The Rolling Stones have long been driven by the sounds of the USA, with American soul and blues as the backbone of their music. These genres sparked their creativity and formed the foundation of the band.
For Keith Richards, the influence of American music, especially blues, was transformative.
“Nobody realizes how America blew our minds,” Richards said in 1971. It was this passion for American rhythm and blues that brought him and Mick Jagger together in the first place.
Richards recalls the moment he met Jagger as a teenager, marveling at how Jagger shared his love for the underground records that most people ignored.
In an excited letter to his aunt after meeting Jagger, Richards wrote, “He’s got every record Chuck Berry ever made, and all his mates are rhythm and blues fans too—real R&B, not this Dinah Shore, Brook Benton crap—Jimmy Reed, Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, John Lee Hooker, the real lowdown stuff, marvellous.”
Their friendship and eventual partnership were built on this shared musical obsession.
As the Stones began to find success in America, their appreciation for American music deepened. Their blues influences expanded to include the soulful sounds of artists like Otis Redding.
“We first started listenin’ to Otis when we got to the States and picked up our first Stax singles,” Richards said, reflecting on how pivotal Redding’s music became to their evolving style.
However, the sudden death of Otis Redding in 1967 hit Richards hard. He felt as though soul music itself had died with Redding.
“Otis(‘s death), man. I mean, that one killed soul music,” Richards mourned, feeling the loss of one of the greatest voices in American soul.
By that time, The Rolling Stones had formed a unique relationship with Redding. They had covered his songs on their early albums, including ‘I’ve Been Loving You Too Long’ and ‘Pain in My Heart.’
In return, Redding paid tribute to the Stones when he covered their hit ‘(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction’ in 1965.
Though Richards believed soul music was never the same after Redding’s passing, the genre remained a significant influence on The Rolling Stones.
As their career progressed, the band became more immersed in American soul. Mick Jagger’s vocal style evolved, taking on a more soulful quality.
They also began collaborating with prominent figures from the soul world, like Merry Clayton, whose powerful voice made ‘Gimme Shelter’ legendary. They even shared the stage with soul icon Etta James during their tours.
The impact of American soul, particularly the loss of Otis Redding, continued to shape The Rolling Stones’ sound and live performances.
For Richards, the music of America—soul, blues, and rock—remained a vital part of their identity, even as they mourned the passing of one of its brightest stars.
