Brian May's Words: A Testament to Steve Cropper's 'Incredible Integrity'
(Originally published: January 18, 2026, UK)
Is Brian May, the legendary guitarist of Queen, among the top guitarists from the UK? It's a question that sparks debate! While icons like Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, and David Gilmour undoubtedly vie for the title, May's melodic genius and knack for grand harmonies were essential to Queen's success. His playing style perfectly complemented Freddie Mercury's powerful vocals and the band's opulent compositions.
May's solos have a regal quality, rooted in rock and pop while also reaching for classical music's heights. But here's where it gets controversial: some critics might find this approach overblown, yet it's precisely what hardcore Queen fans adore.
May's unique guitar style, shaped by the greats of the 1950s and '60s – Hank Marvin, Jimmy Page, Jimi Hendrix, and Jeff Beck – is a testament to his musical influences. However, May reserved special praise for a guitarist who doesn't always receive the same recognition: Steve Cropper.
"I love what Steve Cropper does," May told Classic Rock History in 2025. "Steve has stayed so close to his roots; that’s the amazing thing. He’s still that guy playing solid… I don’t even know how to express it; there’s incredible integrity about the era that Steve helped to create.”
For those unfamiliar, Cropper's iconic guitar work can be heard on Booker T. & the M.G.'s' instrumental hit, 'Green Onions'. As a member of the Stax Records house band, Cropper played on countless soul classics from the Memphis label. He also produced and wrote songs.
Cropper's Telecaster skills led him to collaborate with a vast array of artists, including Big Star, Frank Black, Chicago, Peter Frampton, Otis Redding, and even Leo Sayer. His Memphis sound was so influential that even The Beatles sought to work with him, though their manager canceled the session.
May's collaboration with Cropper, including a guitar part on 'Too Much Stress' from the Steve Cropper & the Midnight Hour project's 2024 album Friendlytown, highlights Cropper's lasting impact on the younger guitarist. Cropper passed away the following year.
"Steve’s playing has expression; it’s like a violin," May said. "It could talk like a human voice; that’s what got me. That’s what reached out to me. I just thought, ‘That’s what I want to do. I want to make the guitar speak like he does in ‘Green Onions.’”
"It still gives me shivers up the spine to think about hearing that for the first time. I just thought, ‘How’s he doing that? How does the guitar do that?’ So, I was bitten. That’s the whole… that’s where it starts. For me, the guitar became a voice.”
And this is the part most people miss... May wasn't just admiring Cropper's technique; he was inspired by his ability to make the guitar speak. Cropper's playing wasn't just notes; it was a conversation, a story told through the strings. This emotional connection is what captivated May.
What do you think? Do you agree with Brian May's assessment of Steve Cropper's influence? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
