Steve Cropper, Iconic Guitarist for Booker T & the MGs, Otis Redding and the Blues Brothers, Passes Away at 84

Steve Cropper, the legendary guitarist who played a pivotal role in shaping Memphis soul as a performer, songwriter, and producer at Stax Records, has passed away at the age of 84, according to his son Cameron.

Widely recognized for his concise and powerful guitar style in the influential instrumental group Booker T. & the MGs, Croppers signature riffs and solos also enriched recordings by soul legends including Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, Rufus and Carla Thomas, and Eddie Floyd. Beyond performance, he contributed to production and engineering on many of these tracks.

In 1996, Mojo magazine ranked him the worlds second-greatest guitarist after Jimi Hendrix, praising his precise timing, memorable riffs, and tasteful solos that always complemented the song rather than overshadowed it.

Cropper co-wrote enduring classics such as "Green Onions," "Soul Limbo," and "Time Is Tight", as well as hits for other artists, including Reddings "(Sittin on) The Dock of the Bay" and "Mr. Pitiful", Picketts "In the Midnight Hour" and "634-5789", Floyds "Knock On Wood" and "Raise Your Hand", and Don Covays "Seesaw" and "Sookie Sookie".

After leaving Stax in 1970 due to management conflicts, Cropper continued performing with the MGs through the 1970s to 1990s, touring and collaborating with artists like Bob Dylan, Neil Young, John Fogerty, and Levon Helm of The Band. His later prominence included being the lead guitarist for the musical act Blues Brothers, appearing on their albums and in both film releases.

Born October 21, 1941, in Dora, Missouri, Cropper moved to Memphis at age nine and began playing guitar at 14. His early influences included Lowman Pauling, Billy Butler, and Wayne Bennett. In 1960, he formed the R&B band Royal Spades with schoolmates, including bassist Donald Duck Dunn. The group eventually became part of the foundation for Stax Records, recording hits like "Last Night" and later the iconic "Green Onions".

During the 1960s, as part of the house band for Stax, Cropper and the MGs played on countless recordings and tours, supporting major artists and contributing to the labels distinctive sound. He also released solo projects, including collaborations with Pops Staples and Albert King.

In the 1970s and beyond, Cropper focused on production, working with artists such as John Prine, Jeff Beck, and Ringo Starr. Later MGs lineups continued to record and perform, while Cropper achieved mainstream fame with the Blues Brothers, contributing to multiple albums and films.

Croppers legacy includes numerous performances, collaborations, and four solo albums in the 2000s, including "Dedicated", a tribute to Lowman Pauling. He is survived by his second wife, Angel, and their two children, as well as two children from his first marriage.

Author: Benjamin Carter