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.

Author: Gavin Porter