The music world has lost a legend, and the tributes are pouring in for the late Steve Cropper, the mastermind behind some of the most iconic sounds in Memphis soul. At 84, Cropper's passing leaves a void in the industry, but his legacy as a guitarist and songwriter will forever be etched in the annals of music history.
Cropper's understated yet brilliant playing style helped define an era, and his influence on popular music is undeniable. As a founding member of Booker T. and the MG's, he co-wrote timeless hits like 'Green Onions,' '(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay,' and 'In the Midnight Hour.' These songs have become anthems, their melodies and lyrics seared into the collective consciousness of music lovers worldwide.
The news of Cropper's death, which occurred in Nashville on Wednesday, has sent shockwaves through the music community. Pat Mitchell Worley, president, and CEO of the Soulsville Foundation, confirmed the sad news, stating that Cropper's family had informed her of his passing. The cause of death remains unknown, but it's believed that Cropper had been recovering from a recent fall when he passed away.
Cropper's association with Stax Records, one of the most influential soul labels of all time, began even before the label adopted its famous name. He joined when it was still known as Satellite Records, founded by Jim Stewart and Estelle Axton in 1957. His journey with Stax saw him evolve from leading the instrumental group the Royal Spades, later renamed the Mar-Keys, to becoming a pivotal member of Booker T. and the MG's alongside keyboard maestro Booker T. Jones, bassist Donald 'Duck' Dunn, and drummer Al Jackson.
The racially integrated nature of Booker T. and the MG's was a rarity for its time, with Jones and Jackson being Black, while Cropper and Dunn were white. This diverse lineup, however, was a testament to the inclusive and color-blind environment at Stax, as Cropper once noted: "When you walked in the door at Stax, there was absolutely no color. We were all there for the same reason - to get a hit record."
The band's talent and reputation were such that artists from outside Stax sought them out for collaborations. One such artist was Wilson Pickett, who, with the help of Atlantic Records executive Jerry Wexler, traveled to Memphis in the mid-1960s to work with Cropper and his bandmates. Cropper admitted that he had never heard of Pickett before their collaboration, but their partnership resulted in the secular classic 'In the Midnight Hour,' inspired by a gospel recording.
Cropper's impact on music is undeniable, and his peers have nothing but praise for his skills. Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards summed up Cropper's abilities perfectly: "Perfect, man." Cropper's name even found its way into the lyrics of the 1967 Sam & Dave hit 'Soul Man,' with singer Sam Moore shouting, "Play it, Steve!" as Cropper delivered a signature riff created using a Zippo lighter.
Cropper's achievements are numerous and well-recognized. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 alongside his Booker T. and the MG's bandmates. The same year, the surviving members performed at an all-star Bob Dylan tribute at Madison Square Garden. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him at number 39 on its list of the 100 Greatest Guitarists, calling him "the secret ingredient in some of the greatest rock and soul songs." He was also inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005 and received a Grammy Award for lifetime achievement two years later.
Cropper's musical journey continued until the very end. His 2024 album, 'Friendlytown,' earned a Grammy nomination, and earlier this year, he was honored with the Tennessee Governor's Arts Award, the state's highest artistic honor. With his passing, Booker T. Jones becomes the sole surviving member of Booker T. and the MG's.
As we reflect on Cropper's life and legacy, it's clear that his influence on music will endure for generations. His unique style and innovative approach to songwriting and guitar playing have left an indelible mark on the industry. While we mourn his loss, we celebrate his incredible contributions to music, knowing that his spirit and talent will live on through his timeless songs.
