Steve Cropper, Legendary Guitarist for Booker T. & the MG’s, Otis Redding and the Blues Brothers, Dies at 84

Variety ^ | 3 dec 2025 | Chris Morris

[Rummyfan]

Guitarist Steve Cropper, who left an indelible impression on Memphis soul music as an instrumentalist, producer and songwriter at Stax Records, has died, his son Cameron confirmed to Variety on Wednesday. He was 84.

Cropper was best known to the public for his distinctive, economical lead/rhythm work in the hit-making interracial instrumental combo Booker T. & the MG’s, but his playing also fired dozens of tracks – some of which he produced or engineered — cut at Stax Records’ studio by such soul greats as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, Rufus and Carla Thomas and Eddie Floyd.

In 1996, British music monthly Mojo named him the second-greatest guitarist of all time, behind Jimi Hendrix. The publication said, “Cropper puts everything he’s got, which is considerable, at the disposal of the artist and the song: metronome-crisp timing; deadly-accurate chops; earth-moving bottom-line riffs; sharp, nasty little licks and grace notes. His solos never outstay their welcome or leave you wanting less.”

[frank ballenger]

Thanks.

[Thunder 6]

RIP. Like many other kids who grew up in the 70’s, my introduction to this talented musician came through Pop Culture. In this case the ‘Blues Brothers’movie, filmed in Chicago, Milwaukee and other areas around my hometown. Many summer days listening to the soundtrack on my 8-track player...