Steve Cropper, Beloved Guitarist and Songwriter from Booker T. and the M.G.’s and Blues Brothers, Passes Away at 84
Steve Cropper performs in England in September 2011.
Credit :
Will Ireland/Guitarist magazine via Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Steve Cropper died on Dec. 3 at age 84
- He was known for his work with Booker T. and the M.G.’s and the Blues Brothers
- Cropper also co-wrote classics like “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay”
Steve Cropper, the legendary guitarist, songwriter, and producer, passed away on December 3 at the age of 84. He gained prominence through his collaborations with the Blues Brothers and Booker T. and the M.G.’s and was instrumental in penning iconic hits including “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay.”
His family confirmed that Cropper died “peacefully” in Nashville. A statement shared on Facebook did not disclose the cause of death.
In their announcement, the family described Cropper as “a beloved musician, songwriter and producer whose extraordinary talent touched millions of lives around the world.” They noted his induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, recognition as a Grammy Award winner, and accolade as a Songwriters Hall of Fame honoree, emphasizing his immeasurable influence on American music.
Cropper is remembered not only as a celebrated artist but also as a devoted husband to his wife, Angel, and father to his children—Stephen, Ashley, Cameron, and Andrea. His loved ones expressed solace in knowing that Cropper’s musical legacy will endure.
The family’s statement emphasized that “Every note he played, every song he wrote, and every artist he inspired ensures that his spirit and artistry will continue to move people for generations.” They thanked supporters for their love and respect for their privacy during this difficult time.
Throughout his prolific career, Cropper co-wrote several iconic tracks, including Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay,” alongside “Knock on Wood” by Eddie Floyd and Wilson Pickett’s “In the Midnight Hour”—all of which topped the R&B charts.
Born on October 21, 1941, on a farm in Missouri, Cropper moved with his family to Memphis at the age of nine and received his first guitar five years later, as detailed in his biography.
Steve Cropper in 1980 with Blues Brothers John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.
Ebet Roberts/Redferns
Cropper was one of the founding members of Booker T. and the M.G.’s in 1962, the same year the group released the instrumental hit “Green Onions.” This band, recognized as one of the first racially integrated rock groups, served as the house band for the iconic Stax Records. Notably, when Sam Moore of Sam & Dave shouted, “Play it, Steve!” on the song “Soul Man,” he was addressing Cropper. This iconic moment inspired Cropper to name his own record label, Play It, Steve! Records.
According to his website, Cropper was deeply involved in nearly every record released by Stax from 1961 through 1970.
In the late 1970s, he began working with the Blues Brothers, initially formed by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi on “Saturday Night Live.” Cropper appeared in the 1980 film based on the band, portraying Steve “The Colonel” Cropper, a character in the fictional ensemble Murph and the Magic Tones.
Steve Cropper at a New York appearance with Booker T. and the M.G.’s in January 1967.
Don Paulsen/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty
After Belushi’s passing in 1982, Cropper continued to perform with the Blues Brothers Band and revived his solo career, which he had initially started at Stax in 1969.
In recent years, he collaborated with notable artists such as Paul Simon, Ringo Starr, and Elton John, and appeared in the HBO docuseries “Stax: Soulsville, U.S.A.” in 2024.
In a reflective interview, Cropper once stated, “I don’t ever remember having a bad show. I’ve had records that went out to market and didn’t sell, so I guess I failed there, but the records themselves have been pretty clean and spot-on to me. I don’t release junk, not with my name on it. It has to be quality stuff. It might not sell, but I’m happy with it. I don’t have any regrets.”
