Steve Cropper

Steve Cropper
Steve Cropper
	Cropper in 1967
Background information
Born	Stephen Lee Cropper; October 21, 1941; Dora, Missouri, U.S.
Origin	Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
Died	December 3, 2025 (aged 84); Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
Genres	R&B; soul; southern soul; electric blues; blues;
Occupations	Musician; songwriter; producer; actor;
Instrument	Guitar
Years active	1958–2025
Labels	Stax; Provogue;
Formerly of	The Mar-Keys; Booker T. & the M.G.'s; The Blues Brothers;
Website	playitsteve.com

Stephen Lee Cropper (October 21, 1941 – December 3, 2025), sometimes known as "The Colonel", was an American guitarist, songwriter and record producer. He was the guitarist of the Stax Records house band, Booker T. & the M.G.'s, which backed artists such as Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, Sam & Dave, Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas, Johnnie Taylor and Neil Young. He also acted as the producer of many of these artists' records. He was later a member of the Blues Brothers band. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him 36th on its list of the 100 greatest guitarists. He won two Grammy Awards out of his seven nominations.