Born in Dora, Missouri in 1941, Steve Cropper went on to become one of the most influential musicians of the last century. A singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer, he helped create some of the most enduring and familiar songs ever recorded. As a founding member of the Stax house band Booker T & The MGs, he worked with artists such as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and Eddie Floyd.
He later became a key part of The Blues Brothers Band, formed by Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi on Saturday Night Live. Alongside his work with these groups, Cropper co-wrote a remarkable list of classics including “Knock On Wood” with Eddie Floyd, “Soul Man” with Sam and Dave, “In the Midnight Hour” with Wilson Pickett, and the timeless “Sittin’ On The Dock Of The Bay” with Otis Redding. Many musicians would consider it an honour to have written even one of those songs.
Over the course of his long career, he played with artists such as Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Bo Diddley, and Albert Collins, all of whom praised both his musicianship and his character. The word legend is often overused, but in Steve Cropper’s case it fits exactly.
I had the privilege of interviewing him a few years ago for Blues Matters magazine, an experience I will always cherish. He was warm, gracious, and easy to talk to, a true Southern gentleman. Speaking with him felt like talking to someone I had known for years, which says everything about the kind of person he was.
Stephen Harrison
About Steve Cropper:
A founding voice of the Stax sound
Steve Cropper’s work at Stax placed him at the center of one of the most creative periods in American music. As a member of Booker T and the MGs, he shaped the rhythmic foundation that countless singers relied on. His guitar parts were always tasteful and economical, designed to lift a song rather than dominate it. That approach became a hallmark of the Memphis soul sound. Musicians still study his playing on those early Stax recordings to understand how precision and restraint can create extraordinary impact.
A songwriter behind timeless classics
Cropper’s writing partnership with artists such as Otis Redding, Eddie Floyd, and Wilson Pickett produced songs that remain essential to the history of soul and rhythm and blues. He had an instinctive understanding of melody and structure, but more importantly, he knew how to build songs that carried emotional weight. Tracks like Knock On Wood, In the Midnight Hour, and Sittin On the Dock of the Bay show his ability to craft music that feels both simple and unforgettable. These compositions continue to be performed, recorded, and celebrated internationally.
Beyond Stax
Even after leaving Stax, Cropper remained a deeply respected figure among musicians. His work with The Blues Brothers introduced him to a whole new generation of music lovers. The project may have begun as a comedic idea for television, yet the band carried real musical credibility. Cropper brought authenticity and authority to every performance, and the success of the Blues Brothers films and recordings ensured that his sound reached audiences far outside the traditional soul and R and B sphere.
A legacy that shaped generations
Cropper’s influence can be heard in the playing of guitarists across many genres. He proved that technical brilliance does not always require speed or flash. Instead, he demonstrated how timing, tone, and feel can define a song. Younger musicians often cite him as an example of how to approach the guitar with purpose rather than excess. His recordings are still used as reference points for players who want to understand how to support a band with clarity and intention.
Why he mattered
What made Steve Cropper truly remarkable was not only his talent but also the way he carried himself. Those who worked with him often spoke about his kindness, humility, and good humor. Despite being responsible for some of the most famous recordings of the twentieth century, he remained approachable and easy to talk to. His presence in the studio brought calm and confidence to everyone around him. For many, that generosity of spirit is just as much a part of his legacy as the music itself.
