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The influential soul guitar legend has passed away at the age of 84, with Joe Bonamassa, Tyler Bryant, Dave Mason, Mick Fleetwood and more sharing tributes
(Image credit: David Redfern/Redferns/Getty Images)
The guitar world has come out in full force to honor the memory of Steve Cropper – one of the most influential figures in soul guitar, who has died aged 84.
Cropper’s passing was announced yesterday (December 3) via a statement posted to his official Facebook page.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of Stephen Lee Cropper, who died peacefully in Nashville today at the age of 84,” the statement read.
“Steve was a beloved musician, songwriter, and producer whose extraordinary talent touched millions of lives around the world.”
Joe Bonamassa, Mick Fleetwood, Tommy Emmanuel, Dave Davies and Dave Mason have led the tributes to Cropper, with Bonamassa writing, “Words fail me in describing his impact on music.
“He was on the session when history was made. He came up with guitar parts we all studied. He produced the records we all worshipped,” he continued. “He was my friend and a true great… This one really hurts.”
“Steve Cropper, one of the most influential guitar players of our time passed away today,” Emmanuel wrote in his own post. “Shake your tail feather, brother.”
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“So sad to hear of Steve Cropper’s passing,” echoed Huey Lewis. “He was a giant. One of the architects of Memphis soul music, he wrote, produced and played on so many important songs. His music will live on forever.”
More tributes to Steve Cropper can be found below.
In Memoriam: “Play it, Steve!” Immortalized with a shout-out in Sam and Dave’s “Soul Man,” 1992 Inductee Steve Cropper was one of music’s most recognized and in-demand guitarists. (1/3) pic.twitter.com/hwRAXPgOvQDecember 3, 2025
Steve Cropper…RIP..Thank YOU For Being A HUGE Part Of My Musical Journey…🙏✨🙏✨⭐️✨🙏✨🙏 pic.twitter.com/Rw0EEfGn5wDecember 3, 2025
I was lucky enough to get to work with Steve Cropper on a few occasions. He was truly one of the greats. He played the guitar with many of the singers that changed my life. Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and Sam and Dave…just to name a few. It was such an honour to work with him,… pic.twitter.com/Upulh9DJHxDecember 4, 2025
It’s a very sad day with Steve Cropper dying. Love and condolences to his family. I briefly met him once and was an admirer of his work. Dave Davies https://t.co/OUrrEHNGjhDecember 4, 2025
Matt is the GuitarWorld.com News Editor, and has been writing and editing for the site for five years. He has a Masters in the guitar, a degree in history, and has spent the last 19 years playing everything from blues and jazz to indie and pop. During his GW career, he’s interviewed Peter Frampton, Zakk Wylde, Tosin Abasi, Matteo Mancuso and more, and has profiled the CEOs of Guitar Center and Fender.
When he’s not combining his passion for writing and music during his day job, Matt performs with indie rock duo Esme Emerson, and has previously opened for the likes of Ed Sheeran, Keane, Japanese House and Good Neighbours.
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