Steve Cropper, Architect of Soul Guitar, Dies at 84

Steve Cropper, the legendary guitarist who shaped the sound of American soul music, has died at 84. His distinctive playing was a cornerstone of countless hits at Stax Records in Memphis. Cropper co-founded the seminal house band Booker T. & the M.G.'s. Their instrumentals, like "Green Onions," became classics. More importantly, the band provided the rhythm for hits by Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett, and Sam & Dave. He also co-wrote iconic songs such as "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" and "In the Midnight Hour." Decades later, a new generation knew him as the guitarist in the popular comedy band The Blues Brothers. Music historians credit Cropper with creating a clean, rhythmic guitar style. His work at Stax Records helped define the "Memphis Sound." This sound blended gospel, blues, and pop into a major force in 1960s music.