Soul and R&B history lost one of its greatest guitarists today, as legendary sideman and songwriter Steve Cropper has died. News of his death has sparked outpourings of grief and remembrance across the music world, as fans, fellow musicians, and critics reflect on his enormous influence.
Cropper wasn’t just another guitarist — he was a defining voice of Southern soul, a creative force behind some of the 1960s’ most enduring classics. As part of the house band at Stax Records, he helped craft the signature grooves that powered songs by the likes of Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, and many more.
His riffs and songwriting shaped soul, R&B, and the trajectory of modern rock — bridging genres and influencing generations of musicians. From raw southern soul to rock, funk, and beyond, Cropper’s legacy is woven into the fabric of contemporary music.
Remembered as generous, humble, and deeply musical, Cropper’s passing leaves a void — but the songs he helped write, the guitar lines he perfected, and the records he helped build will live on forever.
As tributes flow in, it’s clear: Steve Cropper was more than a guitarist. He was a soul keeper, a groove architect, and a legend whose strings will echo beyond his lifetime.
