Goodbye to Steve Cropper

Eric Clapton and Brian May on Steve Cropper’s posthumous album

ByJohn

A new posthumous album will arrive a few months after Steve Cropper’s death, with exceptional guests. “Watching The Tide” collects the latest recordings of the guitarist, composer and producer linked to the history of Stax Records and co-author of the classic “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay” by Otis Redding, founder of Booker T. & the MG’s, as well as member of the Blues Brothers.

Cropper, who passed away in December 2025, recorded the album in Nashville together with historical collaborator Jon Tiven and Roger C. Reale. The sessions took place in the historic RCA Studio C with a band that includes Ana Grosh on vocals, Nioshi Jackson on drums and Eddie Gore on keyboards and percussion. Several guests also appear on the album: Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Brian May and Ronnie Wood.
According to Tiven, after the release of 2024’s “Friendlytown” – a critically acclaimed and Grammy-nominated album – Cropper was determined to make another record. The producer said:

Steve had a joke about a woman who steals a magic lamp. The genie comes out and says, ‘You have a wish.’ The woman says, ‘I want to win the lottery.’ And the genie says, ‘Sorry, you have to buy a ticket first.’ When Roger and I heard it, we said, ‘Oh, that’s the title of a song.'” I felt a great affinity for Steve, and two days later I got an email from Eric Clapton’s manager, telling me that he was going to be in Nashville for a concert and that we could do it there. He recorded, I think, 11 takes on guitar. Finally, Steve and I looked at each other and said, “Well, I’d do anything to see my name next to Steve’s.” Cropper…”.

Among the songs mentioned in the presentation press release is “Ticket First”, born from a joke told by Cropper and recorded with the participation of Eric Clapton. Brian May and Billy Gibbons appear on “My Angels Are Calling”, while Ronnie Wood plays slide guitar on “Until Now”.

this is the tracklist

1. Tandoori Chicken
2. Ticket First (feat. Eric Clapton)
3. My Angels Are Calling (feat. Brian May & Billy F. Gibbons)
4. Until Now (feat. Ron Wood)
5. Blood From A Stone
6. Here & Gone (feat. Ana Grosh)
7. It’s Gonna Get Worse
8. Down & Out
9. Stand Right Here (feat. Billy F. Gibbons & Ana Grosh)
10. Tipoff To The Ripoff
11. House Of Cards
12. Tandoori Chicken Part 2

John
John

With an untamed passion and deep, eclectic knowledge of music, John is the soul of RadioWise UK. Having worked in the music industry for over two decades, his vision was to create a platform that embodies the love and respect for music. John is known for his great attention to detail and insatiable thirst for discovering new talents and music genres.