Steve Cropper, Celebrated Guitarist and Songwriter Behind Iconic Soul Hits, Passes at 84

Steve Cropper, Guitarist and Songwriter Behind Classics Like ‘Green Onions’ and ‘(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay,’ dies at 84

Nashville, TN – Steve Cropper, the influential guitarist and songwriter whose distinctive sound helped define the soul music coming out of Memphis’ stax Records, has died at the age of 84. The news was confirmed by the Soulsville Foundation, which operates the Stax Museum of American Soul Music. Cropper passed away Wednesday in Nashville, though the cause of death has not yet been revealed.

Cropper was a cornerstone of Booker T. & the M.G.’s, the house band at Stax, and co-wrote some of the most enduring songs in American music, including the instrumental hit “green onions,” Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” and Wilson pickett’s “In the Midnight hour.”

Known for his understated yet incredibly impactful playing, Cropper wasn’t a guitarist focused on flashy solos. Rather, he crafted spare, catchy riffs and provided a rock-solid rhythmic foundation that propelled countless hits. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him 39th on its list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists, recognizing him as “the secret ingredient in some of the greatest rock and soul songs.”

born in 1939, Cropper’s career spanned decades and saw him collaborate with a who’s who of music legends. He was a rare white artist who prioritized collaboration and credited the contributions of Black musicians, a stark contrast to the exploitative practices common in the music industry at the time.

His iconic guitar work is instantly recognizable in Sam & Dave’s 1967 hit “Soul Man,” where singer Sam Moore famously calls out, “Play it, Steve!” before Cropper delivers a signature riff – a sound he famously created by sliding a Zippo lighter across his guitar strings.

Cropper’s influence extended beyond the studio. He later joined the backing band for the Blues Brothers,formed by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi,appearing on their chart-topping album Briefcase Full of Blues and in the beloved films The Blues Brothers (1980) and Blues Brothers 2000 (1998),where he portrayed the character “The Colonel.”

In a 2020 interview, Cropper described his approach to music as a collaborative process. “I listen to the other musicians and the singer,” he explained.”I’m not listening to just me… I play around all that stuff. That’s what I do. That’s my style.”

Steve Cropper leaves behind a legacy of timeless music and a profound impact on the sound of American soul. He is survived by his family and a grateful music community.

What role did Steve Cropper play in shaping teh distinctive sound of Stax Records?

A Legacy of Soulful Sounds: Remembering Steve Cropper

Steve Cropper, the immensely influential guitarist, songwriter, and producer whose work defined the sound of Stax Records and shaped the landscape of soul music, has died at the age of 84. His passing, announced on December 4, 2025, marks the end of an era for music lovers worldwide. CropperS distinctive guitar riffs and songwriting prowess were integral to countless hits, leaving an indelible mark on popular culture. This article explores his remarkable career, key contributions, and lasting impact on the music industry.

The Architect of the Stax Sound

Cropper’s musical journey began in Memphis, Tennessee, a hotbed of blues and early rock and roll. He quickly developed a signature guitar style – clean, economical, and deeply rooted in the blues – that became synonymous with the Stax Records sound.

* Early Career & Booker T. & the M.G.’s: He rose to prominence as a member of Booker T. & the M.G.’s, the house band for Stax Records. This instrumental group, featuring Booker T. Jones, Donald “Duck” Dunn, and Al Jackson Jr., wasn’t just a backing band; they were the sound of Stax. Their 1962 hit “Green Onions” remains an iconic instrumental track and a cornerstone of soul music.

* the Stax Rhythm Section: Cropper, alongside his bandmates, formed the legendary stax rhythm section, providing the backbone for countless soul classics. Their tight, intuitive playing created a groove that was both sophisticated and irresistibly danceable.

* Guitar Style & Tone: Cropper’s playing was characterized by its understated elegance. He favored a Fender Stratocaster and a clean amplifier tone, prioritizing feel and phrasing over flashy virtuosity. His use of subtle fills and rhythmic accents elevated the songs he played on.

Songwriting Credits & Hit-Making Machine

Beyond his instrumental skills, cropper was a prolific songwriter, co-writing some of the moast beloved soul songs of all time.

* “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay”: Perhaps his most famous songwriting credit, co-written with Otis Redding. This poignant ballad, released posthumously after Redding’s tragic death, became a number one hit and a timeless classic.

* “Knock on Wood”: Co-written with Eddie Floyd, this energetic anthem became a signature song for Floyd and a staple of soul radio.

* “In the Midnight hour”: Another collaboration with Wilson Pickett,this high-energy track is a quintessential soul song,known for its driving rhythm and Pickett’s powerful vocals.

* Other Notable Compositions: Cropper’s songwriting credits also include hits for Sam & Dave (“Soul Man”), carla Thomas (“B-A-B-Y”), and numerous others.He understood how to craft songs that resonated with audiences and showcased the unique talents of the artists he worked with.

Production work & Beyond Stax

after Stax Records faced financial difficulties in the 1970s, Cropper continued to work as a guitarist, songwriter, and producer.

* The Blues Brothers: He played a meaningful role in the success of The Blues Brothers,both as a guitarist on their albums and as a member of their touring band. His contributions helped revive interest in classic blues and soul music.

* Production Credits: Cropper produced albums for artists like Albert King, Johnnie Hooker, and Tower of Power, demonstrating his versatility and continued relevance in the music industry.

* Later Years & Recognition: He remained active in music throughout his life, touring and recording with various artists. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in 1991 as a member of Booker T. & the M.G.’s and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammy Awards in 2007.

The Enduring Influence of Steve Cropper

Steve Cropper’s impact on music extends far beyond his notable discography. His guitar playing, songwriting, and production work have influenced generations of musicians across various genres.

* Influence on Guitarists: His understated, soulful style has been emulated by countless guitarists, from Eric Clapton to Keith Richards.

* The Legacy of Stax: Cropper was a key architect of the Stax sound, which continues to inspire musicians and listeners today. The raw, authentic energy of Stax Records remains a benchmark for soul music.

* Preserving the Soul Tradition: Throughout his career,Cropper remained committed to preserving and promoting the tradition of soul music.His dedication helped ensure that this vital genre would continue to thrive for years to come.