Rock Legend and Blues Brothers Guitarist Steve Cropper Dead at 84

Music has lost one of its true icons.

Steve Cropper—the legendary guitarist whose riffs powered hits for the Blues Brothers, Otis Redding, and Booker T. & the MGs—has died at 84, his family confirmed.

Known for his crisp, soulful guitar sound that helped define the Memphis soul era, Cropper was more than just a musician—he was the backbone behind dozens of songs that shaped American rock and R&B. His son, Cameron Cropper, confirmed the heartbreaking news to Variety.

Cropper’s unmistakable rhythm guitar could be heard on classics like Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay,” Wilson Pickett’s “In the Midnight Hour,” and Eddie Floyd’s “Knock on Wood.” With Booker T. & the MGs, he co-wrote the immortal instrumental “Green Onions,” which still grooves its way through soundtracks, commercials, and playlists today.

In 1996, Mojo magazine ranked him the second-greatest guitarist of all time—right behind Jimi Hendrix—praising his “metronome-crisp timing” and “deadly-accurate chops.” And anyone who’s seen The Blues Brothers knows his unmistakable cool on screen, guitar in hand, flanking Dan Aykroyd and John Belushi in those iconic suits and shades.

Beyond the spotlight, Cropper was a creative force at Stax Records, shaping the sound of a generation and mentoring countless artists who followed. His credits read like a who’s-who of soul and rock: Sam & Dave, Carla Thomas, Don Covay, and even later collaborations with Bob Dylan, Ringo Starr, and Neil Young.

To a new generation, he’ll forever be remembered as “Steve the Colonel” from The Blues Brothers band—stoic, sharp, and effortlessly cool.

Cropper was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 alongside Booker T. & the MGs. He is survived by his wife, Angel, and four children.

A legend whose guitar spoke louder than words—Steve Cropper’s music will keep playing on.