Guitarist Steve Cropper: Steve Cropper, the legendary guitarist and songwriter who helped shape the Memphis soul sound, has died at age 84.
His family confirmed he passed away in Nashville after a recent fall.
Cropper was the guitarist and a core creative force in Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Stax Records’ house band.
That group backed countless soul classics and recorded the instrumental hit “Green Onions.”
He co-wrote era-defining songs including “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” and “In the Midnight Hour.”
Those credits make him not just a player but a cornerstone songwriter of American R&B.
Cropper’s tone was famously economical — every note served the song.
Musicians and critics often call his style the textbook for “less-is-more” guitar in soul music.
Born in 1941 and raised in Memphis, Cropper picked up the guitar as a teen and quickly became embedded in the city’s studio scene.
His work at Stax from the early 1960s onward shaped the label’s sound and many careers.
As part of Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Cropper was among the rare racially integrated bands of the era.
That band provided the musical backbone for Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett and others.
He also found broader pop culture fame with the Blues Brothers, touring and appearing in film with Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi.
Those performances introduced his playing to a new generation and cemented his crossover appeal.
Cropper’s awards and honors reflected his outsized influence: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, Songwriters Hall recognition, and Grammy honors.
Late in life he continued making music, including the 2024 album Friendlytown, which earned critical notice and a Grammy nomination.
Producers and artists sought Cropper for his musical judgment and his patient studio approach.
He co-produced and played on landmark records that still define the sound of Southern soul.
What made Cropper special was how his guitar worked inside the song instead of dominating it.
Listen to his lines on “Soul Man” or “Knock on Wood” and you’ll hear a master of pocket, timing, and restraint.
Beyond studio work, Cropper helped shape younger musicians and preserved Stax’s legacy through interviews, liner notes and occasional tours.
He remained a living link to a pivotal era of American music up until the end of his life.
Tributes poured in from across the music world after news of his death.
Peers and journalists highlighted both his craft and his generosity as a collaborator.
For listeners who want to honor Cropper now, start with a short playlist: Green Onions, Soul Man, (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay, In the Midnight Hour, and any Booker T. & the M.G.’s session.
These tracks showcase his range from spare instrumentals to tight, supportive rhythm work.
Behind the scenes, Cropper’s songwriting credits created earnings and recognition that sustained him and his family for decades.
He leaves behind his wife Angel and four children, and a legacy that will be taught to new guitarists for generations.
How the world will remember Steve Cropper matters in three simple ways: the songs he helped write, the studio craft he modeled, and the spirit of collaboration he lived.
Those three pillars explain why his influence reaches musicians of many genres and generations.
Which Steve Cropper recording means the most to you?
Disclaimer: This post summarises reporting available as of December 4, 2025, for informational and commemorative purposes.
For family statements or official service details, consult announcements from the family or Cropper’s representatives.