• Steve Cropper, acclaimed guitarist of Booker T. and the M.G.'s, died at 84 in Nashville.
• He co-wrote classics like “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay” and “Green Onions.”
• Cropper was a respected figure in Memphis soul music and played a key role at Stax Records.
• He was known for his melodic guitar lines that complemented vocalists.
• Cropper was also a member of the Blues Brothers and was inducted into several halls of fame.

Steve Cropper, the iconic guitarist and songwriter associated with the celebrated Memphis band Booker T. and the M.G.'s, has died at the age of 84. He passed away in Nashville, as confirmed by Pat Mitchell Worley, president and CEO of the Soulsville Foundation. The foundation operates the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, where Cropper spent significant years of his career, although a cause of death has not yet been disclosed, according to latimes.

Cropper was a key figure at Stax Records, co-writing numerous classics including “Green Onions,” “In the Midnight Hour,” and “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay.” Known for his powerful yet understated guitar playing, he helped shape the signature sound of Memphis soul music during a time when collaboration between races in music was both significant and rare, as noted in multiple sources, including CBS News and NPR.

His contributions were not just limited to songwriting; Cropper's guitar work was integral to the band's sound, exemplified in the famous call-and-response moment in the song "Soul Man," where singer Sam Moore exclaims, "Play it, Steve!" Cropper's expertise in creating memorable and melodic lines underscored the impact he had on the songs he played. This sentiment was echoed by fellow musicians such as Joe Bonamassa, who described Cropper’s influence as pervasive, highlighting his blend of collaborative spirit and mastery of the guitar, as stated by BBC and AA.

Cropper’s entire career was embedded within the fabric of Stax Records, where he participated in virtually every record released from 1961 to 1970, marking a prolific period for soul music. He formed Booker T. and the M.G.'s, a band that gained acclaim for their racially integrated lineup and timeless hits. "When you walked in the door at Stax, there was absolutely no color," Cropper remarked, capturing the spirit of collaboration that defined their work, according to CBS News and latimes.

In addition to his remarkable career with Booker T. and the M.G.'s, Cropper made notable appearances in popular culture as a member of The Blues Brothers, further cementing his status as a legendary figure in music. He received multiple accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005. Recently, he also received the Tennessee Governor's Arts Award, reflecting his lasting legacy as a musician, as reported by NPR and BBC.