Legendary guitarist Steve Cropper (84), who was a key player for eminent artists such as Booker T & the M.G.’s, Otis Redding, Wilson Pickett and several others, passed away on Wednesday (December 3) in Nashville, leaving behind his wife Angel and four children.

Cropper was an original member of the Stax Records house band Booker T. & the M.G.’s, alongside organist Booker T. Jones, bassist Donald “Duck” Dunn, and drummer Al Jackson Jr.

“It’s with the heaviest of hearts that I share the news that my amazing Dad passed away this morning,” Cropper’s son Stephen posted on Facebook. “He certainly lived an incredible life and enjoyed every minute of entertaining you all. Please lift prayers of comfort for my family.”

“Steve was a beloved musician, songwriter, and producer whose extraordinary talent touched the lives of millions worldwide,” Cropper’s family said in a statement released through the foundation, describing his “influence on American music is immeasurable.”

Cropper, who won two Grammys and was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame in 1992 as a member of Booker T & The MG’s, and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2005, was also a noted producer.

“Steve Cropper was a towering figure in the history of rock and R&B,” says Steve Greenberg, reissue producer of 1991’s Grammy-winning The Complete Stax-Volt Singles box set.