BMI Remembers Legendary Songwriter and Guitarist Steve Cropper

BMI was tremendously saddened to learn of the passing of legendary guitarist/songwriter Steve Cropper, whose death was announced Wednesday. He was 84.

A seismically influential figure in American Soul, classic R&B, funk, blues, and rock 'n' roll, Steve Cropper first earned renown as a founding member of Booker T & the MGs, the storied house band of Memphis' Stax Records. Cropper's signature playing on classics like "Green Onions," "Soul-Limbo" and "Time is Tight" helped define the sound of an era. Beyond his inimitable guitar style, Cropper was also a formidable producer and collaborative songwriter, helping craft timeless hits like Otis Redding's "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay." He also co-wrote, collaborated, and played alongside luminaries like Wilson Pickett, Aretha Franklin, Sam & Dave, Rufus and Carla Thomas, Eddie Floyd, Eric Clapton, Bob Dylan, John Fogerty, Neil Young, Levon Helm and David Bowie, among many others. After leaving Booker T & the MGs in 1970, Cropper had a notable second act in the late '70s as a core member of the Blues brothers, alongside John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd.

Cropper was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as part of Booker T. & the MGs and has also been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame, the Rhythm and Blues Hall of Fame and the Missouri Hall of Fame. Among his many accolades, he has earned three GRAMMY Awards and a star on the Music City Walk of Fame. He was named a BMI Icon at the 2018 BMI Country Awards, where he was celebrated with rousing performances of his hits by fellow BMI songwriters like Luke Combs, John Legend and others.

Steve Cropper was an irreplaceable music creator whose legacy will live on to inspire songwriters and artists alike. He will be greatly missed by his friends, fans and family at BMI.