Guitarist Steve Cropper dies aged 84

Legendary guitarist, songwriter, and founding member of Booker T. & the M.G.'s Steve Cropper has died, aged 84.

Cropper's family confirmed his passing to the Soulsville Foundation, however, no cause of death has been announced.

Born in Missouri, Cropper grew up in Memphis, where he picked up a guitar for the first time at the age of 14 and was a member of the Royal Spades while he was in high school.

The group changed their name to the Mar-Keys and became the first house band on the newly named label Stax Records. The band earned a hit single with 'Last Night' in 1961.

As a founding and original member of Booker T. & the M.G.'s alongside keyboardist Booker T. Jones, Donald 'Duck' Dunn, and drummer Al Jackson Jr., Cropper's guitar work helped power recordings by soul greats such as Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, and the Thomas Siblings, among others.

In addition to supporting other musicians, Booker T. & the MGs released their own music, most notably 'Green Onions' in 1962.

Outside the band, Cropper co-wrote classics like '(Sittin' on) the Docks of the Bay', 'In the Midnight Hour', and 'Knock on Wood', and later played with acts including Ringo Starr, Rod Stewart, and the Blues Brothers.

Cropper's final solo record, Friendlytown, was released last year.