Steve Cropper, Iconic Guitarist and Songwriter, Passes Away at 84

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Steve Cropper, the talented guitarist and songwriter known for his role in the legendary Memphis band Booker T. and the MGs at Stax Records, has died at the age of 84. Cropper co-wrote timeless tracks like “Green Onions,” “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” and “In the Midnight Hour.”

Pat Mitchell Worley, the president and CEO of the Soulsville Foundation, announced that Cropper passed away on Wednesday in Nashville, as informed by his family. The Soulsville Foundation manages the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, which is built on the historical site of Stax Records where Cropper spent many years of his life.

The exact cause of death hasn’t been disclosed yet. Longtime friend Eddie Gore mentioned that Cropper had recently been in a rehab facility following a fall, but was still engaged in music, working on new material when Gore last visited him.

“He’s a really good person,” Gore remarked. “We were fortunate to have him with us.”

Cropper, not one for ostentation in his performances, was appreciated for his catchy riffs and solid rhythm that played a significant role in shaping Memphis soul music. He was among the rare white artists who chose to collaborate quietly with black musicians, at a time when many would exploit their works for greater commercial success.

His influence is perhaps best captured in the 1967 hit “Soul Man,” performed by Sam and Dave, where the singer calls out, “Play it, Steve!” Cropper’s signature sound was often enhanced by using a Zippo lighter to create slide guitar effects. This moment was later echoed when he performed with the Blues Brothers in the late 1970s.

In a 2020 interview, Cropper reflected on his career, emphasizing the importance of listening to other musicians. He mentioned, “I always make sure I sound okay before a session. Once I introduce a song, I pay attention to how others interpret it; I try out various approaches. That’s just my style.”

When asked to describe Cropper, guitarist Keith Richards simply called him “perfect.” Similarly, Joe Bonamassa highlighted in a video that many often imitate Cropper’s style, stating, “Even if you’ve never heard the name Steve Cropper, you’ve likely heard him in a song.”

Cropper originated from near Dora, Missouri, but his family moved to Memphis when he was young. He got his first guitar at 14 and was inspired by artists like Chuck Berry and Chet Atkins.

Before Stax Records was officially named as such, Cropper was already associated with the label after he and his band, initially named Royal’s Spades, were signed by them in the 1960s. The group later became known as the Mar-Keyes, contributing to Stax’s horn section and forming Booker T. and the MGs alongside other talented musicians. They produced hit instrumentals and backed several prominent artists.

Cropper noted the importance of diversity and collaboration, recalling, “When I walked into Stax, there was no indication of race. We all shared a common goal: creating hit records.”

Throughout his career, Cropper had a number of collaborations, including a notable partnership with Wilson Pickett. His ability to transform gospel lyrics into secular songs became evident when he utilized such musical inspirations to craft his own hits.

In 1992, Cropper was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Booker T. and the MGs. He later performed in a tribute to Bob Dylan at Madison Square Garden with his bandmates.

Rolling Stone magazine recognized Cropper as the 39th greatest guitarist, describing him as a vital contributor to some of the most memorable rock and soul tracks.

He held a particularly close relationship with Otis Redding, whom he collaborated with on “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay,” completed just before Redding’s untimely death in a plane accident.

Cropper made appearances in films like The Blues Brothers, and even continued to record music into his later years. His song “Friendlytown,” set for release in 2024, was nominated for a Grammy, while he also received the Tennessee Governor’s Arts Award this year.

___

Associated Press national reporting contributed additional insights.