Legendary guitarist, songwriter, and producer Steve Cropper, a towering figure in the history of rock and R&B, passed away on Wednesday, December 3rd, in Nashville at the age of 84. His son, Stephen Cropper, confirmed the news on Facebook, acknowledging his father's incredible life and dedication to entertaining. Cropper’s family shared 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 to come."

Cropper was an architect of the iconic Stax Records sound of the 1960s, primarily as the guitarist for Booker T & the M.G.’s, the label's revered house band. His ringing, often spare guitar work and deft touch are unmistakably heard on countless R&B and pop classics. He contributed his unique sound to seminal recordings such as Otis Redding’s "(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay," Eddie Floyd’s "Knock on Wood," Wilson Pickett’s "In the Midnight Hour," and Sam & Dave’s "Soul Man," where Sam Moore famously ad-libbed "Play It, Steve."

Steve Greenberg, reissue producer of the Grammy-winning "The Complete Stax-Volt Singles" box set and a frequent collaborator, hailed Cropper as "one of the all-time great electric guitarists." Greenberg noted how Cropper's playing brought deep character to hits from "Green Onions" to Rod Stewart’s "Tonight’s the Night." Beyond his guitar prowess, Cropper was also a highly regarded songwriter and producer, co-writing and producing classics like "In the Midnight Hour," "Knock on Wood," and the posthumously released "(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay," which he finished under great duress after Redding's tragic death in 1967. He famously completed the production in less than 24 hours, stating that a longer period might have led to "overembellishment."

Cropper and Booker T. and the M.G.’s, comprising Steve Cropper, Duck Dunn, Al Jackson, and Booker T. Jones, played a significant role beyond music. As a rare multiracial group working at Stax Studios in segregated Memphis during the tumultuous Civil Rights movement of the early '60s, they dared to defy the South’s color line. In a spirit of equality and fraternity, they created an indelible body of American music, as emphasized by Greenberg.

His immense contributions earned him induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as a member of Booker T & the M.G.’s and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005. Cropper was a two-time Grammy winner, receiving an award for Best Rhythm & Blues Song in 1969 for "(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay" and another in 1995 for Best Pop Instrumental Performance for the Booker T. & the M.G.’s track "Cruisin’." He was nominated for nine Grammys throughout his career, with his most recent nomination in 2024 for Best Contemporary Blues Album for his set, "Friendlytown."

Cropper experienced a notable renaissance in 1979 with the emergence of The Blues Brothers. After receiving a phone call from John Belushi, he recorded with Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. Cropper famously suggested they include a danceable, commercial track beyond their initial slow and medium-tempo blues songs. He recalled asking keyboardist Paul Shaffer, "Remember 'Soul Man'?" which led to enthusiastic approval. The remake of "Soul Man" reached No. 14 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1979, successfully introducing the classic to a new generation.

Pat Mitchell Worley, CEO of the Soulsville Foundation, which includes the Stax Museum, Stax Music Academy, and Stax Charter School, stated that "Steve Cropper’s offerings to American music are significant but his contribution to soul and R&B music are immeasurable." She further highlighted that his songwriting and guitar work, as a founding member of Booker T. & the M.G.’s and a cornerstone of the Stax Records sound, "shaped the very language of soul music." His signature style helped define an era and cemented his legacy as one of the most important guitarists in modern music history. Cropper is survived by his wife, Angel Cropper, and his children, Andrea, Cameron, Stephen, and Ashley.