The music industry has lost one of its most influential figures with the passing of Steve Cropper, the legendary guitarist of Booker T and the MGs, who died Wednesday in Nashville at age 84. According to Associated Press reports confirmed by family sources, Cropper’s death marks the end of an era for soul music enthusiasts worldwide.
Cropper’s musical legacy stands as a testament to his extraordinary career that spanned decades. As a core member of the iconic quartet Booker T & the MGs, he served as the house band for Memphis’s revolutionary Stax Records, creating the timeless 1962 instrumental hit ‘Green Onions’ that would define an entire generation’s sound.
Beyond his work with the MGs, Cropper’s creative genius manifested through his collaborations with music legends. He co-wrote and performed on Otis Redding’s timeless classic ‘(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay’ and Wilson Pickett’s electrifying ‘In The Midnight Hour.’ His songwriting prowess extended to Eddie Floyd’s enduring hit ‘Knock on Wood,’ showcasing his versatile musical vocabulary.
In the late 1970s, Cropper expanded his artistic reach by joining John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd’s acclaimed Blues Brothers project, contributing his distinctive guitar work to their celebrated cover of ‘Soul Man.’
British music publication Mojo recognized his monumental talent by ranking him as the second-greatest guitarist of all time in 1996. Cropper’s philosophy toward music remained humble despite his achievements. ‘I’ve always thought of myself as a rhythm player,’ he revealed in a 2021 Guitar.com interview. ‘I get off on the fact that I can play something over and over and over.’
His family’s statement, reported by Rolling Stone, captured the profound loss: ‘Steve was a beloved musician, songwriter, and producer whose extraordinary talent touched millions of lives around the world. While we mourn the loss of a husband, father, and friend, we find comfort knowing that Steve will live forever through his music.’
The cause of death remains undisclosed, though associates confirmed Cropper had been actively working on new music in Nashville until Tuesday. Bandmate Eddie Gore reflected on their final meeting: ‘He’s such a good human. We were blessed to have him, for sure.’
Cropper’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 cemented his status as a musical innovator whose contributions to Stax Records’ catalog from 1961 through 1970 helped shape the sound of American music. His enduring influence continues to resonate across generations of musicians and music lovers alike.