Steve Cropper, Esteemed Guitarist of Booker T. & the M.G.'s, Passes Away at 84

Steve Cropper, the influential guitarist, songwriter, and producer who helped define the Memphis soul sound as part of the iconic Stax Records house band Booker T. & the M.G.s, has died at the age of 84, according to the Associated Press. The news was confirmed by Croppers family through Pat Mitchell Worley, president and CEO of the Soulsville Foundation, though the cause of death was not disclosed.

Cropper was a founding member of Booker T. & the M.G.s, alongside organist Booker T. Jones, bassist Donald Duck Dunn, and drummer Al Jackson Jr. His guitar work can be heard on numerous classic recordings by artists such as Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and Carla and Rufus Thomas. Beyond supporting other musicians, the band released their own instrumental records, most famously 1962s Green Onions. Booker T. & the M.G.s were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.

Born in Missouri and raised in Memphis, Cropper began playing guitar at 14. During high school, he joined a band called the Royal Spades, which later signed with Satellite Records, the predecessor of Stax. Renamed the Mar-Keys, they became the labels first house band, achieving a hit with 1961s Last Night. Cropper soon became Staxs A&R director and co-founded Booker T. & the M.G.s. Their impromptu session resulted in the classic instrumental Green Onions, which reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

In addition to performing, Cropper co-wrote several legendary songs, including Otis Reddings (Sittin On) The Dock of the Bay, Eddie Floyds Knock on Wood, and Wilson Picketts In the Midnight Hour. He is also referenced in Sam & Daves 1967 hit Soul Man, where Sam Moore ad-libs, Play it, Steve!

Cropper released his first solo album, With a Little Help from My Friends, in 1969 and departed Stax the following year. He later founded Trans-Maximus Studios in Memphis, producing albums for John Prine and Tower of Power and performing with Ringo Starr and Rod Stewart. In the late 1970s, he joined John Belushi and Dan Aykroyds Blues Brothers Band, appearing on five albums and in two films. He eventually reunited with Booker T. & the M.G.s for live performances.

His final solo album, Friendlytown, was released last year, capping a career that left an indelible mark on soul, R&B, and rock music.

Reflection on the Legacy of Steve Cropper

Steve Cropper’s passing at the age of 84 marks the end of an era for soul, R&B, and rock music. As a founding member of Booker T. & the M.G.'s, his contribution to the Memphis sound is immeasurable. Cropper's work transcended the role of a typical guitarist; he was a cornerstone of the Stax Records house band, shaping hits that became the soundtrack of a generation. His guitar riffs and songwriting, including collaborations with Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and Wilson Pickett, continue to influence artists and musicians to this day.

Cropper’s musicianship extended beyond performance. His involvement in the creation of classics such as "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" and "Knock on Wood" solidified his place in music history. The enduring impact of these songs, along with his instrumental contributions, speaks to his versatility as a composer and producer. Even after leaving Stax in the early 1970s, his influence continued, from producing albums to playing with legends like Ringo Starr and Rod Stewart.

While his passing is a moment of loss, it is also an opportunity to reflect on a career that defined soul music's golden age and influenced generations. As we remember Steve Cropper, we are reminded of his pivotal role in creating timeless music that transcends decades.

Sources:

• Steve Cropper, Revered Guitarist of Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Dies at 84