At 84, Steve Cropper, Legendary Guitarist for Booker T. & the MG’s, Dies at Rehabilitation Facility; Cause Still Unknown

Steve Cropper, the guitar wizard behind countless soul hits, passed away on December 3, 2025, at age 84 in a Nashville rehabilitation facility. Music lovers across the world are mourning the loss of the legendary guitarist, songwriter, and producer who shaped the sound of American soul music. 

Cropper died at the age of 84 at a rehabilitation facility, according to recent reports. His death marks the end of an era, as he was one of the key forces behind Stax Records, the Memphis music movement, and some of the most iconic songs of the 1960s and 70s. 

Steve Cropper's Cause of Death

As of now, reports confirm that Steve Cropper passed away at a rehabilitation facility, but the exact cause of death has not been revealed. He died at a rehab centre where he'd been recovering. Authorities and family members have not issued a detailed statement yet, and fans are waiting for more information.

At his age, it is common for people to face complex health issues, and many musicians in their later years rely on rehabilitative care for long-term medical support. Until officials share more details, any claims about the cause of death remain speculative. The family has requested privacy during this time.

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Who Was Steve Cropper? The Man Behind Some of Music’s Biggest Hits

✨ Steve Cropper ✨
🌱 21.10.1941 – 03.12.2025 🕊️🌹

RIP 💐 Guitarist, songwriter, and everlasting heart of the Memphis Sound 🎸💙🎵

🎵 Booker T. & The M.G.’s / Green Onions 🎯
📺 Njårdhallen, Oslo, Norway — 07.04.1967#RIPSteveCropper #SteveCropper pic.twitter.com/xub7ZwOVvB

— BéBéB (@CatsEyeMuseum) December 4, 2025

Steve Cropper was more than a guitarist. He was a music architect. His influence was so wide that he is often listed among the greatest guitarists of all time. Here’s what made him iconic:

A Key Member of Booker T. & the MG’s

• Cropper was the guitarist of Booker T. & the MG’s, the house band of Stax Records.
• The group was known for tight, soulful instrumentals and played behind some of the biggest artists in the world.

A Songwriter for Timeless Music

• He co-wrote several hits that still hold cultural weight today, including:
• “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” with Otis Redding
• “In the Midnight Hour” with Wilson Pickett
• “Green Onions” with Booker T. & the MG’s

These songs remain radio staples, movie soundtrack favourites, and musical blueprints for younger artists.

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Conclusion

Steve Cropper’s death leaves behind a deep emotional gap in the music world. His guitar work, songwriting, and production shaped an entire generation of sound, and his legacy will continue to live through the music he created. While the cause of his death remains unknown, what remains clear is the immense mark he left on the history of soul, rock, and R&B. Fans, musicians, and industry leaders continue to remember him with respect and admiration.