Blues Brothers guitarist Steve Cropper passed away at the age of 84, his son Cameron Cropper confirmed, according to Variety.
Steve Cropper Had a Storied Career
While little is known of Cropper’s cause of death, fans have been following his career for more than six decades.
Perhaps best known for his role as lead guitarist in John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd’s Blues Brothers band, Cropper was born on October 21, 1941, in Missouri, but moved with his family to Memphis at the age of 9.
As a teen, Cropper—along with guitarist Charlie Freeman—formed the band later known as the Mar-Keys. He would later be offered a job with Stax Records as their scout and artist development manager.
In 1962, he became a founding member of the Stax Records house band, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, along with Booker T. Jones, Lewie Steinberg and Al Jackson Jr.
Cropper’s star quickly began to rise, and in 1967 he was mentioned by name in Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man.”
“I’m a soul man (play it, Steve)” the band sang. The hit song was later remade by the Blues Brothers, and singer John Belushi again called Cropper out by name in the lyrics.
Cropper was nominated for seven Grammy Awards throughout his career, most recently in 2022 in the Best Contemporary Blues Album category for his “Fire It Up” album. He took home two statuettes: One in 1968 and one in 1994 for Best Rhythm and Blues Song and Best Pop Instrumental Performance, respectively.
Steve Cropper Collaborated With Superstar Talent
While the beloved guitarist collaborated with megastars like Alabama, Jimmy Buffett, Chicago, Etta James, and Wynonna Judd, he previously recalled nearly working with the Beatles.
“Well it is true in a way,” Cropper told reporter Steve Newton in 2019. “[Beatles manager Brian Epstein] stayed in Memphis about a week and a half, and we were gonna do it, then he calls me and says, ‘I don’t feel like the security’s good enough in Memphis.’ And I said, ‘Man, I got you the best place, total security!'”
While it ultimately didn’t pan out, Cropper addd, “That was the Revolver album. So when I look back on it, it’s probably better that I didn’t get involved in it, because George had so much of that finished. That album is one of my favorites, and it was more about George Harrison than it is the Beatles themselves.”
Tributes Poured In for Steve Cropper
Fans and friends quickly took to social media after news of Cropper’s passing began to spread.
“Just 2 months ago we were putting final touches on another album with Steve Cropper and the Midnight Hour. I’m heartbroken to lose my mentor and my friend,” one friend shared.
“What a huge loss for the music industry one of my favorite guitar players, and producer has past…Little by little they are putting the band back together in heaven,” another posted.
What a great guitar player.