Blues greats covered by The Rolling Stones
Rock 'n' roll grew on the fertile soil of the blues. Going back to the roots, The Rolling Stones are covering songs by these blues greats.
Mathis James Reed, alias Jimmy Reed (1925-1976)
Forsaking Mississippi for Chicago in 1943, he generated a string of hits. His style can be described as accessible, danceable and easy to sing and play. Musician colleagues scorned his alcohol-induced escapades. Nevertheless, it was said that "nobody liked Jimmy Reed but the people." Reed was a formative influence for both Elvis Presley and The Rolling Stones.
Marion Walter Jacobs, alias Little Walter (1930-1968)
The first to present an amplified harmonica sound, his musical innovations place him on a par with musicians such as Django Reinhardt, Charlie Parker and Jimi Hendrix. His hit single "Juke" of 1952 was followed by 14 other top 10 hits in six years. His sound was excessive - as was his life. Little Walter died at age 37 due to the after-effects of a fight.
Chester Burnett, alias Howlin' Wolf (1910-1976)
The raw, powerful voice was a testimony to the stage name. Eric Clapton and the Stones joined him on his bestselling album, "The London Howlin' Wolf Sessions" from 1970. Record producer Sam Phillips, who later discovered Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Johnny Cash, once said that Wolf was the most profound artist he'd ever worked with.
Johnny Lamont Merrett, alias Little Johnny Taylor (1943-2002)
Not to be confused with Johnnie Taylor, this singer was born in Gregory, Arkansas and traveled to Los Angeles in 1950, forsaking gospel singining for the blues. Greatest hit: "Part Time Love" (1963). With his spontanous, insistent vocal style, Little Johnny Taylor continued to perform until his death in 2002.
Otis Hicks, alias Lightnin' Slim (1913-1974)
Down home country blues and raw, expressive vocals were his trademarks - and the dark mood of his songs, from his first hit "Bad Luck Blues," where he sings, "If it wasn't for bad luck, I wouldn't have no luck at all." The farmer boy from Louisiana learned the guitar from his older brother and embodied the lazy, rolling Louisiana blues style all his life.
Otis Rush (1935-)
At 81, he's the only blues artist on the Stones' new album that is still alive. Spine-tingling guitar riffs made him famous - as did his expressive tenor voice and his songs. A left-hander, he plays the guitar backwards and upside down. His six decades in the business included a return to the studio in 1994 and a Grammy four years later.