Happy birthday to Steve Cropper, born October 21, 1941.
He was part of one of the greatest soul music movements of the 20th Century, and has been pleasing audiences for more than six decades. Happy birthday to legendary guitarist, songwriter, and producer Steve Cropper, one of the most influential figures in the history of soul and R&B music.
Born in Willow Springs, Missouri, in 1941, Cropper rose to fame as a member of the iconic Stax Records house band, Booker T. & the M.G.’s. His distinctive guitar work, known for its sharp, clean, and rhythmic style, helped define the sound of Southern soul in the 1960s.
Cropper’s career took off when he joined the Stax team in Memphis, playing on countless hits for artists like Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, and Eddie Floyd. His collaboration with Otis Redding on timeless classics like “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” earned him widespread acclaim as both a guitarist and songwriter. As part of Booker T. & the M.G.’s, Cropper was instrumental in crafting hits like “Green Onions” and “Time Is Tight,” blending soul, blues, and rock elements into a signature groove that would inspire generations of musicians.
Beyond his Stax work, Cropper became a highly sought-after producer and session player, contributing to albums by artists such as Aretha Franklin, John Lennon, and The Blues Brothers (he even appeared the the Blues Brothers movie). His contributions to music have earned him numerous accolades, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 as a member of Booker T. & the M.G.’s. Cropper has continued recording into the 2020s, most recently issuing the fun album Friendlytown in 2024.
With a career spanning over six decades, Steve Cropper remains a revered figure in music, known for his masterful guitar playing, songwriting prowess, and pivotal role in shaping the soul sound of the 1960s and beyond. Happy birthday!
