Steve Cropper is recognized world-wide, as a legendary musician, songwriter, producer, and cultural icon whose influence has transcended generations. Born in Missouri and moving to Memphis at age nine, Cropper received his first guitar at fourteen. With high school friends, he formed the Royal Spades, which evolved into The Mar-Keys. As teenage guitarists of The Mar-Keys, they had an instrumental smash hit “Last Night” in 1961, which helped put the young label on the map and usher in Memphis’ soul era. Cropper had already played sessions for Sun and Hi Records before joining Stax. Impressed by his skills and maturity, Stax president Jim Stewart made him the label’s de facto A&R man and engineer.
For nearly a decade, Cropper was involved in virtually every record issued by Stax. Beyond his group work, he played on and produced hundreds of other Stax recordings, backing artists such as Sam & Dave, the Staple Singers, and Wilson Pickett. He is celebrated as a co-writer of some of the greatest R&B songs recorded, including “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” with Otis Redding, “In the Midnight Hour” with Wilson Pickett, and “Knock on Wood” with Eddie Floyd. His distinctive guitar sound graced many hits, notably on Sam & Dave’s “Soul Man,” where he is mentioned by name.
Cropper left Stax in the fall of 1970 to pursue other ventures, establishing TMI Studios. Throughout the 1970s and 80s, he became an in-demand producer and session guitarist, working with artists like John Prine, John Cougar Mellencamp, Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart, Ringo Starr, and Paul Simon.
He significantly contributed to The Blues Brothers Band, playing on their three albums and co-starring in the movie Blues Brothers. His three decades with the Blues Brothers included numerous television and movie appearances.
Cropper has also released solo albums. In later years, he collaborated with artists like Felix Cavaliere on two albums, one of which was Grammy-nominated. He was involved in a Grammy-nominated tribute album to the 5 Royales, featuring numerous notable performers. More recently, his 2021 album, Fire It Up, received a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Blues Album.
His influence is widely recognized; Rolling Stone ranks him 36th among the 100 greatest guitarists, and Mojo magazine listed him as the greatest guitarist of all time behind Jimi Hendrix. He is an inductee of the Songwriters Hall of Fame and the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, and has received the BMI “Icon Award”. Beyond performing and writing, he has mentored other musicians and served on the advisory council for the Tennessee Film, Entertainment and Music Commission, demonstrating his dedication to the arts in Tennessee. His work has left a lasting imprint on the broader musical landscape.
