The "Roots of the Rolling Stones" are directly traced to Rhythm and Blues artist, The Country Blues, and the Chicago Blues sound. These were the earliest influences, but as time goes on so does the Stones' taste in music. Probably the most fascinating aspect of the band is it's ability to adapt to the trends of contemporary music. A chronology of influence by musical genre by decade:

1960's: Blues, Rhythm & Blues, Country Music, and Psychedelic

1970's: Funk, Reggae, Punk, and Disco!

1980's: Pop and Soul Music

1990's: Techno and Rap!

Ryland (Ry) Cooder

Ry Cooder is officially credited with playing mandolin on Love In Vain, slide guitar on Sister Morphine, as well as contributing to the soundtrack of "Performance". This includes the guitar work on Jagger's first solo effort: Memo From Turner. Cooder was a much heavier influence on the Stones than the credits might indicate. It's no coincidence that Richards real focus on open G tuning coincides with the Cooder's "Let It Bleed" session work with the Stones. There was friction between session man Cooder and Rolling Stone Richards which played out in Richards not showing up for "Let It Bleed" sessions. This ultimately led to studio jams with the Stones, Cooder, and Nicky Hopkins and a record documenting all this called "Jamming With Edward".

Link: The Gram Parsons Story

Link: Battle: Beatles vs. The Stones

"With The Beatles"

Parlophone/EMI

I Wanna Be Your Man - 'B' Side To Second US Single - First US PS & "singles collection*the london years

"Robert Johnson - King Of The Delta Blues Singers"

Columbia Legacy CK 52944

Songs on this recording covered by The Stones:

Come On In My Kitchen - 1st Verse Sung by Mick Jagger in the movie "Performance"

Me And The Devil Blues - 1st Verse Sung by Mick Jagger in the movie "Performance"

32-20 Blues - Dallas June 24, 1972 Rehearsal & - Keith Richards rehearsal Cabo San Lucas, December 18, 1983

When You Got A Good Friend - Dallas June 24, 1972 Rehearsal

Hellhound On My Trail - "Steel Wheels" Rehearsal, Air Studios Monserrat Carribean, March 29 - May 5, 1989

"Robert Johnson - The Alternative Takes"

American Record Corporation ALB 1003 CD

Stop Breakin' Down Blues - "Exile On Main St."

Little Queen of Spades - Jagger rehearsal backstage MSG November 1969. Jagger lays it down with deft acoustic "double thumb" technique. Ike Turner can't pick-up the lick!

Love In Vain - "Let It Bleed", "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out!", & "Stripped"

Comment: Prior to the Box Set releases unauthorized recordings were the only way to get the alternate "back-up" takes of Johnson's recordings. This is also the means the Stones used to hear songs they recorded and played in 1969 prior to release of the second Columbia LP recording of "new sides".

"The Very Best Of John Lee Hooker"

Rhino Records

Boogie Chillin' - Played live with John Lee Hooker and Eric Clapton On The "Steel Wheels Tour", Atlantic City, December 19, 1989.

"I'll Take You There"

Rhino Records

Irma Thomas, 1964: Time Is On My Side - “12x5”, “Big Hits” (High Tide And Green Grass), “Milestones” LP, “Hot Rocks", & “Singles Collection-The London Years”

Marvin Gaye, 1963 (Holland, Dozier, Holland): Can I Get A Witness - "The Rolling Stones (& No. 1)"

Rufus Thomas, 1963: Walkin' The Dog - "The Rolling Stones (& No. 1)"

"Jimmy Reed At Carnegie Hall"

Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab/VeeJay Gold Ultradisc

Bright Lights Big City - IBC Studios, London, March 11, 1963

Baby What's Wrong - IBC Studios, London, March 11, 1963

Honest I Do - "The Rolling Stones (No. 1)" & "Hope Floats" Soundtrack; EMI Japan, 1995 source

The Sun Is Shinning - Played live at Altamont, December 6, 1969

"Jimmy Reed: Bright Lights, Big City (His Greatest Hits)"

Charly R&B

Add to the above song list:

Ain't That Loving You Baby - Radio Luxembourg, April 1964

Shame, Shame, Shame - MRU rehearsal Rotterdam 1975. Played live at the "Double Door" Chicago, September 18, 1997

Comment: The only artist the Stones have covered who's original recordings they were NOT able to surpass!

