Steve Cropper, legendary guitarist for Booker T & the MGs, dies aged 84

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 3 min read 100% complete by Adrian HortonDecember 3, 2025 at 11:17 PM

AI Summary

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Steve Cropper, the influential guitarist for Booker T & the MGs and a key figure at Stax Records, died at 84. Cropper's son confirmed his death to Variety. As a guitarist, producer, and songwriter, Cropper played on numerous iconic soul tracks, including "(Sittin' on) The Dock of the Bay" and "In the Midnight Hour." Booker T & the MGs, where Cropper played guitar, served as the Stax house band, backing artists like Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett. Cropper left Stax in 1970 but continued to perform with Booker T & the MGs and later joined The Blues Brothers. His work significantly shaped the sound of Memphis soul music.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Memphis ×240% Stax Records ×560% Booker T & the MGs ×470% Steve Cropper ×980%

Keywords

steve cropper 100% stax records 90% booker t & the mgs 90% soul music 80% guitarist 70% green onions 60% memphis 60% r&b 50% producer 40% songwriter 40%