Keith Richards’ Favorite Songs: A Celebration of Rock and Roll Icons
Keith Richards, a legendary guitarist and one of the last remaining icons of the rock and roll era, is known for his exceptional musical acuity. In a now-lost interview with MOJO Magazine in 2015, Richards revealed four of his favorite songs, confirming his profound influence and respect for the blues and rock legends of his generation.
1. "Little Queenie" by Chuck Berry
Chuck Berry, revered as the Father of Rock and Roll, has deeply influenced numerous British and American music stars. Keith Richards, in particular, admits his admiration for Berry’s music. "Little Queenie" is one of Richards’ favorite tracks by Chuck Berry, showcasing the blues heritage that deeply influenced The Rolling Stones.
Richards recounts, "Chuck [Berry] took them all by storm and played against their animosity. To me, that’s blues. That’s the attitude and the guts it takes. That’s what I wanted to be, except I was white.”
2. "Rollin’ Stone" by Muddy Waters
Another titan of the blues genre, Muddy Waters influenced countless rock musicians. Richards holds "Rollin’ Stone" by Muddy Waters in high regard, even earning his inspiration for his band’s name.
He shares, "It happens so fast you really can’t register all of the impressions that are coming at you… It’s one thing to play a Muddy Waters song. It’s another thing to play with him.”
3. "Poison Ivy" by The Coasters
The influence of early R&B on The Rolling Stones is evident in "Poison Ivy" by The Coasters. This song’s naughty lyrics, similar in theme to the Stones’ music, paralleled the musical aesthetics he and his bandmates aimed for.
As Richards named it one of his favorites, the song’s playful, rebellious spirit resonated with the band, leading to their numerous covers of it in the 1960s.
4. "Learning the Game" by Buddy Holly
Buddy Holly’s classic rock tune "Learning the Game" is a fan favorite, and Richards counted it among his top 15 favorites. The song’s nostalgic rock sound is reminiscent of The Rolling Stones’ early work.
Richards famously quipped, “all somehow looked like Buddy Holly,” emphasizing Holly’s enduring legacy among fans and musicians alike.
The Influence of Legends on Rock and Roll
All of Richards’ favorite songs showcase the deep roots of rock and roll in the blues and early R&B. The Rolling Stones, sharing these influences, have not only contributed to the evolution of rock music but have been greatly influenced by legends such as Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, The Coasters, and Buddy Holly.
Experience the Rolling Stones’ Musical Journey
For fans of The Rolling Stones and rock music, revisiting these classic covers and originals brings a fresh appreciation for how deeply the band was influenced by earlier artists. As Keith Richards continues to be a beacon of rock and roll history, his affection for these songs underscores the enduring power of their music.
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Delve deeper into Keith Richards’ musical journey and favorite songs by visiting Architect’s classic article on the famous rock icon. Discover more about his influences and his lasting impact on rock music.