Not many people start new bands in their 80s, but legendary guitarist, producer, and songwriter Steve Cropper isn’t slowing down any time soon. The triple-threat musician, recently nominated for his first solo GRAMMY for the debut album from his tight and tuneful rock n’ soul quintet, Steve Cropper & The Midnight Hour, has announced details of his highly anticipated sophomore album, ‘Friendlytown,’ due out August 23rd via Mascot Label Group/Provogue.

After decades of stardom in soul, blues, and rock n roll, as well as several GRAMMY wins with  the Blues Brothers, Booker T. and the M.G, and as a songwriter and producer, Steve Cropper has earned his first GRAMMY nomination as an individual musician for ‘Fire It Up,’ his latest full-length release.

Guitar and Stax legend Steve Cropper has just released "Fire It Up," the title track from his new album, out April 23rd. Calling it his first proper solo album since 1969, Cropper explains, “This album is different from everything out there now - I haven’t heard myself this way since the 60s.” "Fire It Up" features vocals by Roger C. Reale, who commented, "Back when I initially heard the track, it had a jump up feel - get started, get moving, look forward to a better day, grab the moment.

On April 23rd, guitar legend Steve Cropper will release ‘Fire It Up,’ which he’s calling his first proper solo album since 1969, after decades of stardom in soul, blues, and rock and roll.