Steve Cropper, the legendary guitarist with Booker T and the MGs, has died at the age of 84.
The musician, who played on and co-wrote Otis Redding’s Sittin’ On the Dock of the Bay and Wilson Pickett’s In the Midnight Hour, died on Wednesday in Nashville, the Associated Press reported, citing a source who was informed by Cropper’s family.
considered among the best backing bands in soul music, the quartet Booker T & the MGs was the house band of influential Memphis label Stax Records and is best remembered for their 1962 track Green onions.
Cropper also joined the John Belushi band, the Blues Brothers, playing guitar in their 1980 film and on their albums.
Steve Cropper, Legendary Guitarist and Songwriter, Dies at 86
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Steve Cropper, the influential guitarist, songwriter, and producer renowned for his work with Stax Records and iconic songs like “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” and “In the Midnight Hour,” died on December 2, 2023 at the age of 86. His distinctive, understated style shaped the sound of soul music and left an indelible mark on generations of musicians. Cropper was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as a member of Booker T. & the M.G.’s.
Early Career and Stax Records
Born in Dornell, Mississippi, in 1937, Cropper began his musical journey at a young age, learning to play the guitar. He moved to Memphis, Tennessee, with his family and began working at Stax Records in 1961 at the age of 20. According to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Cropper initially worked as a stock clerk before becoming a session musician.
Booker T. & the M.G.’s
A year after joining Stax, Cropper co-founded Booker T.& the M.G.’s, the house band for the label. The group, comprised of keyboardist Booker T. Jones, drummer Al Jackson jr.,and bassist Lewie Steinberg (later replaced by Donald “Duck” Dunn in 1964),became one of the most influential instrumental groups in history. Their instrumental hit,”Green Onions,” released in 1962,became a signature tune for Stax and a soul music classic. AllMusic notes the band’s unique ability to blend jazz,blues,and contry influences into a distinctive sound.
Songwriting Success
Beyond his instrumental prowess, Cropper was a prolific songwriter. He co-wrote some of the most enduring songs in soul music, including Wilson Pickett’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” and Eddie Floyd’s “In the Midnight Hour” and “Knock on Wood.” Rolling Stone highlighted his collaborative songwriting process, often working closely with songwriters like otis Redding and Floyd.
A Rhythm Player’s Philosophy
Cropper consistently identified as a rhythm player, prioritizing the groove and feel of a song over flashy solos. “I’ve always thoght of myself as a rhythm player,” he told Guitar.com in 2021. “I get off on the fact that I can play something over and over and over, while other guitar players don’t want to even know about that.They won’t even play the same riff or the same lick twice.” this dedication to consistency and feel was a hallmark of his playing style.
Extensive Work at Stax
Cropper was deeply involved in the operations of Stax Records for nearly a decade. He was “involved in virtually every record issued by Stax from the fall of 1961 through year end 1970,” according to his official website. He described the intense work ethic at the studio, telling The Guardian in 2012: “We would literally spend 15 hours a day in the studio… I think we had 17 or 18 artists on the roster, so we had a pretty busy schedule.”
Legacy and influence
Steve Cropper’s influence extends far beyond his work at Stax. He continued to tour and record with various artists throughout his career, and his guitar playing can be heard on countless recordings. He was a sought-after session musician and collaborated with artists across genres. His understated yet powerful style continues to inspire guitarists and songwriters today.
Key Takeaways:
* Steve Cropper was a foundational figure in soul music, known for his work as a guitarist, songwriter, and producer.
* He was a key member of Booker T. & the M.G.’s, the house band for Stax Records.
* Cropper
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