Steve Cropper, the talented guitarist and songwriter renowned for his work with the iconic Memphis band Booker T. and the MGs at Stax Records, has passed away at the age of 84. He co-wrote classics such as “Green Onions,” “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” and “In the Midnight Hour.”
Pat Mitchell Worley, who leads the Soulsville Foundation, mentioned that Cropper’s family informed her of his death on Wednesday in Nashville. The foundation is responsible for the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis, situated on the original Stax Records site where Cropper spent many years.
Details about the cause of death are still unclear. Eddie Gore, a longtime associate, noted on Tuesday that Cropper had been in a rehabilitation center following a fall. However, he mentioned that Cropper was actively working on new music when he last visited.
“He’s a very good human being,” Gore stated, adding that they were fortunate to have him.
Cropper, not known for flashy playing, had a distinctive style that contributed significantly to the Memphis soul sound with his catchy riffs and solid rhythm. During a time when white musicians often capitalized on black artists’ work, Cropper stood out as someone who chose to collaborate discreetly.
“Play with me, Steve!”
Cropper’s legacy lives on in the 1967 hit “Soul Man,” performed by Sam and Dave. Famous for the line “Play it, Steve!” from the song, Cropper created a unique slide sound using a Zippo lighter. He later performed with the Blues Brothers, recreating this moment during their rendition of “Soul Man.”
Reflecting on his approach to music in a 2020 interview, Cropper mentioned, “I listen to other musicians and singers. I don’t just listen to myself.” He emphasized his method of embracing various interpretations of songs, a crucial part of his creative process.
Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards summed it up perfectly by simply saying, “It’s perfect.” Guitarist Joe Bonamassa remarked in a YouTube instructional video that Cropper’s playing style is frequently emulated.
He got his first guitar at 14
Born near Dora, Missouri, Cropper moved to Memphis at age 9 and received his first guitar by mail order at 14. Influenced by artists like Chuck Berry and Jimmy Reed, he quickly developed his skills.
Cropper began his journey with a band called the Royal’s Spades before it transformed into the Marquis and hit with “Last Night.” He was already part of the Stax family even before the label was formally named and became significant in Memphis music.
After the name change to Stax, Cropper and his bandmates formed Booker T. and the MGs. Together, they created memorable instrumentals like “Green Onions” and provided backing for numerous famous artists.
The racially integrated band received admiration from many, and they collaborated with various artists beyond the Stax label, including Wilson Pickett. Cropper once noted, “When I walked in the door at Stax, there was no color at all,” emphasizing their united goal of making great music.
Inspired by gospel songs
Working with legendary musicians like Wilson Pickett introduced Cropper to new influences. He discovered gospel recordings that inspired him to craft timeless hits, including “I go to meet my Jesus at midnight,” which informed his songwriting process.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, Cropper shared the stage with his bandmates in an all-star tribute to Bob Dylan at Madison Square Garden. The remaining members, Jones and Jackson, are revered figures in the music industry.
Cropper formed a particularly close relationship with Otis Redding. He recalled how they collaborated on the track “(Sittin’ On) the Dock of the Bay,” which Redding completed just before his tragic passing in a plane crash. The song became a significant hit in 1968.
Cropper acted in both The Blues Brothers and its sequel, where he played “The Colonel” of the Blues Brothers Band. He genuinely enjoyed touring with them as well.
In 2005, Cropper was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. A Grammy Award for lifetime achievement followed two years later. He continued to create music, with his song “Friendlytown” nominated for a Grammy Award in 2024. Earlier this year, he was honored with the Tennessee Governor’s Arts Award.
