Steve Cropper, iconic guitarist of Booker T & the MGs, passes away at 84

Steve Cropper, the celebrated guitarist, songwriter, and producer whose contributions at Stax Records shaped the sound of Memphis soul, has died at the age of 84, confirmed by his son Cameron.

Best known as the guitarist for the legendary soul group Booker T & the MGs, Cropper played a central role in crafting timeless hits, including the classic instrumental Green Onions. His signature guitar style was a defining element of Stax Records output, a label that produced international successes for artists such as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, Rufus and Carla Thomas, and Eddie Floyd.

Cropper contributed to notable tracks like the MGs Soul Limbo and Time Is Tight, and Reddings (Sittin on) The Dock of the Bay and Mr. Pitiful. He also played on Picketts In the Midnight Hour and 634-5789, Floyds Knock on Wood and Raise Your Hand, and Don Covays See Saw and Sookie Sookie. In 1996, Mojo magazine named him the second-greatest guitarist of all time, only behind Jimi Hendrix.

Born and raised in Memphis, Cropper picked up the guitar at age 14 and joined Stax Records at 20, after performing with saxophonist Charles Packy Axton. A casual studio session with Booker T. Jones, Donald Duck Dunn, and Al Jackson Jr. led to the creation of Green Onions, which soared to No. 1 on the R&B charts and No. 3 on the pop charts, cementing Staxs reputation.

As part of Booker T & the MGs, Cropper spent long hours in the studio recording for numerous artists. Despite leaving Stax in 1970 over administrative disagreements, the band continued to collaborate on tours and recordings throughout the 1970s to 1990s, supporting acts like Neil Young, Bob Dylan, John Fogerty, and Levon Helm.

After Stax, Cropper gained further fame as lead guitarist for the Blues Brothers, featuring on their 1978 album Briefcase Full of Blues and other releases, and appearing in both The Blues Brothers (1980) and Blues Brothers 2000 (1998). He remained active in music, releasing four solo albums after 2000.

Cropper was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 with the MGs. He is survived by his wife, Angel, and four children.

Commentary: Remembering Steve Cropper's Enduring Legacy

Steve Cropper's passing at 84 marks the end of an era for Memphis soul. As the guitarist and songwriter behind Booker T & the MGs, his work shaped the very sound that defined Stax Records. Hits like Green Onions and collaborations with Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett highlight a career built on precision, creativity, and musical intuition.

Beyond his technical skill, Cropper’s influence is evident in the countless artists he supported in the studio and on tour. From the MGs’ foundational role in Stax’s success to his later work with the Blues Brothers, Cropper’s guitar was consistently the thread connecting soul, R&B, and rock music across decades.

Recognized by Mojo magazine as the second-greatest guitarist of all time, Cropper leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond notes and chords. His approach to songwriting and collaboration remains a blueprint for musicians today. For Memphis, and the wider music world, his contributions will resonate for generations.

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• Steve Cropper, legendary guitarist for Booker T & the MGs, dies aged 84