đź”— Share this article The iconic guitarist Steve Cropper, musician of Booker T and the MGs, dies at the age of 84 Steve Cropper formed the backbone of the resident musical group of the pioneering Memphis label Stax Records. Esteemed musician Steve Cropper, the renowned guitarist with Booker T and the MGs, has died at the age of 84. The guitar virtuoso, who contributed to and co-wrote Otis Redding's Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay and the hit track In the Midnight Hour, passed away recently in Music City, Nashville. Considered among the finest supporting groups in the history of soul music, the quartet the MGs was the house band of the groundbreaking Memphis label Stax/Volt and is primarily known for their classic 1962 track Green Onions. Cropper later became a member of the blues revival band The Blues Brothers in the late '70s and featured on their popular rendition of Soul Man. "Steve was a cherished musician, songwriter, and producer whose immense talent inspired generations around the world," his family said in a message. "While we grieve the loss of a husband, father, and friend, we are consoled knowing that Steve will be remembered through his music," they noted. A reason for his passing was not disclosed. An associate, Eddie Gore, recalled he was with Cropper just the day before in Nashville, where the guitarist had been working on new songs. "He's such a kind human," Gore commented. "We were fortunate to have him, for sure." Steve Cropper, pictured on the right, with artists Eddie Floyd and Sheryl Crow. A Storied Musical Path Named the number two guitarist of all time by a UK publication in 1996, Cropper first found employment at the Stax label in 1961 at the age of 20. A year later, the MGs were founded, comprising keyboardist Booker T Jones, drummer Al Jackson and bassist Lewie Steinberg - who was succeeded by Donald "Duck" Dunn in 1964. The band was honored by inclusion in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992. "I've always seen myself as a player who focuses on rhythm," Cropper explained in a past interview. "I take pride in the fact that I can play something repeatedly, while other guitar players avoid that approach. They are reluctant to repeat the same phrase twice." In addition to being a guitarist, Cropper was a prolific songwriter, and alongside Dock of the Bay and In the Midnight Hour, he co-wrote Eddie Floyd's hit Knock on Wood. According to his official biography, he was "a part of the majority of record released by Stax from late 1961 through the end of 1970". "We would truly spend long days in the studio," Cropper once recalled. "I think we had 17 or 18 artists signed to the label, so we had a pretty busy schedule."