The music world mourns the loss of Steve Cropper, the iconic guitarist whose distinctive sound helped define an era of American soul music. The legendary musician, songwriter, and producer passed away Wednesday in Nashville at age 84, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy that shaped the soundtrack of the 1960s and beyond.
Pat Mitchell Worley, president and CEO of the Soulsville Foundation, confirmed that Cropper’s family informed her of his passing. The foundation operates the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, built on the hallowed ground where the former Stax Records once stood—the very studio where Cropper crafted his timeless sound.
As the lean, soulful guitarist for Booker T. and the M.G.’s, Cropper served as the rhythmic backbone for countless soul classics that continue to resonate with audiences today. His guitar work anchored the celebrated Memphis backing band that became synonymous with the Stax Records sound, a musical movement that helped bridge racial divides and unite listeners across America.
Cropper’s songwriting genius produced some of the most enduring classics in popular music history. He co-penned the infectious instrumental “Green Onions,” which became a defining track of the early 1960s soul movement. His collaboration with Otis Redding on “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay” created what many consider one of the greatest soul songs ever recorded, while his work on Wilson Pickett’s “In the Midnight Hour” demonstrated his ability to craft songs that were both commercially successful and artistically profound.
The guitarist’s influence extended far beyond his own performances. As a producer and session musician at Stax Records, Cropper helped shape the careers of legendary artists including Redding, Pickett, Sam & Dave, and countless others who recorded at the iconic Memphis studio. His clean, economical playing style became a template for generations of guitarists who followed.
Throughout his career, Cropper remained dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich heritage of Memphis soul music. His work with the Soulsville Foundation and the Stax Museum ensured that future generations would understand and appreciate the cultural significance of the music created in that small corner of Tennessee.
The passing of Steve Cropper marks the end of an era, but his musical contributions will continue to inspire and influence artists for generations to come. His guitar may have fallen silent, but the soul he poured into every note will echo through the halls of music history forever.
