The Rolling Stones, an English rock band formed in London in 1962, are widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential bands in the history of rock music. Their music has been an inspiration to many young musicians, and their influence can be heard in countless rock bands that have followed in their footsteps. One of the blues songs that influenced The Rolling Stones the most is Mississippi Fred McDowell’s haunting “You Gotta Move.” In this blog post, we will explore how this song inspired The Rolling Stones and became an essential part of their musical legacy.
The Origins of You Gotta Move
“You Gotta Move” is a traditional African-American spiritual that was first recorded by Mississippi Fred McDowell in 1965. It is believed that the song has its roots in the African-American church, where it was sung as a hymn during worship services. The song’s lyrics are simple yet powerful, with a message that emphasizes the importance of faith and perseverance in times of adversity.
The song’s popularity grew, and several other artists, including The Rolling Stones, covered it in the coming years. In 1971, The Rolling Stones recorded their version of “You Gotta Move” at the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Muscle Shoals, Alabama, for their album “Sticky Fingers.” The song’s raw, bluesy sound perfectly captured The Rolling Stones’ musical style and helped cement their reputation as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
You Gotta Move in Sticky Fingers
The Rolling Stones’ version of “You Gotta Move” is a classic example of their unique sound and style. The song begins with Mick Jagger’s iconic harmonica riff, which sets the tone for the rest of the song. The band’s performance is raw and powerful, with Keith Richards’ distinctive guitar playing perfectly complementing Jagger’s soulful vocals.
The song’s haunting lyrics are delivered with passion and intensity, with Jagger’s voice capturing the raw emotions of the song’s message. The chorus, “You gotta move, you gotta move, you gotta move,” is catchy and draws the listener in, making them feel like they are a part of the song’s message.
Influence on The Rolling Stones
“You Gotta Move” had a profound influence on The Rolling Stones. The band was heavily influenced by blues music, and “You Gotta Move” is a prime example of the type of blues that they loved. The song’s raw, emotional sound captured the essence of the blues, and the band’s version of the song helped introduce this style to a new generation of rock fans.
Moreover, The Rolling Stones have gone on record stating that “You Gotta Move” is one of their favorite songs and that it continues to inspire them to this day. The song’s message of faith and perseverance is something that resonated deeply with the band, and they have incorporated this theme into several of their songs over the years.
Conclusion
“You Gotta Move” is undoubtedly one of the most significant and influential songs of all time and has had a profound impact on The Rolling Stones’ music. The band’s version of the song perfectly captured their raw, bluesy sound and helped cement their place as one of the greatest rock bands of all time. The song’s message of faith and perseverance continues to inspire fans to this day, and it remains an essential part of The Rolling Stones’ musical legacy. It is a testament to the power of music to connect with people and inspire them to be their best selves.
FAQ
Who influenced Keith Richards?
Keith Richards has been influenced by a diverse range of musicians throughout his career. Among the most significant influences on Richards’ music is the blues, which has played a critical role in shaping the sound of his band the Rolling Stones. Some of his earliest influences came from blues artists like Howlin’ Wolf, Buddy Guy, Chuck Berry, Lead Belly, and Robert Johnson. These musicians helped to establish the blues as an essential early form of rock and roll, and their work continues to reverberate throughout rock and roll history.
One of the most significant influences on Richards’ blues style was Muddy Waters. Muddy Waters is often considered one of the most important blues musicians of all time, and his style and sound were integral to the development of rock and roll. Richards cites him as a massive influence on his music, and the Rolling Stones often covered his songs during their early career.
The influence of blues on Richards’ music can be seen in his use of guitar riffs, which are often based on blues melodies. The use of the pentatonic scale is another hallmark of Richards’ playing style, which reflects the blues’ emphasis on the root note and the flatted third. His guitar playing, which is characterized by open-tunings and a loose, rhythmic style, was also influenced by the blues.
In addition to the blues, Richards has also been influenced by other musicians, including Chuck Berry, who he cites as a significant influence on his guitar playing. The Rolling Stones’ sound was also heavily influenced by the British Invasion and the Beatles, as well as the psychedelic rock movement that emerged in the late 1960s.
It is clear that Keith Richards has been influenced by a wide range of musicians throughout his career. However, it is the blues that has been the most significant influence on his music. Musicians like Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Chuck Berry, Lead Belly, and Robert Johnson have helped to shape Richards’ playing style, and their influence can be heard in the music of the Rolling Stones.
Who have the Rolling Stones inspired?
The Rolling Stones are considered one of the most influential bands in the history of rock and roll. They have been around since the early 1960s and have gone on to produce countless hits and sell millions of records. The band’s sound has varied greatly over the years, but they have consistently been able to draw inspiration from a variety of different sources.
One of the bands that the Rolling Stones have inspired is Captain Beefheart. This American musician was heavily influenced by the Stones, particularly early in his career. His music is characterized by a unique blend of blues, rock, and avant-garde elements, much like the Stones themselves. Beefheart’s debut album, Safe as Milk, which was released in 1967, is often cited as a prime example of his Stones-inspired sound.
Another artist who has been inspired by the Rolling Stones is Bob Dylan. Although Dylan’s music doesn’t necessarily sound like the Stones, he has spoken many times about how much he admires them. In his memoir, Chronicles, Dylan writes that he was “blown away” by the Stones’ early performances and the way they mixed blues, rock, and country music.
