Nashville: Steve Cropper, the renowned guitarist of Booker T. and the MG's and a longtime member of the Blues Brothers band, has passed away at the age of 84, as reported by US media.

According to Anadolu Agency, Pat Mitchell Worley, president and CEO of the Soulsville Foundation, confirmed that Cropper died in Nashville. The family of Cropper informed the Soulsville Foundation, which operates the Stax Museum of American Soul Music located in Memphis.

The cause of Cropper's death has not been disclosed, leaving fans and the music community in mourning. Cropper, who was also a celebrated songwriter and producer, was instrumental in shaping the soul sound of Memphis at Stax Records. His melodic guitar lines and distinctive style were known for enhancing the performances of vocalists rather than overshadowing them.

His talent gained widespread recognition in 1967 with the hit 'Soul Man' by Sam and Dave, where singer Sam Moore famously exclaimed, 'Play it, Steve!' right before Cropper delivered a signature guitar riff.

Cropper was a vital member of Booker T. and the MG's, a racially integrated band that included keyboardist Booker T. Jones, bassist Donald 'Duck' Dunn, and drummer Al Jackson. Reflecting on their time at Stax, Cropper once said, 'There was absolutely no color. We were all there for the same reason - to get a hit record,' as noted by the outlet.

In recognition of his contributions to music, Cropper was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005.