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A truly great guitarist.
Among other things, he laid down the electric guitar tracks on the Otis Redding posthumous hit (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay, on a Friday, which Otis said he'd listen to on the following Monday, but never heard because Otis was killed in a plane crash that weekend.
bluesrockreview.com
Among other things, he laid down the electric guitar tracks on the Otis Redding posthumous hit (Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay, on a Friday, which Otis said he'd listen to on the following Monday, but never heard because Otis was killed in a plane crash that weekend.
Steve Cropper, the legendary guitarist, songwriter, and producer best known for his work with Booker T. and the M.G.’s and Stax Records, has died at the age of 84.
Cropper was a foundational figure in the development of the Memphis soul sound. As a member of Booker T. and the M.G.’s, he served as both a session guitarist and a key songwriter at Stax Records, contributing to classic recordings from Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Eddie Floyd, Wilson Pickett, and many others. His sharp rhythmic feel and economical guitar lines became an essential part of the label’s identity and influenced generations of blues, soul, and rock musicians.
Cropper co-wrote several iconic songs during his time at Stax and built a reputation as one of the most respected musicians of his era. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as a member of Booker T. and the M.G.’s, a reflection of his lasting impact on American music.
Throughout his career, Cropper received nine Grammy nominations and won two. His final album, Friendlytown, released in 2024, was nominated for “Best Contemporary Blues Album,” adding to his long list of accolades near the end of his life.
Beyond his work at Stax, Cropper became widely known to mainstream audiences through his role in The Blues Brothers band. His appearances in the film and onstage brought his playing to a new generation and cemented his status as a cultural figure outside traditional soul and blues circles.
Cropper continued to record and perform well into his later years and remained an influential presence in American roots music for more than six decades.
Cropper was a foundational figure in the development of the Memphis soul sound. As a member of Booker T. and the M.G.’s, he served as both a session guitarist and a key songwriter at Stax Records, contributing to classic recordings from Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Eddie Floyd, Wilson Pickett, and many others. His sharp rhythmic feel and economical guitar lines became an essential part of the label’s identity and influenced generations of blues, soul, and rock musicians.
Cropper co-wrote several iconic songs during his time at Stax and built a reputation as one of the most respected musicians of his era. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as a member of Booker T. and the M.G.’s, a reflection of his lasting impact on American music.
Throughout his career, Cropper received nine Grammy nominations and won two. His final album, Friendlytown, released in 2024, was nominated for “Best Contemporary Blues Album,” adding to his long list of accolades near the end of his life.
Beyond his work at Stax, Cropper became widely known to mainstream audiences through his role in The Blues Brothers band. His appearances in the film and onstage brought his playing to a new generation and cemented his status as a cultural figure outside traditional soul and blues circles.
Cropper continued to record and perform well into his later years and remained an influential presence in American roots music for more than six decades.
Guitar legend Steve Cropper dies at 84 - Blues Rock Review
Steve Cropper, the legendary guitarist, songwriter, and producer best known for his work with Booker T. and the M.G.’s and
bluesrockreview.com
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