Legendary Guitarist Steve Cropper of Booker T. & the M.G.’s Dies at 82

Steve Cropper — the influential guitarist, songwriter, and producer whose work shaped the sound of Stax Records and defined an era of soul music — has died at the age of 82. His family confirmed the news, noting he passed peacefully on Saturday.

Cropper was a founding member of Booker T. & the M.G.’s, the powerhouse house band behind countless Stax classics. His sharp, clean guitar lines helped build hits for Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Wilson Pickett, and many more. Beyond his role in the studio, Cropper co-wrote some of soul’s most enduring tracks, including the timeless “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.”

Throughout his decades-long career, Cropper remained one of the most respected musicians in American music. His work extended into film and pop culture through his appearance in The Blues Brothers and through collaborations that spanned generations. Artists across the industry are now honoring his legacy, remembering him as both a quiet craftsman and a cornerstone of modern soul.

Cropper leaves behind a body of work that changed popular music — the sound of Stax Records simply doesn’t exist without him.