"Play It, Steve!"... Legendary Steve Cropper of Memphis Soul Passes Away at 84

"Play it, Steve!" The name that echoed in the middle of Sam & Dave's classic 'Soul Man', the legendary musician Steve Cropper, who conducted the golden age of Memphis Soul with a single guitar string, has left us.

According to foreign news reports on the 4th (local time), Steve Cropper passed away at the age of 84 on the 3rd at a rehabilitation facility in Nashville, USA. The specific cause of death has not been disclosed, but it is reported that his family was by his side during his final moments.

◆ A Pillar of Stax Records, Creating the Language of Soul

Born in Missouri in 1941, Cropper moved to Memphis at the age of 9 and picked up a guitar for the first time at 14. Influenced by Chuck Berry and Chet Atkins, he became a founding member of the house band of the legendary label 'Stax Records', 'Booker T. & the MG's'.

The number of classic songs born from his fingertips is countless. He co-wrote the instrumental classic "Green Onions", as well as Otis Redding's "(Sittin' On) the Dock of the Bay" and Wilson Pickett's "In the Midnight Hour", laying the foundation of soul music. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him 45th among the 'Greatest Guitarists of All Time', calling him "the essence of soul guitar".

◆ The Blues Brothers and the Eternal Active Artist

After his time at Stax, he moved to Los Angeles and collaborated with the biggest stars of the time, including John Lennon, Ringo Starr, and Rod Stewart. Notably, he joined the 'Blues Brothers' band in the late 1970s and even appeared in the 1980 film, leaving a deep impression on a new generation of fans.

He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, elevating him to the status of a master.

◆ "He Loved Every Moment That Brought Joy"

His son, Steven Cropper, paid tribute on Facebook, stating, "My father lived an amazing life. He truly enjoyed every moment that brought joy to others."

The 'Soul Man', who pinpointed only the necessary notes for the song rather than flashy techniques. His simple yet profound guitar riffs will forever resonate in the hearts of music fans around the world.