Cropper came into prominence in the ’60s and became one of the best-known soul guitarists in the world. He made his mark not only as a player and arranger, but as a songwriter, co-writing such classics as In the Midnight Hour. In the ’70s he produced such artists as Jeff Beck and Mitch Ryder. In the ’80s came the Blues Brothers and Cropper remains relevant and in demand, going on to release an all-star concept album in 2011, featuring such greats as B.B. King, Steve Winwood, Lucinda Williams, Delbert McClinton and Buddy Miller. His nickname is The Colonel.