel:
- Jimmy Webb – vocals, keyboards
- Jim Ryan – guitar
- Paul Keogh – guitar
- Fred Tackett– guitar
- Dean Parks– guitar
- J. Cole– steel guitar
- Davey Johnstone– mandolin
- Phillip Goodhand-Tait– keyboards
- David Hentschel– synthesizer
- Tom Scott– saxophone
- Brian Hodges – bass
- Dee Murray– bass
- Barry DeSouza – drums
- Nigel Olsson– drums
- Ringo Starr– drums
- Susan Webb – vocals
- Joni Mitchell– vocals
- Bob Fisher – mastering
- Richie Unterberger – liner notes
Track listing:
All tracks by Jimmy Webb.
- Ocean in His Eyes
- Feet in the Sunshine
- Cloudman
- Lady Fits Her Blue Jeans
- Just This One Time
- Crying in My Sleep
- It’s a Sin
- Alyce Blue Gown
- Land’s End/ Asleep on the Wind
Leon & Mary Russell: Wedding Album
In April 1976, “Paradise” label released “Wedding Album”, album by Leon and Mary Russell ( Mary McCreary). It was recorded in 1976, in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Encino, California, and was produced by Leon Russell, Mary Russell and Bobby Womack.
Personnel:
- Leon Russell- lead and backing vocals, synthesizer, piano, bass, RMI Electra Piano, guitar, percussion, vibes, electronic pipe organ
- Mary Russell- lead and backing vocals, piano, synthesizer, percussion
- Roger Linn- acousitic, electric and slide guitars
- Richard Torrance -acoustic guitar
- Gary Rowles – guitar
- Bobby Womack- acoustic and electric guitars
- Truman Thomas -electric piano
- David Miner -bass guitar
- Robert Wilson- bass guitar
- Willie Weeks- bass guitar
- Teddy Jack Eddy- drums, handclaps
- Dennis Mansfield – drums
- Nigel Olsson- drums
- Ambrose Campbell- congas, Nigerian folklore
- Jim Horn- saxophone
- Marty Grebb- saxophone
- Steve Douglas- flute
- Julius Wechter- marimba, piano
- Gregg Thomas -bird of paradise mating call, drums
Track listing:
All tracks by Leon Russell except where noted.
- Rainbow in Your Eyes
- Like a Dream Come True
- Love’s Supposed To Be that Way – Leon Russell, Mary Russell
- Fantasy
- Satisfy You
- You Are on My Mind
- Lavender Blue (Dilly Dilly) – Eliot Daniel, Larry Morey
- Quiet Nights – Leon Russell,Julius Wechter
- Windsong
- Daylight – Bobby Womack
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