Legendary Stax Guitarist Steve Cropper Dies at 81
Legendary guitarist Steve Cropper, renowned for his influential role at Stax Records, has passed away at the age of 81. His son, Cameron Cropper, confirmed the news of his death, marking the end of an era for soul music enthusiasts.
Steve Cropper: A Pillar of Stax Records
Steve Cropper was born in Missouri and moved to Memphis when he was nine. He picked up his first guitar at fourteen, initiating a journey that would help shape the sound of soul music. During his decade at Stax Records, Cropper emerged as a guitarist, producer, and a key member of the studio’s house band, Booker T. & The M.G.’s.
Musical Contributions and Collaborations
Cropper’s greatest joy came from collaborating with singers and creating memorable songs. He co-wrote several iconic tracks, including:
- “In The Midnight Hour” by Wilson Pickett
- “Knock On Wood” by Eddie Floyd
- “(Sittin’ On) The Dock Of The Bay” by Otis Redding
After Stax’s decline, he continued to thrive as a session player and producer. He worked with notable artists such as:
- Rod Stewart
- Peter Frampton
- Art Garfunkel
- Ringo Starr
- Wynonna Judd
A Lasting Legacy in Music
Cropper also helmed projects involving Tower of Power, John Mellencamp, Jose Feliciano, Poco, and John Prine. Over the years, he released a dozen solo albums, with his latest being “Friendlytown,” set for release in 2024.
Beyond recording, Cropper became a member of the Blues Brothers band. He toured with John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, appearing in their 1980 film adaptation.
Acknowledgements and Recognition
His accolades include induction into the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. In addition, he received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award. Although Cropper spent over 30 years in Nashville and another 15 years in Los Angeles, his musical roots remained deeply connected to Memphis. He was featured in a 2024 HBO documentary about Stax Records and had plans to release a memoir chronicling his musical journey.
Steve Cropper’s contributions to music have left an indelible mark, ensuring his legacy will endure. Emegypt will continue to follow the impact of his remarkable career.
