Steve Cropper, the Architect of Soul Music, Passes Away at 84

Legendary guitarist Steve Cropper, who created the 'Memphis Soul' sound and inspired generations from The Beatles to the Blues Brothers, has passed away at the age of 84.

On the 4th (local time), Variety and other foreign media reported, citing Cropper's son Cameron, that "Steve Cropper peacefully closed his eyes today in Nashville."

◆ "No one has not heard his playing"

Born in Missouri in 1941 and raised in Memphis, Cropper was not just a performer. He established the grammar of soul music as the guitarist for the house band of the 1960s black music hub 'Stax Records', 'Booker T. & the MG's'.

As guitar master Joe Bonamassa said, "You may not know his name, but no one has not heard his playing." The sharp Telecaster sound of the instrumental classic "Green Onions", the intro of Sam & Dave's "Soul Man", and Wilson Pickett's "In the Midnight Hour" are just a few of the many classics that were born from his fingertips.

In particular, co-writing the timeless classic "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" with the King of Soul, Otis Redding, is considered one of the greatest collaborations in the history of popular music.

◆ The Cool Guitarist of the 'Blues Brothers'

In the late 1970s, Cropper joined the 'Blues Brothers' band formed by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd, marking a second peak in his career. His expressionless face while quietly playing guitar in the film left a strong impression on movie fans worldwide, and the album 'Briefcase Full of Blues' achieved double platinum success.

◆ Forever Remembered as 'The Colonel'

Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones praised his playing as "perfect," which was characterized by simplicity and precision rather than flashy techniques, along with a rhythmic sense that brought the songs to life. The British music magazine Mojo even named him the second greatest guitarist of all time in 1996, following Jimi Hendrix.

Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, he remained active until his later years. This year, he was recognized for his contributions with the Tennessee Governor's Arts Award, and now he takes his eternal rest, just like the lyrics of the song he composed, 'Sittin' on the dock of the bay.'