Steven Lee Cropper (born October 21, 1941), sometimes known as “The Colonel“, is an American guitarist, songwriter and record producer. He is the guitarist of the Stax Records house band, Booker T. & the M.G.’s, which backed artists such as Otis Redding, Sam & Dave, Carla Thomas, Rufus Thomas and Johnnie Taylor. He also acted as the producer of many of these records. He was later a member of the Blues Brothers band. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him 36th on its list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time, while he has won two Grammy Awards from his seven nominations.

Born on a farm near Willow Springs, Missouri, Cropper lived in Dora and West Plains before moving with his family to Memphis at age 9. In Memphis, he was exposed to black church music, which had an impact on him musically. Cropper acquired his first guitar at age 14.