Perhaps the most notable artist inspired by the Rolling Stones is Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground. The Velvet Underground were contemporaries of the Stones, and their music was heavily influenced by them. Reed has often spoken about how he was taken in by Mick Jagger’s charisma and Keith Richards’ guitar playing. The Velvet Underground’s sound is characterized by a mix of raw punk energy and experimental elements, which can also be heard in the Stones’ music.
The Rolling Stones have had a massive impact on the world of rock and roll. Their unique sound and style have been emulated by countless artists over the years, from Captain Beefheart to Bob Dylan to Lou Reed and the Velvet Underground. With their influence still resonating almost six decades after their formation, there is no doubt that the Stones will continue to inspire generations of musicians to come.
Did paul McCartney call the Rolling Stones a cover band?
There has been a longstanding rivalry between two of the greatest British rock bands of all time, The Beatles and The Rolling Stones. Recently, in 2021, this rivalry has resurfaced with Paul McCartney commenting on The Rolling Stones in an interview with Howard Stern.
In the interview, McCartney stated, “they’re a blues cover band, that’s sort of what the Stones are.” This statement has caused quite a stir amongst fans and the media alike. Some have taken it as a dig at The Rolling Stones, while others have argued that it was a mere statement of fact.
While it is true that The Rolling Stones have covered many blues songs throughout their career, they have also written and performed many original pieces that have become timeless hits. In fact, The Rolling Stones have sold over 250 million records worldwide and are considered to be one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
It’s important to note that McCartney and The Rolling Stones have a long history of friendly rivalry. During the 1960s, both bands were at the height of their popularity and often competed for chart success. However, they also collaborated and supported each other at events such as the legendary Concert for Bangla Desh in 1971.
While some may interpret McCartney’s statement as a slight towards The Rolling Stones, it’s important to recognize that this rivalry has always been a part of their relationship. The Rolling Stones certainly cannot be dismissed as a mere “cover band” but rather, they have made their own significant contributions to the world of rock and roll music.
How did the band get their name?
The Band is a highly regarded rock group that came into its own in the late 1960s. However, their name originated long before they began performing together. According to band member Levon Helm, their name came from their association with various frontmen and locals in Woodstock, New York, where they frequently performed. Because they often served as the backing band for different singers, they were simply known as “the band” to those in the community.
As the group began to solidify and gain a following, they found that the name “the Band” suited them well. It was straightforward and reflected their role as a collaborative group of musicians rather than being focused on any one individual. In 1968, they began performing and recording under this name.
The Band went on to release 10 studio albums, becoming known for their Americana sound and their thoughtful lyrics. They were highly regarded by both fans and critics, and many musicians have cited them as an influence on their own work.
While the origin of their name may have been simple, the Band quickly established itself as one of the most important groups in rock music, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire artists to this day.
Who thought of the name Rolling Stones?
The name “Rolling Stones” has become synonymous with the British rock band that formed in the 1960s, but the story of how the name came to be is an interesting one. According to Keith Richards, the band’s guitarist, it was their former bandmate Brian Jones who actually came up with the name.
As the story goes, the band was scheduled to play their first show in 1962, and they needed a name. Brian Jones happened to glance down at a record he had been listening to, which happened to be Muddy Waters’ “Rollin’ Stone”. When he was asked what the band’s name was, Brian reportedly replied “The Rollin’ Stones”, and the name stuck.
It’s believed that the name was chosen due to its association with blues music, which was a major influence on the band. Both Mick Jagger and Keith Richards have talked about their love of American blues music and how it influenced their sound. They also felt that the name “Rolling Stones” had a sense of timelessness, as stones are something that endure and continue rolling.
Interestingly, the name “Rollin’ Stone” can actually be traced back to blues musician Robert Johnson, who recorded a song in 1928 called “Rollin’ Stone”. This song is considered one of the first blues songs to use the term “rolling stone”, which has since become a common phrase in popular culture.
Regardless of its origins, the name “Rolling Stones” has certainly withstood the test of time. The band has been making music for over 50 years now, and they continue to be one of the most well-known and influential rock bands of all time. It’s hard to imagine them going by any other name!
Which artist was made famous by their song Like a Rolling Stone?
Bob Dylan is the artist who was made famous by his song “Like a Rolling Stone.” This song was released on July 20, 1965, by Columbia Records. It quickly became an anthem for a generation and was a popular choice among many radio stations across the United States.
The track is widely regarded as one of Dylan’s greatest masterpieces. Its unique sound and powerful lyrics have helped cement Dylan’s place in music history as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century. “Like a Rolling Stone” was a groundbreaking song that challenged the conventions of popular music and paved the way for a new era of songwriting.
The opening lines of the song, “Once upon a time you dressed so fine / You threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn’t you?” immediately captured the attention of listeners, drawing them in with its captivating narrative. Dylan’s confrontational lyrics originated in an extended piece of verse he wrote in June 1965, when he returned exhausted from a grueling tour of England. The song’s lyrics tell the story of a woman who has fallen from grace and lost everything she once had, left to live on the streets. It has been interpreted by many as a poignant social commentary on the state of society during the 1960s.
“Like a Rolling Stone” marked a pivotal moment in Dylan’s career. It was his first major hit single, and it catapulted him into the mainstream. Dylan’s uncompromising artistic vision and outspoken political views made him a lightning rod for controversy, but his music spoke to a generation of young people who were hungry for change. The song inspired countless musicians, songwriters, and fans, and it remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners today.
Bob Dylan is the artist who was made famous by his song “Like a Rolling Stone.” The song’s powerful lyrics and innovative sound broke new ground in popular music and helped establish Dylan as one of the most important artists of the 20th century. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its timeless quality and continued relevance today.