Experience Music Project|Science Fiction Museum and Hall of Fame (EMP|SFM) honored legendary guitarist, producer and songwriter Steve Cropper at its 2009 Founders Award Celebration on Thursday, November 12th. EMP|SFM presented the award to Steve Cropper in recognition of a pioneering career that has influenced the direction of popular music and artists across all genres.

“Steve is a true pioneer who married his talents to scores of legends in the business. Today, every modern rock guitar player owes something to you, Steve,” wrote EMP|SFM Founder Paul G. Allen in a special note he composed for Cropper to commemorate the evening. “It is such an honor for us to give him the EMP Founders Award tonight.” 

The evening began with a tribute concert featuring an all-star band comprised of local musicians, including guest vocalists Fysah Thomas, Eldridge Gravy and Evan Foster, guitarist and bandleader Andrew McKeag, bassist Jeff Fielder, drummer Mike Musberger, keyboardist Ty Bailie, and saxophonist Craig Flory. The all-star band performed selections from Cropper’s songbook, including Booker T. and the MG’s “Green Onions,” Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,’’ Wilson Pickett’s “In the Midnight Hour’’ and Eddie Floyd’s “Knock on Wood.”

“It’s a real honor and pleasure to be here,” said Cropper in an emotional acceptance speech. “I want to especially thank EMP. I thank you for honoring me as an individual, but I want to in turn honor all of the great musicians of Stax: great people like Otis Redding, Eddie Floyd and Rufus Thomas.”

The event raised over $195,000. Proceeds from the Founders Award Celebration will benefit the museum’s youth education programs, including Sound Off! at EMP|SFM, the Northwest's largest underage battle of the bands and a launching pad for musical careers.

Education programs are at the heart of EMP|SFM’s mission to create immersive environments that invite emotional and intellectual responses. From school field trips and educator resource development to summer camps and the scholarship program, the museum reaches more than 40,000 schoolchildren annually.

The 2009 Founders Award Celebration was sponsored by J.P. Morgan.