I was flabbergasted to learn that this super group, and I do not use these words lightly, started their rock star journey with cover versions!! Yes, Rolling Stones fans their first three hits were cover versions of other muso’s work.
First hit “Come On” …originally done by Chuck Berry
Second Hit “I wanna be your man” …a John Lennon / Paul McCartney cover
Third Hit “Not Fade Away” …originally performed by Buddy Holly reaching as high as #3 on the UK charts, and put The Rolling Stones on the musical roadmap
Even if you do not enjoy the band, just for the pure history and context…watch this 1964 (I think) recording of “Not Fade Away” …bloody epic! Those were still innocent times
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were at school together and later became the catalyst for the then Rollin Stones. The band was formed in 1962 with Brian Jones (Lead Guitar), Ian Stewart (Piano), Tony Chapman (drums) and on the bass guitar Dick Taylor. Playing their first gig at the London Marquee club in July that year. In December ’62 Bill Wyman replaced Dick Taylor as bassist, and a month later Charlie Watts took over on the drums. Over the next 18 months or so they opened for established acts such as Little Richard, Bo Diddley, The Everly Brothers (what a contrast of music that must have been).
They released their first album in May 1964 “England’s Newest Hitmakers” which enjoyed substantial success in the U.S. … (I am not sure who the song writers were, but I know their first single released in December 1964 was jointly written by Richards and Jagger)
The Rolling Stones first worldwide #1 smash hit… is there a person in the Western world who has NOT heard this number…. It can introduce itself !
This was as early as mid-1965 …. No social media for dissemination, no internet ..just word of mouth, radio, sales and hit parades !! Already in this clip one can see the confidence developing in Mick Jagger… there is a bit of a growl to his singing and confidence in his stage persona.
Around about the same time, focus on Mick Jagger
There is so much to tell about this band that I will seriously consider a follow up
These statistics courtesy of classicrock.about.com..credited below.
Between 1963 and today, The Rolling Stones have released:
• 107 singles
• 57 music videos
• 30 compilation albums
• 29 studio albums (including separate US and UK releases)
• 16 video albums
• 12 live albums
• 5 box sets
• 3 EPs
Since 1963 the Stones have played more than 1,600 live shows during 40 concert tours.
Skipping through the decades 1980’s, 1990’s, 2000’s
1982
It was rumoured this song was performed for his wife with whom Bowie was supposed to have had an affair. David Bowie responded with the song sorrow
This is just from my recollection at the time. I did not research if this was true or not !
1990
2000
In 2102 The Rolling Stones celebrated the 50th anniversary of their first gig by doing a 50th anniversary road tour. Absolutely amazing
Another huge band which surely deserves a Part one, two and three and not just one post
I am featuring artists from the 60’s and 70’s from diverse genre’s over the next few months. If you love music … FOLLOW and take the journey with me..it is going to be one thrilling ride !! Furthermore I will only be featuring artists from MY vinyl collection, and I shall start all of the posts with a photo of an album cover to authenticate
Credits: http://classicrock.about.com/od/bandartistprofil2/tp/Rolling-Stones-Career-Milestones.htm
Youtube
And my often erroneous memory
Thanks for reading….. Previous featured artists