The music world is mourning the loss of a true architect of American soul. Steven Lee “Steve” Cropper, the legendary guitarist whose work defined the sound of the Blues Brothers and the iconic house band Booker T. & the MG's, has died. He was 84 years old.
A Pillar of the Memphis Sound
Pat Mitchell Worley, president of the Soulsville Foundation, confirmed the news after being notified by Cropper's family. The musician passed away on Wednesday in Nashville, Tennessee. The Soulsville Foundation operates the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, a hallowed ground for the genre where Cropper worked as a prolific record producer for the legendary Stax Records.
While an official cause of death has not been released, longtime friend Eddie Gore shared with the Associated Press that Cropper had recently suffered a fall and was in a rehabilitation facility. Gore visited him just a day before his passing, noting the guitarist had been actively working on new music. “He’s such a good human,” Gore said. “We were blessed to have him, for sure.”
Crafting Timeless Riffs and Hits
Cropper's influence on the landscape of popular music is immeasurable. His understated, impeccably timed guitar playing was the backbone of the Memphis soul scene. He was the driving force behind Booker T. & the M.G.’s 1962 instrumental “Green Onions,” a track featuring one of the most instantly recognizable riffs in history.
His genius extended far beyond his instrument. Cropper co-wrote some of soul music's most enduring anthems, including Otis Redding's “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” He also contributed significantly to Wilson Pickett's “In the Midnight Hour.” His name is immortalized in Sam & Dave's 1967 hit “Soul Man,” where Sam Moore shouts “Play it, Steve!” before Cropper's iconic guitar solo—a moment he would later recreate as part of the Blues Brothers in the late 1970s.
A Legacy of Listening and Collaboration
Born in Missouri and raised in Tennessee, Cropper got his first mail-order guitar at age 14, inspired by greats like Chuck Berry and Chet Atkins. He described his unique style as one of supportive listening. “I listen to the other musicians and the singer. I’m not listening to just me,” he explained in a 2020 interview. “I play around all that stuff. That’s what I do. That’s my style.”
This philosophy made him a sought-after collaborator and cemented his legacy. His accolades are a testament to his impact:
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as a member of Booker T. and the M.G.'s.
- That same year, he performed as part of the house band for a major Bob Dylan tribute at Madison Square Garden alongside legends like Neil Young and George Harrison.
- Inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005.
Steve Cropper's passing marks the end of an era for soul and blues music. His work, characterized by its feel, groove, and perfect placement, will continue to inspire musicians and delight listeners for generations to come.
