The music world is mourning the loss of Steve Cropper, the legendary guitarist for the iconic band Booker T and the MGs, who has died at the age of 84. The news was confirmed on Wednesday, December 4, 2025, in Nashville.
A Pillar of Soul and Rock 'n' Roll
Cropper was a foundational figure in American music. As a founding member and guitarist for Booker T and the MGs, he was the driving force behind the gritty, melodic sound that defined the Stax Records label, where the band served as the legendary house band. The group is eternally known for their 1962 instrumental hit 'Green Onions'.
His influence stretched far beyond his own group. Cropper co-wrote and played on some of soul music's most enduring anthems, including Otis Redding's '(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay' and Wilson Pickett's 'In the Midnight Hour'. His distinctive playing is also heard on Sam & Dave's 'Soul Man', a track where he is famously name-checked in the lyrics.
His family confirmed his passing in a statement to Rolling Stone magazine, saying: "Steve was a beloved musician, songwriter, and producer whose extraordinary talent touched millions of lives around the world." They added that while they mourn his loss, they find comfort knowing "Steve will live forever through his music."
A Career Spanning Generations
Born in Dora, Missouri, in 1942, Cropper's career took off early. He scored a number three hit on the Billboard 100 in 1961 with The Mar-Keys' 'Last Night', before co-founding Booker T and the MGs the following year. The band's catalogue of hits includes:
- Mo' Onions
- Soul Dressing
- Soul Limbo
- Melting Pot
His collaborative spirit led him to work with a staggering array of artists across genres. He co-wrote 'Knock on Wood' with Eddie Floyd and later lent his talents to sessions with John Lennon, Rod Stewart, and Ringo Starr. To a younger generation, he was known as a member of The Blues Brothers, playing on two of their albums and appearing in both the original 1980 film and its 2000 sequel.
Recognition for his skill was widespread. He was named the second-greatest guitarist of all time by Mojo magazine and ranked 45th on Rolling Stone's list of the 250 greatest guitarists. In 1992, Booker T and the MGs were rightly inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Final Days and Lasting Legacy
The exact cause of death has not been disclosed. However, his longtime associate, Eddie Gore, told the Associated Press that Cropper had recently suffered a fall and was at a rehabilitation facility in Nashville on Tuesday. Gore noted that Cropper had been working on new music right up until the end, stating: "He's such a good human. We were blessed to have him, for sure."
The news was relayed to the media by Pat Mitchell Worley, president and CEO of the Soulsville Foundation, after she was informed by Cropper's family.
Steve Cropper's passing marks the end of an era for soul, R&B, and rock music. His crisp, economical guitar licks provided the backbone for countless classics, shaping the sound of the 1960s and inspiring musicians for decades. As his family affirmed, every note he played ensures his spirit will continue to resonate for generations to come.
