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Guitar Legend Steve Cropper of Booker T. & The MG's Dies at 84
3 Dec
Summary
- Steve Cropper, guitarist for Booker T. & The MG's, has died at 84.
- He co-wrote iconic songs like 'Green Onions' and Otis Redding's 'Dock of the Bay'.
- Cropper was a key figure at Stax Records, shaping Memphis soul music.
Steve Cropper, a legendary guitarist and songwriter whose innovative playing defined the sound of Stax Records, has died at the age of 84. As a member of Booker T. & The MG's, Cropper created timeless instrumental hits like 'Green Onions' and contributed significantly to the careers of soul giants such as Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett. His guitar riffs were the backbone of countless classic tracks.
Cropper's career at Stax Records, where he also served as an A&R director, began in the early 1960s. He co-authored some of the era's most memorable songs, including Otis Redding's '(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay' and Pickett's 'In the Midnight Hour.' His economical yet potent guitar style earned him widespread acclaim, including recognition as one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
Beyond his work with the MG's and as a solo artist, Cropper was a prominent member of the Blues Brothers' band, appearing on their hit albums and films. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Booker T. & The MG's in 1992, cementing his legacy as a master musician who profoundly influenced soul, R&B, and rock music.
