Iconic guitarist Steve Cropper, known for his work with Booker T. and the M.G.'s, passes away at age 84

Steve Cropper, the iconic guitarist and songwriter whose understated style helped define Memphis soul and who co-wrote timeless hits like "Green Onions," "(Sittin' on) the Dock of the Bay," and "In the Midnight Hour," has died at the age of 84.

Pat Mitchell Worley, president and CEO of the Soulsville Foundation, which manages the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, confirmed Cropper's death. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Longtime friend Eddie Gore said he was with Cropper at a rehabilitation facility in Nashville following a recent fall, noting that Cropper had been working on new music at the time.

Known for his precise, soulful guitar work rather than flashy solos, Croppers minimalist style became a cornerstone of the Memphis sound. Unlike many White musicians of his era who profited by appropriating Black artists' music, Cropper was celebrated for his collaboration and humility. His influence was widely acknowledged by peers, including Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, who described him as "perfect," and Joe Bonamassa, who noted that Croppers guitar techniques are widely emulated.

Born near Dora, Missouri, Cropper moved to Memphis at age nine and received his first guitar by mail at 14. Early inspirations included Chuck Berry, Jimmy Reed, and Chet Atkins. He joined Satellite Records, later renamed Stax, with his band the Royals Spades, which evolved into the Mar-Keys. Their hit "Last Night" marked the beginning of Cropper's influential career. Later, he helped form Booker T. & the M.G.'s with keyboardist Booker T. Jones, bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn, and drummer Al Jackson Jr., performing classic instrumentals and backing legendary artists like Otis Redding and Sam & Dave.

Cropper co-wrote "(Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay" with Redding shortly before the singers untimely death in 1967. The posthumous release became a No. 1 hit and earned a Grammy Award for Best R&B Song, cementing Croppers place in music history.

Booker T. & the M.G.'s were among the few racially integrated bands of the time, blending talent across racial lines and setting a standard for musical collaboration. Croppers contributions to the Stax sound also included co-writing with Wilson Pickett, helping transform gospel-inspired lines into soul classics.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, Cropper also earned a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007. He appeared in the films The Blues Brothers and Blues Brothers 2000, touring as part of the band in real life. Cropper remained active in music late into his life, with his 2024 album Friendlytown receiving a Grammy nomination, and was recently honored with the Tennessee Governor's Arts Award.

Steve Cropper leaves behind a legacy of musical innovation, soulful guitar, and timeless contributions to American music.

Author: Natalie Monroe