Steve Cropper Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday Facts

Steve Cropper Net Worth, Relationships, Age/Birthdate & Birthday

Steve Cropper is an American guitarist, songwriter, and record producer celebrated for defining the Memphis soul sound and penning enduring classics.

Introduction

Steve Cropper, born October 21, 1941, stands as one of the most influential figures in American rhythm-and-blues and soul music. With a career spanning decades—as guitarist for the house band of Stax Records, co-writer of seminal hits, producer, and collaborator—he has left an indelible mark on music history. His estimated net worth is around US$5 million, according to CelebrityNetWorth.  On the personal front, Cropper is married to his wife, Angel Cropper, a partnership visible in select public appearances.

Quick Facts

From Country Roots to Soul Pioneer

Born on a farm near Dora, Missouri, Steve Cropper’s journey began in the heartland of America. He moved with his family to Memphis, Tennessee, where the vibrant R&B and gospel scene would ignite his passion for music.  At the age of 14, Cropper acquired his first guitar by mail order—a modest start for what would become a legendary career. 

In Memphis, he teamed with guitarist Charlie Freeman to form The Royal Spades, later renamed The Mar-Keys. Their instrumental hit “Last Night” (1961) proved Cropper’s knack for melody and rhythm.  Soon after, he became part of the house band for Stax Records, joining forces with organist Booker T. Jones, bassist Lewie Steinberg (later Duck Dunn), and drummer Al Jackson Jr. to create the iconic ensemble Booker T. & the M.G.’s. 

Defining moments in Steve Cropper’s journey include:

• Co-writing “In the Midnight Hour” and “Knock on Wood” while at Stax.

• Co-writing and recording “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay” with Otis Redding. 

• Joining the film and musical phenomenon The Blues Brothers, which brought his guitar work to new audiences. 

His minimalistic, groove-oriented guitar style became a blueprint for soul and funk musicians—favoring tone and feel over flamboyant solos. 

The Core Pillars of Steve Cropper’s Wealth

The core pillars of Steve Cropper’s wealth include:

• Songwriting & Royalties: Cropper’s credits on time-tested hits continue to generate publishing and performance royalties.

• Session Work & Performance: From backing Stax legends to touring and studio sessions with major artists, his guitar work remains in demand.

• Production & Music Rights: Beyond playing, Cropper produced recordings and managed his own label imprint, leveraging the value of his catalogue.

Currently, public estimates place his net worth at around US$5 million.  It’s worth noting that precise breakdowns by Forbes or Bloomberg are unavailable, and many figures rely on secondary outlets.

Relationships & Family Life

In his personal life, Steve Cropper has kept much of the detail private, but the following is publicly known:

• He is married to Angel Cropper, who is frequently seen alongside him at industry events. 

• Prior to his marriage to Angel, some sources indicate a previous marriage to a woman named Betty in 1961, with two children before a divorce around 1978; subsequently he and Angel reportedly have additional children. 

Key insights into Steve Cropper’s relationships and personal life:

• His marriage to Angel Cropper appears to span decades, with public mentions of wedding anniversaries. 

• Cropper balances a touring and studio schedule with family commitments, describing his home life as grounding.

• While not a frequent subject of celebrity tabloids, his modest lifestyle suggests a preference for privacy over fame.

Lifestyle, Assets & Interests

Beyond career success, Steve Cropper leads a lifestyle that reflects both passion and purpose, including:

• A longstanding residence and studio life in Nashville, Tennessee, where he has maintained a recording facility and remains active in music creation. 

• A love of vintage guitars—particularly the Fender Telecaster model—which have become part of his signature sound and aesthetic.

• Participation in philanthropic efforts, especially around music education and mentorship, though he keeps these efforts low-key. 

Net Worth Breakdown & Analysis

Evaluating net worth in the music industry is inherently imprecise—catalogue value, royalty flows, and asset ownership are often private. That said, public sources provide the following approximation for Steve Cropper:

*Estimated portions within the overall ~US$5 million net worth.

While Cropper’s net worth may appear modest compared to some contemporary stars, it reflects a career built on craftsmanship, legacy, and ongoing royalty streams rather than flash-driven brand deals. This gives him staying power in a changing industry landscape.

Public Image, Legacy & Influence

Steve Cropper’s reputation is that of a musician’s musician. He is routinely cited by peers and historians as one of the most tasteful guitarists in soul music. His influence extends through the decades: the signature riffs he crafted for songs like “Soul Man” and “Green Onions” continue to be sampled, referenced, and enjoyed by new generations.

His legacy also includes his role in shaping the “Memphis sound” at Stax—an era and aesthetic that has become a touchstone for R&B, rock, and blues artists.  Publicly, he maintains an image of humility, craftsmanship, and steady relevance—rather than celebrity spectacle.

Conclusion

From his birth on October 21, 1941 to his enduring presence in music, Steve Cropper’s story is one of quiet mastery and sustained influence. His estimated net worth of approximately US$5 million reflects decades of songwriting, performance, and production that continue to pay dividends. On the relationships front, his marriage to Angel Cropper underscores a personal life grounded outside the spotlight. When one celebrates Steve Cropper’s birthday, it’s not just an anniversary—it’s a commemoration of a legacy built on groove, melody, and meaningful contributions to popular culture.