MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Steve Cropper, an influential guitarist and songwriter who profoundly shaped the sound of Memphis soul music, has passed away at the age of 84. His son, Cameron, confirmed the news of Cropper’s death, marking the end of an era for the music industry.

Cropper gained widespread recognition as the guitarist for Booker T. & the MGs, the groundbreaking interracial group celebrated as one of the foremost backing bands in soul music. He is particularly renowned for his work on “Green Onions,” a timeless instrumental that solidified the ensemble’s legacy and brought Stax Records to the forefront of the genre.

Throughout his prolific career, Cropper contributed his distinct guitar sound to a remarkable array of hits produced by Stax Records. He not only played on tracks but also produced and engineered songs that became iconic, including Otis Redding’s “(Sittin’ on) The Dock of the Bay,” Wilson Pickett’s “In the Midnight Hour,” and Eddie Floyd’s “Knock On Wood.” His work helped define the era’s sound, making him an indispensable figure in R&B history.

Cropper’s journey began at the age of 20 when he joined the Stax Records team, shortly after honing his craft alongside saxophonist Charles “Packy” Axton. A session with fellow musicians Booker T. Jones, Donald “Duck” Dunn, and Al Jackson Jr. culminated in the creation of “Green Onions,” a song that not only topped R&B charts but also achieved critical acclaim across multiple genres.

As part of the MGs, Cropper supported a diverse roster of artists, dedicating countless hours in the studio. He once remarked that the band would spend upwards of 15 hours a day recording, collaborating with a wide array of performers, which consequently propelled the Stax label into prominence during the 1960s.

Though Cropper departed Stax in 1970 amid organizational challenges, his musical journey did not slow. The MGs reunited frequently over the years, providing their signature sound for various artists, including rock legends like Bob Dylan and Neil Young.

Beyond his work with the MGs, Cropper achieved notable success in the late 1970s as the lead guitarist for the Blues Brothers, the comedic musical duo made famous by John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. He appeared on the group’s debut album, “Briefcase Full of Blues,” and lent his talents to their iconic films, solidifying his place in both music and film history.

Despite his illustrious career, Cropper continued to innovate and create well into his later years, releasing multiple solo albums after 2000. His contributions to the music industry were recognized with an induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1992, honoring his impact on the genre.

Survived by his wife, Angel, and four children, Cropper’s legacy as a musician and trailblazer in soul music will undoubtedly endure, inspiring future generations of artists and fans alike.