Media Advisory: Smithsonian Accepts Donation of Four Historic Instruments From Celebrated Musician Steve Cropper

WHAT: Guitarist and songwriter Steve Cropper will present three guitars and an amplifier used during
               his legendary 60-year career to the National Museum of American History. Cropper also will
               perform some of his songs.

WHEN:     Thursday, Dec. 1
                   11 a.m. - Noon 

WHERE:  Smithsonian's National Museum of American History
                   Constitution Avenue entrance, between 12th and 14th streets N.W.
                   Hall of Music, third floor, west wing

WHO:       John Gray, director, National Museum of American History
                  Steve Cropper, musician and donor
                  John Edward Hasse, curator, American music, National Museum of American History

In a special ceremony, the National Museum of American History will accept a donation of three Fender guitars and an amplifier from Steve Cropper. The objects were used during recording sessions, movies and concerts. There will be a live musical performance of several legendary works by Cropper in which the donated instruments are used and an on-stage interview.

Cropper, born 1941, is an inductee into the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and a prolific recording artist. He wrote or co-wrote hundreds of songs, including “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay,” “Knock on Wood,” “In the Midnight Hour,” “634-5789” and more than 400 others. His songs have been recorded by Booker T and the MGs, Otis Redding, Aretha Franklin, James Taylor, Michael Bolton, Glen Campbell, Rod Stewart, The Staple Singers, Waylon Jennings, Aaron Neville, Eric Clapton and David Bowie.

Note to editors: Media are welcome to attend by registering with the Office of Communications and Marketing at 202-633-3129 or galloc@si.edu.  

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