Duck was the backbone of Booker T. & the MG’s, one of the four best R&B contingents of all time. I own virtually every 45 and 33 record the group ever made and play the 45s on my German-made 1948 Wurlitzer jukebox. Debbie and I last saw Duck at the Musicians Hall of Fame inductions in Nashville, TN. Duck was playing with Booker and Steve Cropper. It was a great time, and the band was treated like royalty even by whackos like Keith Richards and Kid Rock, two of the awards presenters.
Duck, Booker and Steve played together since they were kids growing up in Memphis. A few years ago when I was researching the original players on the Mar-Keys’ Last Night, I spoke with band member and Memphis Horns legend Wayne Jackson. Wayne suggested I speak with Duck to help piece together the final question in my puzzle. I had a great link to Duck given to me by the world’s foremost dealer in 45 records. It was exciting to think that I might be speaking with a musician I had followed since his earliest days in music. Well I was unable to connect with Duck and will now never have the chance to speak with a man that I and everyone who knew Duck Dunn thought of as one of the finest R&B bass players of all time.
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