My musical icons are disappearing like fall leaves.

Yesterday saw the passing of guitar great Steve Cropper. He was the power behind "Green Onions" by Booker T & the MGs.

I first saw him in the '80s when Neil Young used the MGs as his Blue Notes. It was awe inspiring watching the two trying to out-grunge each other on guitar soloes.

I saw him again a couple years ago at Kent stage where he told the story of how he didn't have a title for a demo he sent to a DJ friend. That DJ soon called Cropper, frantically asking for a title because the phone lines were lighting up with listeners who wanted to buy a copy. "Green Onions" was the first thing that came to mind.

Booker and Donald "Duck" Dunn lay down an infectious groove but it's Steve's Fender Esquire that owns this song. Hang in there for the soloes and ending piece. Captivating guitar work on such a simple melody.