This week we move on from torchy ballads to an up-tempo Stax soul classic.

Mr. Pitiful was written in 1965 by Otis Redding and Steve Cropper. It was the first of many classic tunes they wrote together.

We begin with the Otis Redding original with Steve Cropper on lead guitar.

You were probably wondering how I could squeeze a version by a chick singer into this week’s proceedings. This is how: the great Etta James with Miss Pitiful.

Mr. Pitiful was a particular favorite of bluesman Taj Mahal who recorded it several times.

Texas blues belter Delbert McClinton recorded the Redding-Cropper classic in 1979.

Speaking of Texans, the Sir Douglas Quintet got all pitiful in 1999:

Finally, a 2009 recording by Tower of Power with Redding and Cropper’s Stax stable mate, Sam Moore on lead vocals.

What would a Friday Cocktail Hour be without an instrumental version of this week’s tune? This time, Dave Douglas and Brass Ecstasy:

That’s it for this week. I propose a toast to Steve Cropper who is 82 years old and still with us. Thanks for all the great music, sir. It’s what the folks at Soulsville USA would want. Never argue with a museum.