We remember guitarist, songwriter, and producer Steve Cropper, who helped create the Memphis soul sound of the ‘60s and ‘70s. He died this week at age 84. Stax Records produced soul hits by Booker T. & the M.G.s, Sam & Dave, Isaac Hayes, and more. Cropper spoke with Terry Gross in 1990 about how he became part of the house rhythm section, and went on to help write hits for Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett. Also, we remember the celebrated English playwright Tom Stoppard, who was considered a giant of theatre. He died at age 88. Stoppard wrote ‘Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead’ and ‘The Real Thing,’ and the screenplays for ‘Empire of the Sun’ and ‘Shakespeare in Love.’Jazz historian Kevin Whitehead pays tribute to jazz organist Jimmy Smith, and John Powers reviews the new Brazilian film ‘The Secret Agent.'Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
No persons identified in this episode.
This episode hasn't been transcribed yet
Help us prioritize this episode for transcription by upvoting it.
Popular episodes get transcribed faster
Other episodes from Fresh Air
Transcribed and ready to explore now
Who Is Laura Loomer, Trump's 'Loyalty Enforcer'?
12 Nov 2025
Fresh Air
Nutrition, SNAP & Why We Need A Food Revolution
11 Nov 2025
Fresh Air
Tim Robbins Believes In The Power Of Theater
10 Nov 2025
Fresh Air
Best Of: Judd Apatow / Misty Copeland
08 Nov 2025
Fresh Air
Patti Smith’s ‘Horses’ Turns 50
07 Nov 2025
Fresh Air
Trump's Options To Subvert The 2026 Midterms
06 Nov 2025
Fresh Air