Booker T & the MGs, “Green Onions,” 1962

Steve Cropper Steven Lee Cropper October 21, 1941 – December 3, 2025

American Musician | Guitarist | Songwriter | Performer | Producer Booker T and The MGs Member | Stax Records House Band Member

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee

Ranked No.36 on Rolling Stone's list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time

Steve Cropper, Booker T. & the MG’s and Stax Records Guitarist, Dead at 84 - RollingStone Rock & Roll Hall of Fame musician played on and co-wrote classics like "Green Onions," "In the Midnight Hour," and "(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay"

Steve Cropper, Guitarist, Songwriter and Shaper of Memphis Soul Music, Dies at 84 - NYT As a member of Booker T. & the MG’s and as a producer, he played a pivotal role in the rise of Stax Records, a storied force in R&B in the 1960s and ’70s.

Steve Cropper, Revered Guitarist of Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Dies at 84 - Pitchfork Cropper shaped the sound of Memphis soul as an original member of the Stax Records house band.

Steve Cropper has Died; Legendary Guitarist Got His Start at Stax Records - Memphis Commercial Appeal

Steve Cropper, Iconic Booker T & the M.G.’s Guitarist, Dies at 84 - Billboard The Rock & Roll Hall of Famer also co-wrote such classics as "Green Onions" & "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay."

Sam & Dave's debut album was released on 1 April 1966.

Sam Moore and Dave Prater met in 1961 while both were singing gospel music and began performing gospel music together shortly thereafter. They released a half dozen singles between 1962 and 1964, which brought them to the attention of Atlantic Records, which in turn handed them to Stax Records in Memphis, TN.

Stax producer Jim Stewart used his in-house band, Booker T. & the M.G.s, and relative new songwriters 23-year-old Isaac Hayes and 24-year-old Dave Porter to write songs (along with Booker T. band member Steve Cropper).

“A Tremendous Loss to Music:” Steve Cropper Dies at 84

Steve Cropper, the guitarist who co-founded Booker T. & the M.G.’s and later played with Otis Redding and the Blues Brothers, has died at 84, his family said.

“While we mourn the loss of a husband, father and friend, we find comfort knowing that Steve will live forever through his music,” they said in a statement.

“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.”

No cause was given for Cropper’s death, which came “peacefully” in Tennessee.

“What a tremendous loss to music,” a “deeply saddened” Peter Frampton wrote on social media.

As a member of the M.G.’s, the Stax Records house band, Cropper played on recordings by Redding, Carla Thomas, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett and others.

“He fused his passion for R&B with a unique rhythm style that set him apart from his contemporaries,” the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame said of Cropper.

His songwriting credits include the M.G.’s’ signature “Green Onions,” Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay, Pickett’s “In the Midnight Hour” and others.

“Today, the music world lost one of its greatest architects … his legacy will live on in every note he touched,” Rizz & the Believerz said in an online eulogy.

Cropper was “not just a Memphis soul Telemaster, but also a visionary songwriter and producer,” Little Feat’s Scott Sharrard said in a statement.

“He will be sorely missed.”

Cropper range extended to country-rock and in 1971, he produced Poco’s From the Inside, leaving Richie Furay to eulogize his friend and colleague as a “sweet, humble and very talented guy.”

Cropper was also a member - “the backbone” - of the Blues Brothers band.

“It is with a heavy heart we say goodbye,” the Blues Brothers said.

Cropper, who would play with John Lennon, John Prine and Dolly Parton among others, later launched a solo career. His latest album, Friendlytown, arrived in 2024.

“I can't believe Steve Cropper is gone,” Leland Sklar said. “One of the greats. … Loved every minute we spent over the years in the studio. My heart is with his family now.”