Bill DeMain chats about Steve Cropper, The Eagles and David Bowie

Music writer Bill DeMain recalls his interviews with Steve Cropper, David Bowie and tells the origin story of "Hotel California."

R.I.P. guitarist/songwriter Steve Cropper 1941-2025

Sadly, influential guitarist Steve Cropper – co-founder of Booker T and the MGs – has passed away at 84. He'll be greatly missed.

One For The Weekend: William Shatner

Check out William Shatner's version of "Let's Work Together" off his new album The Blues out now. 

Here's the scoop...

Legendary star of the stage and screen, William Shatner, brings his dramatic interpretive talents to the blues music canon on this unlikely new album. 

The Blues (available here) features guest appearances by legendary guitarists James Burton, Steve Cropper, Richie Blackmore, slide ace Sonny Landreth, Ronnie Earl, Arthur Adams, Pat Travers, contemporary country star Brad Paisley and others. Check out the album's first single a cover of "Let's Work Together" featuring members of Canned Heat with guitarist Harvey Mandel following the track listing. 

William Shatner - The Blues (Cleopatra)

1. Sweet Home Chicago feat. Brad Paisley

2. I Can’t Quit You Baby feat. Kirk Fletcher

3. Sunshine Of Your Love feat. Sonny Landreth

4. The Thrill Is Gone feat. Ritchie Blackmore

5. Mannish Boy feat. Ronnie Earl

6. Born Under A Bad Sign feat. Tyler Bryant

7. I Put A Spell On You feat. Pat Travers

8. Crossroads feat. James Burton

9. Smokestack Lightnin’ feat. Jeff “Skunk” Baxter

10. As The Years Go Passing By feat. Arthur Adams

11. Let’s Work Together feat. Harvey Mandel & Canned Heat

12. Route 66 feat. Steve Cropper

13. In Hell I’ll Be In Good Company feat. Albert Lee

14. Secrets Or Sins

One For The Weekend: Prince Conley

RIP Don Covay, 1938-2015

Soul great Don Covay, who passed away on Jan 30, had a huge influence on Mick Jagger's vocal delivery.