From American Songwriter · Erinn Callahan · · 50s
Steve Cropper: The Colonel
Grammy-winning guitarist Steve Cropper, known as 'The Colonel', backed Otis Redding and Neil Young before his death at 84.
In brief
Grammy-winning guitarist Steve Cropper, known as 'The Colonel', backed Otis Redding and Neil Young before his death at 84. Steve Cropper, the Grammy-winning guitarist known as 'The Colonel', died at 84 in 2025 after a career backing soul legends like Otis Redding. Originally reported by American Songwriter.
Born in Missouri
Steve Cropper was born on October 21, 1941, in Dora, Missouri.
Soul Music Pioneer
He co-wrote Otis Redding’s posthumous 1968 chart-topper 'Sittin’ On The Dock of the Bay'.
Stax Records A&R
As head of artists & repertoire at Stax Records, he worked on records from fall 1961 to year end 1970.
Booker T. & the MG’s
He was a member of Booker T. & the MG’s, playing on hits like 'Green Onions' and 'Soul Man'.
Death in 2025
Steve Cropper died at age 84 on December 3, 2:00pm in Nashville, 2025.
What to remember
Steve Cropper, the Grammy-winning guitarist known as 'The Colonel', died at 84 in 2025 after a career backing soul legends like Otis Redding.
