Guitarist Steve Cropper from Booker T. and the M.G.'s passes away at the age of 84

Steve Cropper, the celebrated guitarist and founding member of Booker T. & the M.G.s and the Blues Brothers Band, has passed away at the age of 84. His death was confirmed on his official Facebook page, stating he "passed peacefully in Nashville."

The statement continued: "Steve was a cherished musician, songwriter, and producer whose remarkable talent touched millions across the globe. As we grieve the loss of a husband, father, and friend, we take solace knowing his music will keep his legacy alive. Each song he played, every composition he created, and the artists he influenced will continue to inspire generations."

Booker T. & the M.G.s served as the house band for the iconic Stax Records. Cropper contributed to legendary tracks such as Sam & Daves "Soul Man" and Otis Reddings "(Sittin On) the Dock of the Bay," which he co-wrote and produced. He also co-wrote classics like "In the Midnight Hour" with Wilson Pickett and "Knock on Wood" with Eddie Floyd, while producing numerous recordings for the label.

After leaving Stax Records in 1970, Cropper collaborated with renowned artists including Rod Stewart, Ringo Starr, John Lennon, The Jeff Beck Group, and Peter Frampton. He also served as the lead guitarist for the Blues Brothers, fronted by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, appearing in both The Blues Brothers (1980) and Blues Brothers 2000 (1998).

Even after departing from Stax, Cropper continued performing and recording with Booker T. & the M.G.s, whose final album, Thats the Way It Should Be, was released in 1994. Cropper began his solo career with the 1969 album With a Little Help From My Friends and most recently released Friendlytown in 2024 with his band The Midnight Hour, featuring guest appearances from Billy F. Gibbons of ZZ Top and Queens Brian May.

Nicknamed "The Colonel," Cropper earned two Grammy Awards and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as part of Booker T. & the M.G.s. He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005.

Author: Jackson Miller