guitarist, songwriter, and producer who helped shape the sound of Memphis soul music, has passed away at 84. His son confirmed the news, and fans all around the world are remembering the huge impact he made.
A Guitarist Who Let the Music Speak
Steve Cropper wasn’t the kind of guitarist who tried to show off or play fast just to impress people. Instead, he believed in serving the song. His style was simple, clean, and incredibly effective. Every note he played had purpose.
He became famous as a member of Booker T. & the MG’s, the interracial house band of Stax Records in Memphis. Their sound became the heartbeat of soul music in the 1960s. With hits like “Green Onions,” “Soul-Limbo,” and “Time Is Tight,” they created music that still feels fresh today.
Behind the Scenes of Soul Music
Cropper wasn’t just a guitarist — he was also a producer, writer, and engineer. He worked closely with some of the biggest names in soul music, including:
Otis Redding
Sam & Dave
Wilson Pickett
Rufus and Carla Thomas
Eddie Floyd
Many legendary songs wouldn’t exist without him. He co-wrote classics like:
“(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”
“In the Midnight Hour”
“Knock On Wood”
“Mr. Pitiful”
Mojo Magazine even ranked him as the second-greatest guitarist of all time, right behind Jimi Hendrix.
How It All Started
Steve Cropper was born in Missouri in 1941 and moved to Memphis at age nine. He picked up the guitar at 14, inspired by the R&B and blues music all around him. In high school, he helped form the group that would eventually become The Mar-Keys, who had a big hit with “Last Night.”
After that success, Cropper started spending more time at Stax Records, where he worked in the studio and soon became a key part of their music-making team. A casual jam session during a slow day led to the creation of “Green Onions,” which became a huge hit and cemented the band’s legacy.
Life After Stax
Cropper left Stax in 1970 but continued making music. He played with Booker T. & the MG’s through the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. He also worked with major artists like:
Bob Dylan
Neil Young
John Fogerty
Levon Helm
Many people also know him for his work with The Blues Brothers. He played guitar for the band, appeared in both movies, and helped bring soul music to a whole new audience.
A Lasting Legacy
Steve Cropper’s influence stretches across generations. His music inspired countless guitarists, and his approach — always serving the song first — became a model for what it means to be a true musician. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as part of Booker T. & the MG’s.
Even in his later years, he continued performing and recording, always staying connected to the music he loved.
Final Thoughts
Steve Cropper may not have been the loudest or flashiest musician, but he was one of the most important. His guitar work shaped the sound of soul music, his songwriting created timeless hits, and his production helped some of the greatest artists of all time find their voice.
He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire musicians and fans for generations.