Steve Cropper, Songwriter and Guitarist in Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Dead at 84

Steve Cropper — the legendary guitarist, songwriter, and producer best known for shaping the sound of Booker T. & the M.G.’s and crafting some of soul music’s most enduring classics — has died at 84. His family confirmed that he passed away peacefully, leaving behind a monumental legacy that forever transformed American music.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists of all time, Cropper was the musical backbone of Stax Records, where his sharp, rhythmic style and instinct for melodic restraint became central to the label’s unmistakable sound. Known affectionately as “The Colonel,” he played a foundational role in defining the era of Southern soul.

A Titan of Soul and R&B

As a member of Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Cropper contributed to hits that became part of the fabric of American culture. The band’s iconic 1962 instrumental “Green Onions” remains one of the most recognizable tracks in modern music, celebrated for its swaggering groove and unmistakable guitar lines.

Beyond his own group’s success, Cropper co-wrote and played on dozens of hits for artists who came through Stax, including:

• “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” – Otis Redding

• “Soul Man” – Sam & Dave

• “In the Midnight Hour” – Wilson Pickett

• “Knock on Wood” – Eddie Floyd

His contributions helped turn Stax Records into one of the most influential labels of the 1960s and ’70s.

A Career That Spanned Generations

Cropper’s influence extended far beyond the golden age of soul. He worked with countless major artists — including John Lennon, Ringo Starr, Neil Young, Jeff Beck, and Johnny Cash — and gained a new wave of fans through his role in The Blues Brothers Band, appearing in the hit 1980 film alongside Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi.

Rolling Stone consistently ranked him among the top guitarists of all time, praising his minimalist yet emotionally powerful style.

Tributes Pour In

Musicians across genres have paid tribute, calling him a “once-in-a-century musician,” “the soul of Stax,” and “one of the kindest spirits to ever pick up a guitar.” His influence can be heard in rock, soul, R&B, funk, and even modern pop.

A Legacy Carved in Rhythm

Steve Cropper leaves behind more than six decades of unforgettable music — songs that defined generations, shaped entire genres, and set the blueprint for countless musicians who followed.

His guitar didn’t just accompany history — it helped write it.

Cropper is survived by his family, friends, and millions of admirers around the world who continue to play, sample, and celebrate the unmistakable sound he created.