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A resolution honoring the life of acclaimed guitarist, songwriter, and producer Steve Cropper.
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WHEREAS, Steve Cropper was a renowned guitarist, songwriter, producer, and member of Stax Records’ Booker T. and the M.G.’s, known best for co-writing hits such as “Green Onions,” “(Sittin’ on) the Dock of the Bay,” and “In the Midnight Hour”; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cropper passed away in Nashville on December 3, 2025, at the age of 84; and
WHEREAS, Booker T. and the M.G.’s was one of few racially integrated bands of the time, attracting artists beyond Stax Records to record with the group. At a time when it was common for white musicians to co-opt the work of the Black artists they worked with for profit, Mr. Cropper, as a part of Booker T. and the M.G.’s, was happy to collaborate with Black musicians creating a sound that defined the era; and
WHEREAS, in his life, Mr. Cropper received many awards for his contributions to music. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He also received a Grammy Award for lifetime achievement and the Tennessee Governor’s Arts Award; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Cropper spent the end of his life in Nashville at his very own state-of-the-art recording studio, Insomnia Studio for twenty years and then Historic RCA Studio C for eleven years; and
WHEREAS, he was a strong voice in the fight to protect Tennessee music, appearing at RCA Studio A to speak in favor of protecting artist and music industry professionals against the unethical use of artificial intelligence; and
WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that the Metropolitan Council recognize and celebrate the life of Steve Cropper and his contributions to music in Nashville, the state of Tennessee, and around the world.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record honoring the life of Steve Cropper.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.