Steve Cropper, whose guitar and producing helped define Southern soul, dies at 84

By Brad Brooks

Dec 3 (Reuters) – Steve Cropper, a storied guitarist, songwriter and producer who helped define the Southern soul sound at legendary Memphis music label Stax Records, died on Wednesday in Nashville, according to a post on his social media accounts. He was 84. No cause of death was cited.

Cropper was the lead guitarist for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame group Booker T. and the MG’s, whose biggest hit was the 1962 single “Green Onions.” He also played with many other legendary R&B figures, from Otis Redding to B.B. King to Wilson Pickett.

“While we mourn the loss of a husband, father, and friend, we find comfort knowing that Steve will live forever through his music,” the post on his social media read.

As a songwriter, Cropper had co-writer credits on genre-defining hits such as