Steve Cropper, Pop Staples & Albert King-Jammed Together (1969)

In 1968, Stax Records, one of the most successful R&B, gospel, soul, and funk labels, ceased to be under the wing of the giant Atlantic Records. At that time, Stax sought ways to expand its catalog beyond the release of singles, most of which were hugely successful, and focused on what was proving most productive at the time: albums. Thus, one of its first releases was a collaboration between three of Stax's best guitarists: Steve Cropper, a prestigious session musician who played with bands such as the iconic Brooker T. & The MG's; Albert King, one of the greatest bluesmen in history; and Pop Staples, leader of The Staples Singers. Considered one of the greatest guitar tours de force ever recorded, it was released alongside the legendary "Super Sessions", featuring Mike Bloomfield, Al Kooper, and Stephen Stills, which had been released the previous year. Driven by a rhythm section of Stax musicians, including drummer Al Jackson and keyboardist Isaac Hayes, as well as a horn section, this is an excellent showcase of three distinct guitar styles. The album's repertoire consists primarily of instrumental versions of blues, soul, and gospel standards such as Ray Charles' "What'd I Say", John Lee Hooker's "Tupelo", Eddie Floyd's "Knock on Wood", and Jimmy Reed's "Baby, What You Want Me To Do", in which this impressive trio of guitarists delivered some of the most memorable guitar jams ever recorded.