American guitarist Steve Cropper has passed away.
The influential guitarist died earlier today at the age of 84, as confirmed by his son Cameron to Variety.
Steve Cropper was known for his economical playing style. A gifted guitarist whose early sessions included work on country records, his deep love for blues and R&B led him to Memphis, where he became part of the Stax label.
He was a crucial member of the legendary MGs, a Memphis band led by Booker T, contributing to numerous R&B hits. Their iconic track ‘Green Onions’, famously finished in just half an hour at the end of a recording session, became one of the most significant songs of the 1960s, an unparalleled organ masterpiece.
But his talents extended beyond performance. Steve Cropper was also an accomplished songwriter, co-writing many hits for fellow Stax artist Otis Redding, among others.
Booker T & The MGs enjoyed a successful decade until changes in personnel at Stax led to Steve Cropper's departure, primarily focusing on production work.
His involvement in the Blues Brothers film brought the band back together, leading to several global tours, including one with Neil Young.
Continuing to write, tour, and record almost until the end, Steve Cropper embodied the essence of a soul man.
In a 2012 interview with CLASH, Steve Cropper reflected on the excitement of collaborating with the Stax team:
The memories I have of Stax are rooted in the fact that everyone was working towards a common goal. It was a tremendous team effort. You couldn’t attribute success to just one individual; it resembled a well-coordinated sports team winning games together. Stax eventually expanded beyond its original form – the demand was so great that it had to grow into the prominent record label it became. This is evident in the timeless music that continues to reinvent itself; many of the enduring songs were created in the ’60s.
Steve Cropper – Stax, Booker T & The MGs – Has Passed Away
