Legendary Guitarist, R&B & Soul Musician Steve Cropper Passes

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Steve Cropper

Steve Cropper, Memphis soul legend, guitarist and member of Booker T. & the M.G.’s, has passed. He was 84.

The influential player on the R&B and soul scene grew up in Memphis and began playing guitar as a teen. In 1960, he formed the band The Royal Spades with fellow students from his high school. Soon after, he ventured into engineering, producing, and playing on sessions at Stax Records, which released the Royal Spades’—later known as the Mar-Keys—first hit, “Last Night.”

Along with several other Mar-Keys members, Cropper went on to form Booker T. & the M.G.’s. The band released the instrumental “Green Onions,” which became a major R&B and pop smash. A celebrated songwriter as well as a sideman, Cropper co-wrote “Green Onions,” along with beloved classics such as “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” “In the Midnight Hour,” and many others. The M.G.’s released albums and 45s throughout the 1960s and also served as the Stax house band, backing numerous legendary singers including Wilson Pickett and Otis Redding. Cropper was especially close to Redding, and reportedly added the final touches to Redding’s timeless hit “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” while grieving after the singer was killed in a tragic plane crash in 1967.

Cropper eventually became an A&R executive at Stax, and before exiting the label, released several solo albums that showcased his guitar prowess. He continued working in production with numerous acts and played on sessions for John Lennon, Rod Stewart, and others before joining the John Belushi–Dan Aykroyd act The Blues Brothers as guitarist. He performed on their cover of “Soul Man” and appeared in the band’s films. In later years, he reunited with members of the M.G.’s for special performances, including Bob Dylan’s 30th Anniversary Concert at Madison Square Garden in 1992 and a tour supporting Neil Young the following year.

After moving to Nashville in 1988, Cropper founded his own recording studio and record label, recording with artists such as Dolly Parton, Jimmy Buffett, Alabama, Wynonna Judd and many more, and becoming a fixture in the Nashville music community. He continued writing, producing and collaborating with new artists throughout his later years, remaining an active presence in studios around the city. In 2010, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and in 2015 received a star on the Music City Walk of Fame alongside Miranda Lambert, E.W. “Bud” Wendell and Johnny Cash. BMI honored him with the BMI Icon Award at its 2018 Country Awards.

In 2024, Cropper released what would be his final solo album, Friendlytown, under the name Steve Cropper & the Midnight Hour. The album featured guest work from guitar legends like Billy Gibbons (of ZZ Top) and Brian May (of Queen), and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album.

Cropper was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as a member of Booker T. & the M.G.’s, and into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005. He received a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2007, and in 2008 was inducted into the Musicians Hall of Fame along with Booker T. & the M.G.’s. Rolling Stone ranked him No. 39 on its “100 Greatest Guitarists” list.

Cropper is survived by his wife, Angel; and his children Andrea, Cameron, Stevie and Ashley.

A private family service will be held.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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