Album: Dedicated: A Salute to The 5 Royales

Introduction
"Dedicated: A Salute to The 5 Royales" is a tribute album launched on July 5, 2011, by legendary American guitarist, songwriter, and producer Steve Cropper. The album pays homage to the prominent R&B group The 5 Royales, who are known for their blend of gospel, doo-wop, and blues that assisted create the blueprint for soul music in the 1950s and 1960s. The 5 Royales are most significant for their hit tunes "Dedicated to the One I Love" and "Think", and for songwriter Lowman Pauling, who affected a generation of musicians, including Steve Cropper himself. Cropper, best understood for his deal with Booker T. & the M.G.'s and as one of the driving forces behind Stax Records, gathered an outstanding lineup of musicians and entertainers for the task, including Lucinda Williams, B.B. King, Buddy Miller, and more.

Album Concept and Production
Cropper's inspiration for producing a homage album to The 5 Royales originated from his long-lasting appreciation for their music and the significance it keeps in forming the soul category. As a young guitar player in the 1960s, Cropper was heavily affected by the guitar work and songwriting of Lowman Pauling and saw him as a good example. With this album, Cropper intended to commemorate and reintroduce the music of The 5 Royales to a brand-new generation by reinterpreting their songs with a fresh touch and an outstanding lineup of artists.

To achieve this vision, Cropper enlisted Grammy-winning producer Jon Tiven, who co-produced the album and co-wrote most of the tracks with Cropper and Pauling credits. Taped at Tiven's Nashville studio, the album features a range of musical designs and arrangements, remaining real to The 5 Royales' roots while adding modern style. The partnership of numerous artists, each bringing their distinct sound to the project, adds to the richness and diversity of the album.

Tracklist and Featured Artists
"Dedicated: A Salute to The 5 Royales" consists of 15 tracks, with each song including a guest artist or band that brings a special interpretation to the initial product. Significant collaborations consist of blues legend B.B. King on "Baby Don't Do It", soulful vocalist Brian May with "I Do", Lucinda Williams taking on "When I Get Like This", and a duet in between Cropper and Steve Winwood on the traditional "Thirty Second Lover". Other noteworthy artists lending their skills are blues guitarist Buddy Miller, country singer Delbert McClinton, soul vocalist Bettye LaVette, and rockabilly queen Wanda Jackson.

Vital Reception and Legacy
Upon its release, "Dedicated: A Salute to The 5 Royales" was consulted with overwhelmingly positive evaluations from critics, who praised Cropper's capability to pay tribute while supplying fresh interpretations of the initial songs. Critics commended the option and the chemistry of visitor artists, praising the seamless blending of categories that the album achieved.

The album acts as a testament to The 5 Royales' long lasting impact on the soul and R&B categories and the artists that they have influenced. "Dedicated: A Salute to The 5 Royales" not only showcases the brilliance of The 5 Royales' original structures but also highlights the innovative bond in between Steve Cropper and Lowman Pauling, serving as a bridge between generations of artists who have actually been touched by their music.