News : Booker T. & the MG’s Guitarist Steve Cropper Dies at 84

Legendary guitarist, songwriter and producer Steve Cropper, who played a key role in defining the Stax Records sound, has died at the age of 84.

A statement from his family confirmed his passing, noting that Cropper died peacefully in Nashville on Wednesday (03.12.25).

It opened with, “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 been shared at this time.

The family’s tribute continued with, “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 fame as a founding member of Booker T and the MG’s, the house band at Stax Records in Memphis. Their work helped establish a sound that became deeply connected to soul music throughout the 1960s. In addition to his contributions to the group, Cropper worked on major recordings for artists such as Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett, helping secure his place as one of the most influential guitarists of his generation.

Cropper was regularly praised by respected music outlets, including Rolling Stone and Mojo, which listed him among the greatest guitarists of all time.

Along with being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with Booker T and the MG's, Cropper became a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005.

He also later performed as part of the iconic Blues Brothers band.

His creative work extended into film as well, teaming up with director John Carpenter to compose the score for the 1998 movie Vampires. Throughout his career, he worked with an impressive list of music legends that included Sir Elton John, Sir Ringo Starr and Paul Simon.

In the decades that followed, Booker T and the MG’s continued performing and made a memorable appearance as the backing band for Bob Dylan’s 30th Anniversary Concert at Madison Square Garden in New York in 1992.

Last year, under the name Steve Cropper and the Midnight Hour, the musician released the album Friendlytown. Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top played lead guitar on the record, and Sir Brian May of Queen appeared on the track Too Much Stress.