Legendary Guitarist Steve Cropper Passes Away at 84

Steve Cropper, the influential guitarist known for his work with Booker T & the MGs and as a key figure at Stax Records, has died at the age of 84. His son, Cameron Cropper, confirmed the news to Variety. Cropper’s contributions to music, particularly in the soul genre, have left an enduring legacy.

Cropper was renowned for his role in the iconic soul band Booker T & the MGs, which is often celebrated as one of the finest backing bands in music history. The band is best remembered for their timeless instrumental hit, Green Onions, a track that not only showcased Cropper’s distinctive guitar skills but also significantly contributed to Stax Records’ rise in the music industry.

During his career at Stax, Cropper played a crucial role in shaping the sound of Memphis soul. He was instrumental in the production and performance of numerous hits for legendary artists such as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and Sam & Dave. Notable tracks featuring Cropper include Redding’s “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay” and “Mr. Pitiful,” as well as Pickett’s “In the Midnight Hour” and “634-5789.” His work extended to producing and engineering tracks like “Soul-Limbo” and “Time is Tight,” further cementing his place in music history.

Early Life and Career at Stax

Born in 1939 in Memphis, Cropper began playing guitar at the age of 14. His journey in music took a significant turn when he joined Stax Records at the age of 20. Alongside fellow musicians Booker T. Jones, Donald ‘Duck’ Dunn, and Al Jackson Jr., Cropper helped create Green Onions, which reached No. 1 on the R&B charts and No. 3 on the pop charts. Cropper recalled the intense atmosphere of the studio, stating, “We would literally spend 15 hours a day in the studio. I think we had 17 or 18 artists on the roster, so we had a pretty busy schedule.”

Despite parting ways with Stax in 1970 due to conflicts with the management, Cropper continued to collaborate with the MGs on various projects throughout the 1970s and 1990s. Their work during this period included backing renowned artists like Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and John Fogerty.

Legacy and Later Years

Cropper’s post-Stax career saw him join the musical act The Blues Brothers, formed by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. He played on their 1978 album “Briefcase Full of Blues” and appeared in the cult classic film “The Blues Brothers” as well as its sequel, “Blues Brothers 2000.” His influence in the music industry was recognized when he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as a member of the MGs.

Despite his passing, Cropper’s music and impact on the soul genre remain significant. He continued to record and release music into his later years, with four solo albums released after 2000. He is survived by his wife, Angel, and four children, leaving behind a rich legacy that resonates with music lovers around the world.