LEGENDARY guitarist Steve Cropper, famous for writing iconic hits including Green Onions, has sadly died aged 84.
The iconic musician, once hailed as second best of all time, passed away on Wednesday, his son confirmed to Variety.
Cropper was best known as the guitarist in Booker T & the MG’s, who were widely considered one of the best backing bands in soul music.
The musician co-wrote their famous blues track Green Onions, as well as hits including Sittin’ on The Dock of the Bay with Otis Redding and Wilson Pickett’s In the Midnight Hour.
In 1996, British music monthly Mojo named him the second-greatest guitarist of all time.
The publication wrote: “Cropper puts everything he’s got, which is considerable, at the disposal of the artist and the song: metronome-crisp timing; deadly-accurate chops; earth-moving bottom-line riffs; sharp, nasty little licks and grace notes.
“His solos never outstay their welcome or leave you wanting less.”
Rolling Stone magazine also ranked Cropper 39th on its 100 Greatest Guitarists list, calling him “the secret ingredient in some of the greatest rock and soul songs.”
The guitarist was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992.
As a two-time Grammy Award winner, Cropper also received the Grammys’ lifetime achievement award in 2007.
Cropper, born in 1941, was raised in Memphis and began playing guitar at the age of 14.
It’s understood Chuck Berry, Jimmy Reed and Chet Atkins were among his early influences.
His passion for the industry was sparked after working at the Stax Records store and studio when he was 20.
He seized the opportunity to work with saxophonist Charles “Packy” Axton.
This later saw him play with Booker T Jones, Donald “Duck” Dunn and Al Jackson Jr.
They created Green Onions and Stax shot to fame after the hit reached number one on the R&B charts.
In a 2012 interview, Cropper told the Guardian: “We would literally spend 15 hours a day in the studio.
“I think we had 17 or 18 artists on the roster, so we had a pretty busy schedule.”
Pat Mitchell Worley, president and CEO of the Soulsville Foundation that operates the Stax Museum of American Soul Music in Memphis said in a statement: “Steve Cropper’s offerings to American music are significant but his contribution to soul and R&B music are immeasurable.
“As a founding member of Booker T. & the M.G.’s and a cornerstone of the Stax Records sound, his songwriting and guitar work shaped the very language of soul music.
“A gifted songwriter, producer, and musician, Cropper helped create timeless hits that continue to influence artists and people worldwide.
“His signature style helped define an era and cemented his legacy as one of the most important guitarists in modern music history.”
Cropper left the label in 1970 but Booker T & the MGs continued to reunite for recording sessions and tours until the 90s.
The backed artists including Neil Young, Bob Dylan, and John Fogerty.
Cropper went on to perform as the lead guitarist for John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd’s the Blues Brothers.
He featured on their 1978 album Briefcase Full of Blues as well as four other albums.
The guitarist also appeared in the 1980 feature The Blues Brothers and its 1998 sequel Blues Brothers 2000.
Tributes have poured in for Cropper, with heartbroken fans paying their respects.
One penned: “The engine of the band – what a great talent – was lucky enough to see him perform live at the bedford blues festival.”
“In addition to his musical talent, he was a great ambassador for that musical era, especially for Otis. This is sad news,” another wrote.
A third added: “One of the greats. He really helped define the Memphis sound.”
“Loved his guitar playing so much. What a great guy too. RIP Steve.. you’ll be missed,” said another fan.
Cropper is survived by his wife Angel and four children.