Booker T. & the MG’s Guitarist Steve Cropper Dies at 84

by

Steve Cropper, the guitarist known for his work with Booker T. & the MG’s, the Blues Brothers, and Otis Redding, has passed away at the age of 84. His son, Cameron, confirmed his death to Variety. Cropper was also a talented songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, famously prompted by John Belushi with the line, “Play it, Steve,” during the performance of “Soul Man.”

Steve Cropper was born in Dora, Missouri, in 1941, and moved to Memphis with his family when he was nine years old. It was there he first heard Black church music. His career began with a band he formed called the Mar-Keys, named after the sign outside the future Stax Records headquarters. In 1962, he joined Booker T. & the MG’s, the house band for Stax Records. Cropper co-wrote several hit songs, including “Green Onions,” Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay,” and “Knock on Wood.” He left Stax in 1970 due to disagreements with management, as reported by Variety. Even after Cropper’s departure, the MG’s continued to perform, backing prominent artists such as Bob Dylan, John Fogerty, and Neil Young.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=watch?v=-wGBM9IgEZA

Steve Cropper contributed to the Blues Brothers’ album Briefcase Full of Blues in 1978. He also appeared in the 1980 Blues Brothers film, joining the band alongside Murphy Dunne and his own group, Murph and the Magic Tones. Cropper later reprised his role in Blues Brothers 2000, which was released in 1998 despite its title.

Booker T. Jones received many honors during his career. His hit song “Green Onions” reached number one on the R&B charts and number three on the Billboard Hot 100. His album, Briefcase Full of Blues, topped the album charts in 1978. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the MG’s in 1992. In 1996, Mojo magazine ranked him as the second-greatest guitarist ever, just behind Jimi Hendrix. The magazine specifically praised his precise timing, skillful playing, powerful riffs, and distinctive musical flourishes, noting that his solos were always perfectly paced and satisfying.

Read More

2025-12-04 04:54