Steve Cropper, the famous guitarist and songwriter known for his work with Booker T. & the M.G.’s, has passed away at the age of 84. He was a key figure at Stax Records in Memphis and co-wrote several classic songs, including “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay”, “Green Onions”, and “In the Midnight Hour”. Cropper’s family and colleagues remember him as a talented musician whose influence on American music was immense.
Steve Cropper, Booker T. & the M.G.’s Guitarist Dies
Born near Dora, Missouri, Cropper moved to Memphis at the age of nine. He got his first guitar by mail order when he was 14 and was inspired by artists like Chuck Berry, Jimmy Reed, and Chet Atkins. Early in his career, he played with the Royals Spades, later renamed the Mar-Keys, who became the foundation of Booker T. & the M.G.’s. The band achieved fame with hits like “Green Onions” and worked with legendary singers such as Otis Redding and Sam & Dave.
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Cropper was known for his simple yet powerful guitar style. He preferred to play in a way that supported the song rather than showing off, creating memorable licks and rhythms that became iconic in soul and R&B music. He even helped create the famous guitar riff in Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man”, where the singer shouts, “Play it, Steve!” His approach inspired generations of musicians, including Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards and Joe Bonamassa.
Apart from his work with Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Cropper also collaborated with The Blues Brothers band in the 1980s and appeared in their films. He co-wrote “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay” with Otis Redding just weeks before Redding’s tragic death in 1967. The song became a posthumous No. 1 hit and won a Grammy for Best R&B Song. Cropper continued to record and perform music well into his later years, earning a Grammy nomination in 2024 for his album Friendlytown.
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Steve Cropper’s contributions to music extended beyond playing guitar. He was part of one of the first racially integrated bands in the 1960s, helping break barriers in the music industry. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005. He is survived by his wife and four children. His legacy as a pioneering guitarist and songwriter will continue to inspire musicians around the world.
Author: Purnima s
Purnima | Entertainment Blogger 4+ yrs writing fun blogs on movies, celebs & trends. Pop culture addict serving fresh, binge-worthy content!
