A Soulful Legacy: Remembering the Life and Influence of Steve Cropper
Steve Cropper, whose guitar riffs became the backbone of Memphis soul music, has passed away at the age of 84. Known for his work with Booker T. and the M.G.’s at Stax Records, Cropper co-wrote timeless classics such as “Green Onions,” “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay,” and “In the Midnight Hour.” The news of his death was confirmed by Pat Mitchell Worley, president and CEO of the Soulsville Foundation, who mentioned that his family informed her of his passing in Nashville.
Cropper’s understated yet impactful guitar style helped define an era of music. Not one to seek the limelight, he was content to let his music speak for itself, contributing to the success of many Black artists during a time when such collaborations were rare. Longtime friend Eddie Gore recalled visiting Cropper at a rehabilitation facility in Nashville shortly before his death, where Cropper remained active in creating music.
‘Play it, Steve!’
Cropper’s talent was immortalized in the 1967 hit “Soul Man” by Sam & Dave, with singer Sam Moore famously shouting, “Play it, Steve!” This moment highlighted Cropper’s signature sound, crafted with a Zippo lighter for a distinctive slide effect. The riff gained renewed fame in the late 1970s when Cropper joined “The Blues Brothers” with John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd.
In a 2020 interview with The Associated Press, Cropper explained his musical approach: “I listen to the other musicians and the singer. I’m not listening to just me.” His style was praised by luminaries like Keith Richards, who called him “perfect,” and Joe Bonamassa, who noted that Cropper’s techniques are frequently emulated.
He got his first guitar at 14
Born near Dora, Missouri, Cropper moved to Memphis at age 9 and received his first guitar at 14. Influenced by musicians like Chuck Berry and Chet Atkins, he soon became a fixture at Stax Records, originally known as Satellite Records. His band, the Mar-Keys, scored a hit with “Last Night,” and some members later formed Booker T. and the M.G.’s, a racially integrated group that broke new ground in the music industry.
The band backed several Stax artists, including Otis Redding and Sam & Dave, while also finding success with their own hits like “Green Onions.” Cropper’s collaborations extended beyond Stax, working with artists like Wilson Pickett, with whom he co-wrote the classic “In the Midnight Hour.”
Inspired by gospel song
Cropper’s influence on soul music was profound. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005. His contributions were recognized with a Grammy Award for lifetime achievement and the Tennessee Governor’s Arts Award earlier this year.
His work with Otis Redding on “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay” stands as a testament to his ability to transcend musical boundaries, crafting a song that became a posthumous No. 1 hit for Redding. Cropper’s enduring legacy is felt through his recordings and numerous accolades, such as 2024’s “Friendlytown,” nominated for a Grammy.
This article was originally written by www.npr.org
