Albert King Steve Cropper and Pop Staples
Albert King, Steve Cropper, and Roebuck "Pops" Staples were legendary guitarists and cornerstones of the Stax Records sound in Memphis. They famously collaborated on the 1969 instrumental jam album Jammed Together, which blended blues, soul, and gospel.
Albert King (1923–1992)
Known as the "Velvet Bulldozer" for his imposing physical stature and smooth singing, King was one of the "Three Kings of the Blues Guitar".
Style: A left-handed player who played a right-handed Gibson Flying V (named "Lucy") upside down without reversing the strings. This allowed for unique, massive string bends that influenced Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Key Work: His 1967 album Born Under a Bad Sign (backed by Booker T. & the M.G.'s) is considered a blueprint for modern blues-rock.
Legacy: He was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013.
Steve Cropper (1941–2025)
Nicknamed "The Colonel," Cropper was a founding member of Booker T. & the M.G.'s and the primary architect of the "Stax Sound".
Career Highlights: He co-wrote and played on legendary hits including Otis Redding’s "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay," Wilson Pickett’s "In the Midnight Hour," and Sam & Dave’s "Soul Man".
The Blues Brothers: He gained wider fame in the late 1970s as a founding member of The Blues Brothers Band, appearing in their films and TV specials.
Recognition: Ranked by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, he received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
Recent Status: He remained active into late 2025, with his final album Friendlytown receiving a Grammy nomination before his passing in December 2025.
Roebuck "Pops" Staples (1914–2000)
The patriarch of the world-renowned gospel group The Staple Singers, Pops Staples bridged the gap between sacred and secular music.
Signature Sound: He was famous for his eerie, "swampy" tremolo guitar style and soft, soul-searching vocals.
Career: He led his family group from traditional gospel to "message music" during the Civil Rights Movement, producing hits like "I'll Take You There" and "Respect Yourself".
Accolades: He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1999 (with The Staple Singers) and the Blues Hall of Fame in 2018.
Jammed Together
Lead Vocals – Albert King
Producer – Al Bell, Al Jackson, Isaac Hayes
Written-By – Ray Charles 5:30
A2 Tupelo
Lead Vocals – Pop Staples
Producer – Al Bell, Al Jackson, Isaac Hayes
Written-By – John Lee Hooker 6:00
A3 Opus De Soul
Producer – Al Bell, Al Jackson, M. Thomas
Written-By – Alvertis Isbell, M. Thomas 5:30
A4 Baby, What You Want Me To Do
Producer – Al Bell, Al Jackson, B.T. Jones
Written-By – Jimmy Reed 3:30
B1 Big Bird
Producer – Al Bell, Al Jackson
Written By, Producer – B.T. Jones, E. Floyd 3:05
B2 Homer's Theme
Producer – Al Bell, Al Jackson, Homer Banks, Raymond Jackson
Written-By – H. Banks, R. Jackson 2:10
B3 Trashy Dog
Producer – Al Bell, Al Jackson
Written-By, Producer – Terry Manning 2:45
B4 Don't Turn Your Heater Down
Producer – Al Bell, Al Jackson, D. Porter, I. Hayes
Written-By – A. Isbell, S. Cropper 3:45
B5 Water
Producer – Al Bell, Al Jackson
Producer, Lead Vocals – Steve Cropper
Written-By – E. Floyd, S. Cropper 2:45
B6 Knock On Wood
Producer – Al Bell, Al Jackson, Albert King
Written-By – E. Floyd, S. Cropper 5:00
Label: Stax – STS 2020
Format: Vinyl, LP, Album
Country: US
Released: 1969
Genre: R&B Funk, Soul, Blues
Style: Rhythm & Blues, Soul
Jammed Together, the 1969 Stax album by Albert King, Steve Cropper, and Pops Staples, is a legendary, loose, and spirited collaboration showcasing three iconic guitarists with distinct styles (King's searing blues, Cropper's soulful R&B, Staples' tremolo gospel) jamming on originals and covers, creating a unique blend of blues, soul, and funk that's a must-have for guitar and soul fans, despite its occasional wandering feel. It's praised for its incredible guitar work, classic Stax production (Isaac Hayes/Al Jackson), and the rare chance to hear these legends interact live in the studio.
The album's core is the interplay between Albert King's aggressive bends, Steve Cropper's clean Telecaster funk, and Pops Staples' unique, shimmering tremolo picking. It seamlessly mixes blues standards (like Howlin' Wolf/Jimmy Reed covers) with Cropper's originals and gospel-infused soul, offering a dynamic mix.
The recording captures a "live in the studio" vibe, feeling loose and spontaneous, with plenty of room for solos, even if it occasionally feels like they're soloing in their own worlds. It features classic Stax personnel like Isaac Hayes and Al Jackson Jr., ensuring a soulful sound. Features vocals from each guitarist, with Cropper tackling his own classic-in-the-making, "Knock on Wood".
A favorite for serious R&B/soul connoisseurs and guitar enthusiasts. Considered a unique and essential Stax release, bridging different guitar styles. A celebrated session where three legends shared a stage, creating something special, even with its occasional directionless moments,