The Rolling Stones: Beyond Originals - Cover Hits and Musical Influences

From the very beginning of their illustrious career, the Rolling Stones were more than just a band of original songwriters—they were also a great rock and blues cover band, gradually shifting towards releasing their own material. Their rich musical history includes a wide array of cover songs that showcase their admiration for and influence from various artists across the music spectrum.

Evolution from a Cover Band

Initially, the Stones were primarily known for their impressive renditions of songs by other artists. Beginning as a cover band, they honed their skills and reputation through live performances and recordings before transitioning into a band that would create a legacy of their own. Their debut album also featured a mix of covers and originals, but it was their third album, Aftermath, that marked a significant shift as it was the first to consist entirely of original songs.

Major Cover Songs

Among the many cover songs the Rolling Stones have performed, a few stand out as particularly notable:

"I Wanna Be Your Man - Both Beatles and Rolling Stones versions are well-known classics within the rock community. "You Better Move On - A hit single that exemplifies their ability to infuse a classic blues song with their unique style. "Route 66 - Originating from Nat King Cole and Bobby Troup, the Rolling Stones gave this song new life and brought it back to the forefront. "Little Red Rooster - A seminal cover that they performed live and released on several albums. "Around and Around - While originally written by Chuck Berry, the Rolling Stones version is widely recognized as a blueprint for their early success. "Time Is on My Side - Originating from Irma Thomas and Norman Meade, the Stones' adaptation gave the song timeless appeal.

Additional Highlights

Throughout their career, the Rolling Stones continued to breathe new life into a wide variety of songs, showcasing the influence of various artists and genres. Some of their notable cover songs include:

"It's All Over Now - Covering Bobby Womack's hit with their own unique interpretation, showcasing their adaptability. "Suzie Q - Originally a country hit by Dale Hawkins, the Stones adapted it to their rock sound, making it a fan favorite. "Red Rooster - Howlin' Wolf's blues original was a significant influence on the Rolling Stones early sound. "Howlin' Wolf Cover Songs - Willie Dixon's compositions were particularly influential, as evidenced by multiple stones covers like "Love in Vain. "Route 66 - Nat King Cole and Bobby Troup's song became a cornerstone of the Stones' live performances for many years. "Love in Vain - Robert Johnson's famous song, adapted by the Rolling Stones, is a testament to their respect for the roots of rock and roll. "You Gotta Move - Mississippi Fred McDowell's original, with the Rolling Stones making it a memorable part of their repertoire. "Shake Your Hips - An adaptation of Slim Harpo's track, which was a hit for the band. "Stop Breaking Down - Another cover of Robert Johnson's songs, contributed to their dynamic live performances. "Ain't Too Proud to Beg - A cover of The Temptations' hit that shows their skill in adapting soul music. "Cherry Oh Baby - A tribute to Eric Donaldson, introducing it to a wider audience. "Just My Imagination - A cover of The Temptations' track, demonstrating their versatility in soul and RB. "Harlem Shuffle - A cover of a song by Bob Earl, which they used to inject a bit of funk into their sound.

Conclusion

As one can see, the Rolling Stones' repertoire goes well beyond their original songs. Their cover songs have been a significant part of their musical journey, providing a glimpse into the diverse musical landscape that influenced them. Whether it's a blues classic, a soul hit, or a rock standard, the Stones have always been able to make each cover a unique and memorable part of their legacy.

So while the Rolling Stones are certainly known for their original material, their extensive exploration of covers presents an interesting thread of musical influence that runs throughout their career. This mix of originals and covers has kept the band dynamic and relevant for over half a century.