Steve Cropper facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Steve Cropper
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Cropper performing in 2008
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Steven Lee Cropper |
| Born | October 21, 1941 Dora, Missouri, U.S. |
| Origin | Memphis, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | December 3, 2025 (aged 84) Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
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| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 1958–2025 |
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Steven Lee Cropper (October 21, 1941 – December 3, 2025), often called "The Colonel," was an amazing American guitarist, songwriter, and record producer. He was a key member of the Stax Records house band, Booker T. & the M.G.'s. This band played backup for many famous artists like Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and Sam & Dave. Steve Cropper also helped produce many of their hit songs. Later, he joined the Blues Brothers band, becoming even more famous. Rolling Stone magazine recognized him as one of the greatest guitarists ever. He won two Grammy Awards for his incredible musical contributions.
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Steve Cropper's Early Life and Musical Journey
Steve Cropper was born in Dora, Missouri, on October 21, 1941. He grew up there and in West Plains. When he was nine, his family moved to Memphis. In Memphis, he discovered the exciting sounds of black church music, which greatly influenced his musical style. Steve got his first guitar when he was 14 years old. He attended Messick High School and loved listening to guitarists like Chuck Berry and Chet Atkins.
Becoming a Music Legend
Steve Cropper's journey into music began when he and guitarist Charlie Freeman formed a band called the Royal Spades. This band later became known as the Mar-Keys. The name "Mar-Keys" came from the sign outside Stax Records studios, which was then called Satellite Records. The Mar-Keys started playing on recording sessions and even had their own hit song, "Last Night," in 1961.
Joining Booker T. & the M.G.'s
The president of Stax Records, Jim Stewart, was very impressed with Steve's guitar playing. He also saw how professional and mature Steve was, even at a young age. Steve became a founding member of the famous Stax house band, Booker T. & the M.G.'s. The band included Hammond organ player Booker T. Jones, bassist Lewie Steinberg (later replaced by Donald "Duck" Dunn), and drummer Al Jackson Jr..
As the house guitarist, Steve played on many classic recordings. These included "(Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay," which he co-wrote with Otis Redding. He also played on Sam & Dave's hit song "Soul Man," where his name was even mentioned in the lyrics! Steve often played a Fender Telecaster guitar on these early Stax recordings.
Writing Hit Songs
Steve Cropper's talent wasn't just limited to playing guitar. He also co-wrote many famous songs. He helped write "Knock on Wood" with Eddie Floyd. He also co-wrote "In the Midnight Hour" with Wilson Pickett. And, of course, he co-wrote "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" with Otis Redding. In 1969, Steve released his first solo album, With a Little Help from My Friends.
The Blues Brothers and Beyond
After leaving Stax Records in 1970, Steve Cropper started his own recording studio called TMI Studios. He worked with many famous musicians there, including Ringo Starr and Rod Stewart.
In 1975, Steve reunited with some of his bandmates from Booker T. & the M.G.'s. Sadly, their drummer, Al Jackson Jr., passed away unexpectedly before they could make a comeback. In 1978, Steve and bassist Donald "Duck" Dunn joined the Blues Brothers band. This led to two popular albums and appearances in the movies The Blues Brothers and Blues Brothers 2000. In these movies, Steve played himself, adding to the band's cool image.
Steve Cropper even had a fun cameo in the "Weird Al" Yankovic mockumentary The Compleat Al in 1985. He played a bit of "Soul Man" in a funny attempt to join Al's band.
Later Career and Recognition
In 1991, Steve Cropper performed at the Guitar Legends, Seville 1991 concerts. This event celebrated Seville hosting the 1992 Expo exhibition. He shared the stage with many of the world's best guitarists, like Keith Richards and BB King.
In 1992, Booker T. & the M.G.'s were honored by being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Steve Cropper performed with a new lineup of the band at the Bob Dylan 30th Anniversary concert that same year.
In 1996, a British magazine called Mojo named Steve Cropper "the greatest living guitar player." Even the famous guitarist Keith Richards said, "Perfect, man," when asked about Steve. In 1998, Steve released an album called The Interview – Play It, Steve!, which looked back at his amazing career.
Steve continued to perform and receive awards. In 2004, he played at Eric Clapton's Crossroads Guitar Festival. On June 9, 2005, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He also co-produced The Memphis Album (2007) for Australian singer Guy Sebastian and toured with him. In 2009, he received the "Founders Award" from EMP/SFM, and in 2010, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.
In 2011, Steve released Dedicated, an album honoring the "5" Royales. He also appeared as a special guest on Peter Frampton's Guitar Circus Tour in 2013. In November 2021, his album Fire It Up was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album. In August 2024, he released the album Friendlytown with his band Steve Cropper and the Midnight Hour, featuring Billy Gibbons and Brian May.
His Final Years
Steve Cropper passed away in Nashville on December 3, 2025, at the age of 84. He had been recovering from a recent fall at a rehabilitation facility.
Awards and Achievements
Steve Cropper was a highly recognized musician. He was nominated for seven Grammy Awards throughout his career and won two of them. One Grammy was for his work on "(Sittin' On) The Dock Of The Bay" in 1968. Another was for Best Pop Instrumental Performance in 1994 for "Cruisin'". He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, showing how much his music meant to the world.
Music He Made
Here are some of the albums Steve Cropper released:
- 1969: With a Little Help from My Friends
- 1969: Jammed Together (with Albert King and Pops Staples)
- 1971: This Is ... Steve Cropper & His Friends (a compilation album)
- 1981: Playin' My Thang
- 1982: Night After Night
- 1998: The Interview — Play It, Steve!
- 2008: Nudge It Up A Notch (with Felix Cavaliere)
- 2010: Midnight Flyer (with Felix Cavaliere)
- 2011: Dedicated — A Salute to the 5 Royales
- 2017: Steve Cropper, Lou Marini and the Original Blues Brothers Band — The Last Shade of Blue Before Black
- 2018: Telemasters (with Arlen Roth)
- 2021: Fire It Up
- 2024: Friendlytown
On Screen Appearances
Steve Cropper also appeared in several movies:
- 1980: The Blues Brothers as himself
- 1988: Satisfaction as Sal
- 1999: Blues Brothers 2000 as himself
- 2008: Be Kind Rewind as himself
- 2017: Rock 'n' Roll Guns for Hire: The Story of the Sidemen as himself
See also
In Spanish: Steve Cropper para niños
