Steve Cropper, the legendary guitarist, songwriter, and producer whose minimalist style helped define the sound of American soul and rock, died peacefully in Nashville at the age of 84, according to an announcement shared by his family and official social media channels on December 4, 2025. Cropper, affectionately known as "The Colonel," leaves behind a legacy that spans decades and genres, touching millions through his work with Booker T. & the M.G.'s, The Blues Brothers, and as the architect of the iconic Stax Records sound.
Born in 1941, Cropper's journey began in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee—a city that would become synonymous with the gritty, lean grooves of soul music. As an original member of Booker T. & the M.G.'s, he contributed to timeless classics like "Green Onions," his tight, rhythmic guitar work serving as a blueprint for generations of musicians. But Cropper's influence didn't stop there; he co-wrote and played on some of the most enduring songs in music history, including "(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay," "Soul Man," "Knock on Wood," and "In the Midnight Hour." According to Rock Cellar, these tracks remain foundational to the legacy of American music.
Cropper's style was defined not by flashy solos or technical wizardry, but by a deep commitment to the groove. "I’ve always thought of myself as a rhythm player," Cropper told Guitar.com in 2021. "I get off on the fact that I can play something over and over and over, while other guitar players don’t want to even know about that. They won’t even play the same riff or the same lick twice." His philosophy—to serve the song above all—earned him accolades from peers and critics alike. In 2015, Rolling Stone ranked him 39th on its list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time, while Mojo magazine placed him second only to Jimi Hendrix in 1996.
Cropper’s minimalist, rhythmic approach set him apart in the 1960s, as he became the sonic backbone of Stax Records. His guitar work, often described as "perfect, man" by fellow musicians like Keith Richards, was characterized by economic use of notes and a focus on supporting the melody and groove. This approach was immortalized in the 1966 hit "Soul Man" by Sam & Dave, where singer Sam Moore famously called out, "Play it, Steve!"—a cue for Cropper’s stinging single-string solo that remains iconic to this day, as reported by The New York Times.
Beyond the studio, Cropper brought his authentic soul sound to a wider audience as a key member of The Blues Brothers Band, appearing in both the 1980 and 2000 films. His memorable exchange with Sam Moore in "Soul Man" was immortalized on the silver screen, introducing his talents to a new generation of fans. According to Variety, Cropper was also a sought-after producer and engineer, working with legends like Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and Sam & Dave, further cementing his role as a cornerstone of Memphis soul.
In recognition of his monumental contributions, Cropper was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice—once as a member of Booker T. & the M.G.'s in 1992 and again for his lifetime achievements. He was also a Grammy Award winner and a Songwriters Hall of Fame honoree, honors that reflected the breadth and depth of his impact on American music.
Even in his later years, Cropper’s creative drive never waned. In September 2025, he released "Staxology," a solo studio album that paid tribute to the classic Stax Records sound. The album featured new instrumental takes on legendary soul tracks and showcased his signature guitar style. Just a year earlier, he released "Friendlytown," a project that included appearances from Queen’s Brian May and Billy F Gibbons of ZZ Top, as highlighted by Rock Cellar. According to close associates, Cropper had been working on new music just one day before his passing, demonstrating his lifelong dedication to his craft.
Cropper’s passing marked the end of an era. He was the last surviving member of the classic Booker T. & the M.G.'s lineup, outliving drummer Al Jackson Jr. and bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn. Only Booker T. Jones remains from the integrated band that broke barriers and set the standard for soul music in the 1960s. Cropper’s disciplined, clean living allowed him to remain active in the music world well into his eighties, continuing to inspire new generations of musicians.
Tributes poured in from across the music industry following news of his death. Tower of Power posted on X, "So sad to hear of the passing of our dear friend Steve Cropper today. His soulful guitar playing, songwriting, and record productions inspired us to be a soul band when we were teens and eventually led us to work with him in Memphis on our 2nd, and one of our best-selling albums." Guitarist Joe Bonamassa wrote, "Words fail me in describing Steve Cropper’s impact on music. He was on the session when history was made. He came up with the guitar parts we all studied. He produced the records we all worshipped. He was my friend and a true great. Rest in peace. This one really hurts."
Cropper’s death was confirmed by his wife, Angel Cropper, who shared that he died peacefully at a rehabilitation facility in Nashville, where he had been recovering from a recent fall. No specific cause of death was reported. He is survived by his wife Angel, his children Andrea, Cameron, Stevie, and Ashley, along with countless musicians and fans whose lives he transformed. The family expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love and support, requesting privacy during this difficult time.
Reflecting on his decades-long career, Cropper remained humble about his role in music history. In a 2021 interview, he recounted a story about his first meeting with Otis Redding: "We were there cutting Johnny Jenkins, a band he was singing with. When they pulled up to the studio, we were outside smoking a cigarette, and this big ol’ tall guy comes out, goes to the truck, and unlocks it with the keys, because he drove the Cadillac. I thought he was Johnny Jenkins’ valet or driver. But he wasn’t... That’s why Otis was driving." These anecdotes, along with his unmistakable guitar work, have become part of music lore.
Steve Cropper’s passing closes a chapter on a singular life in music, but his influence will continue to reverberate through every chord struck in a Memphis groove, every soul song spun on the radio, and every young guitarist who learns that sometimes, less truly is more.
