Pop music, with its endless evolution, is now regarded as an art form. But in its early days, it was often viewed through a lens of functionality rather than artistry. Few bands embody this transition better than The Rolling Stones, who began as a grassroots group deeply rooted in the working-class music scene of the early 1960s.
Before the modern music industry became a centralized network of executives, it was a fragmented collection of regional scenes driven by hardworking musicians. In this era, instrumentalists were often seen more as laborers than as artists, performing frequently to make a living rather than chasing creative ambitions.
The Origins of The Rolling Stones
Formed in 1961 as the Blues Boys, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards initially played music out of necessity rather than for artistic exploration. Imported blues records from the U.S., featuring legends like Slim Harpo, were rare and expensive. Access to these gems was limited to those with connections or deep pockets, leaving much of the UK without exposure to the music that captivated Jagger and Richards.
To fill this gap, groups like the Rolling Stones were formed to bring American blues to British audiences. It wasn’t just about passion; it was about ensuring the music they loved could reach local ears. Joining forces with Brian Jones, Ian Stewart, and Charlie Watts, the Stones became one of the UK’s standout cover bands, building their reputation on the club circuit.
From Covers to Originals
Initially, songwriting wasn’t a priority for the Stones. Performing live and perfecting covers was their main focus, as it was these gigs that established their reputation. Their debut album, The Rolling Stones (1964), was packed with covers, including Slim Harpo’s “I’m a King Bee”. But as their fame grew, the limitations of relying solely on covers became apparent.
By 1968, Mick Jagger was critical of their early material, dismissing the value of their blues covers compared to the originals. Reflecting on “I’m a King Bee,” he remarked:
“You could say that we did blues to turn people on, but why they would be turned on by us is unbelievably stupid. I mean, what’s the point in listening to us doing ‘I’m a King Bee’ when you can hear Slim Harpo do it?”
Jagger’s frustration highlights how far the band had come. By that time, they had evolved into prolific songwriters and cultural icons. However, it’s important to note that, in the early 1960s, Slim Harpo’s original recording was nearly impossible to find in the UK. The Stones’ rendition wasn’t just a tribute—it was a means of introducing this music to new audiences.
The Stones’ Legacy
The Rolling Stones’ rise from a cover band to rock ‘n’ roll legends epitomizes the seismic shifts in the music industry during the 1960s. What began as an effort to bridge the gap between American blues and British audiences soon grew into a platform for the band to create their own legacy.
Today, their early covers serve as a reminder of a time when music was a grassroots effort, and artists like the Stones acted as conduits for the genres they loved. While they may have moved on to original compositions that reshaped rock history, the foundation of their journey remains deeply tied to the blues.
