Legendary guitarist, songwriter and producer Steve Cropper, who helped shape the Stax Records sound, has passed away at 84.
A statement released by his family confirmed the news, saying Cropper died peacefully in Nashville on Wednesday (03.12.25).
It began: “Steve was a beloved musician, songwriter, and producer whose extraordinary talent touched millions of lives around the world,” the announcement read.
No cause of death has yet been revealed.
The family tribute continued: “While we mourn the loss of a husband, father, and friend, we find comfort knowing that Steve will live forever through his music. Every note he played, every song he wrote, and every artist he inspired ensures that his spirit and artistry will continue to move people for generations to come.”
Cropper rose to prominence as a founding member of Booker T and the MG’s, the house band at Stax Records in Memphis. Together, they pioneered a sound that became synonymous with soul music in the 1960s. Beyond his work with the group, Cropper contributed to landmark recordings by artists including Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett, cementing his reputation as one of the most influential guitarists of his era.
Cropper was often touted by prestigious music publications, including Rolling Stone and Mojo, as one of the greatest guitar players of all time.
As well as being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Booker T and the MG’s, Cropper was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005.
He was later a member of the iconic Blues Brothers band.
The guitarist’s career also extended into film, where he teamed up with director John Carpenter on the score for the 1998 movie Vampires. Over the years, he collaborated with a host of music icons, among them Sir Elton John, Sir Ringo Starr, and Paul Simon.
In later decades, Booker T and the MG’s continued to make their mark on stage, most memorably when they performed as the backing band for Bob Dylan’s 30th Anniversary Concert at Madison Square Garden in New York in 1992.
Last year, under the band name Steve Cropper and the Midnight Hour, the musician released the album Friendlytown. Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top played lead guitar throughout, while Sir Brian May of Queen featured on the track Too Much Stress.