Steve Cropper, legendary guitarist for Booker T. & The M.G.’s at Stax Records, passes away at the age of 84

Steve Cropper, a cornerstone of Stax Records and the guitarist behind Booker T. & The M.G.s, has passed away at the age of 84, according to his son, Cameron.

Born in Missouri, Cropper moved to Memphis when he was nine and picked up his first guitar at 14. He went on to play a pivotal role in shaping the soul music sound that defined an era.

During his decade-long tenure at Stax Records, Cropper worked as a guitarist, producer, and a key member of the studios house band, Booker T. & The M.G.s. He was instrumental in creating and co-writing classic hits such as Wilson Picketts In The Midnight Hour, Eddie Floyds Knock On Wood, and Otis Reddings (Sittin On) The Dock Of The Bay.

After Stax Records decline, Cropper continued to thrive as a session musician and producer, collaborating with artists including Rod Stewart, Peter Frampton, Art Garfunkel, Ringo Starr, and Wynonna Judd. He also led projects for Tower of Power, John Mellencamp, Jose Feliciano, Poco, and John Prine, while releasing a dozen solo albums, the latest being 2024s Friendlytown.

Cropper became part of the Blues Brothers backing band, performing alongside John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, and appeared in their 1980 film. Recognized for his contributions to music, he was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Having lived over 30 years in Nashville and 15 years in Los Angeles, Croppers legacy remains tied to Memphis and his influential work at Stax. He featured in the 2024 HBO documentary on the label and was preparing a memoir chronicling his remarkable career in music.

Steve Cropper: A Final Reflection on a Legendary Guitarist

Steve Cropper’s passing at the age of 84 marks the end of an era in the world of soul and rock music. Known as a pivotal figure in the formation of the Stax Records sound, Cropper’s contributions to music are immeasurable. From his early years in Memphis to his significant role in Booker T. & The M.G.'s, he shaped the very foundations of the genre.

Beyond his time at Stax, Cropper’s career spanned decades, with collaborations that further cemented his legacy as one of the most influential session musicians of his time. His ability to blend seamlessly into a diverse range of projects—from Rod Stewart to John Mellencamp—demonstrates the breadth of his talent. However, his work on classics like "(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay" remains timeless, forever tying his name to some of the greatest moments in music history.

Despite the decline of Stax Records, Cropper continued to thrive, influencing new generations of musicians and leaving behind a body of work that will continue to inspire for years to come. His induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, along with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, serves as a testament to his enduring impact on the music world.

Cropper’s legacy will also live on through his memoir, a final personal reflection on his long and remarkable career. As the world continues to absorb the loss of this musical giant, we are reminded of the countless moments of joy and history that his guitar work provided.

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• Steve Cropper, famed Stax guitarist for Booker T. & The M.G.’s, dies at 84