Stones – Part 3

For over half a century, the partnership between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards has been one of rock’s great love stories- and the glue holding the Rolling Stones together. Mick is the head- Keith is the heart- and like an old married couple they somehow continue to make it work. The two knew each other long before they were rich and famous and perhaps that’s what keeps their relationship functioning: they know not only how to get on each other’s nerves but also how to keep each other’s egos and bad habits in check- and that’s priceless (especially on the road).

Yet if one believes the media reports then the friendship between Mick and Keith died back in the ‘80s- they really can’t stand each other- and the only reason they remain together is because they can’t make it as solo artists and the Rolling Stones empire keeps them both filthy rich. Their feuds have been so public over the years that one suspects it all may be part of a publicity strategy: “Right, time for another album and world tour, lads, so let’s have Keith say something nasty about Mick’s willy on Twitter.” The fact is Jagger and Richards- mom and dad- still continue to perform together on stage and that’s all the fans- their children- really care about. Whatever happens in the bedroom is none of our business.

Like most rock bands the Stones have employed their share of studio musicians including backup singers and horn players but in my opinion the best was English session pro Nicky Hopkins who provided such memorable piano parts for so many of my favorite Stones’ songs including “She’s a Rainbow”, “Sympathy for the Devil”, “Street Fighting Man”, “Tumbling Dice”, and “Waiting on a Friend”. Other Stones collaborators have included Jack Nitzsche, Billy Preston, Sonny Rollins, Jimmy Page, Bobby Womack, and Eric Clapton. Not bad. Here are some more of my favorite Stones songs. Enjoy!

Nicky Hopkins with the Stones

01. The Rolling Stones – “Waiting on a Friend” (1981)
02. The Rolling Stones – “Back Street Girl” (1967)
03. The Rolling Stones – “Dandelion” (1967)
04. The Rolling Stones – “All Sold Out” (1967)
05. The Rolling Stones – “Laugh, I Nearly Died” (2005)
06. The Rolling Stones – “You Don’t Have to Mean It” (1997)
07. The Rolling Stones – “She’s a Rainbow” (1967)
08. The Rolling Stones – “Memory Motel” (1976)
09. The Rolling Stones – “Hey Negrita” (1976)
10. The Rolling Stones – “Under My Thumb” (1966)

Listen to the playlist on Spotify...

Recommended Links:

Mick & Keith talk about their time living in Edith Grove

The Rolling Stones: 50 Exhibition – Mick & Keith at Somerset House