Legendary Guitarist Steve Cropper of Booker T & the MGs Passes Away at 84

Steve Cropper, the acclaimed guitarist of Booker T & the MGs, has died at the age of 84 in Nashville, according to family sources. Cropper was instrumental in shaping soul music, co-writing iconic songs such as Otis Redding’s ‘Sittin’ On the Dock of the Bay,’ Wilson Pickett’s ‘In the Midnight Hour,’ and Eddie Floyd’s ‘Knock on Wood.’ As part of Booker T & the MGs, the house band for Stax Records, Cropper contributed to nearly every record produced by the label from 1961 through 1970. The band, formed in 1962 with keyboardist Booker T. Jones, drummer Al Jackson, and bassist Lewie Steinberg (later replaced by Donald ‘Duck’ Dunn), is renowned for their hit track ‘Green Onions.’ Cropper also joined The Blues Brothers in the late 1970s, playing on their hit cover ‘Soul Man.’ Praised for his rhythm guitar style, he was recognized as the second-best guitarist of all time by Mojo magazine in 1996. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, Cropper’s work left a lasting impact on music worldwide. Though the cause of death has not been disclosed, those close to him remember him as a talented musician and a good human being, dedicated to his craft until the end.