"The Best Of Slim Harpo"

Hip-O Records HIPD-40072

I'm A King Bee - "The Rolling Stones (No. 1)"

Shake Your Hips - "Exile On Main St."

"The Very Best Of Solomon Burke"

Rhino Records R2 72972

Everybody Needs Somebody To Love (Atlantic Single, June 1964) - "The Rolling Stones, Now!" & "No.2"
(Originally, different versions of the song for each of these releases)

If You Need Me (Atlantic, January 1962) - "12 X 5"

Cry To Me (Atlantic, June 1963) - "Out Of Our Heads"

Comment: Burke appears as a guest performer on the Licks Tour on November 4, 2002 at LA's Wiltern Theater. Clearly as a tribute to influence in the early years. This recording has the original mono 45 rpm versions, and not re-recorded versions that appeared on later LP releases. These are the ones the Stones played in hotel rooms on the road.

"Fred McDowell - Mississippi Delta Blues"

Arhoolie CD 304

You Gotta Move - "Sticky Fingers"

"Blues at Newport"

Vanguard VCD 115/16

Reverend Robert Wilkins: Prodigal Son (9:39) - "Beggars Banquet"

Comment: The "contemporary" version and specific performance that influenced the Stones cover

"Booker 'Bukka' White: Mississippi Blues"

Takoma Records CDP 72701

Shake 'em On Down - Mick Jagger Solo with The Red Devils

Comment: Bukka White was "rediscovered" by the late John Fahey. A virtuoso in his own right.

"Muddy Waters: The Best"

Chess/MCA CHD-9370

I Can't Be Satisfied - "More Hot Rocks (Big Hits & Phased Cookies)", & UK "No. 2"

Still A Fool - Olympic Studios, May 1968, Mick Jagger Solo with The Red Devils, and Paradiso, Netherlands May 27, 1995

I Just Want To Make Love To You - "The Rolling Stones (No. 1)"

Mannish Boy - "Love You Live" El Mocambo Side

"The Best of Muddy Waters: 20th Century Masters"

MCA MCAD-11946

Forty Days And Forty Nights - Mick Jagger Solo with The Red Devils

"Howlin' Wolf: The Best"

Chess/MCA CHC-9375

Evil - Mick Jagger Solo with The Red Devils. A Willie Dixon song.

The Red Rooster - "Now!" & UK "Big Hits". A Willie Dixon song.

"Chuck Berry - The Great - Twenty Eight"

Chess/MCA Records CHD-92500

You Can't Catch Me - "Rolling Stones Now"

Roll Over Beethoven - Saturday Club, March 8, 1964 (BBC), & Europe 1970 Tour

Reelin' & Rockin' - Chess Studios June 10-11, 1964

Sweet Little Sixteen - 1978 US Tour

Around And Around - "12 X 5", Top Gear July 17, 1964 (BBC)

Carol - "The Rolling Stones (No. 1)", Saturday Club, April 18, 1964 (BBC), & Live 1969 US Tour

Beautiful Delilah - Saturday Club, March 8, 1964 (BBC)

Memphis - Saturday Club, October 26, 1963 (BBC), Dallas June, 1972 Rehearsal

Sweet Little Rock And Roller - Played by Ron Wood with Rod Stewart on "Smiler" 1974

Little Queenie - "Get Yer Ya-Ya's Out!"

Back In The USA - 1978 Rehearsal Session

Let It Rock - 1971 UK & 1978 US Tours

I'm Talking About You - "december's children (and everybody's)"

Bye Bye Johnny - Saturday Club, February 8, 1964 (BBC), 1972 US Tour, & "More Hot Rocks"

Come On - First Rolling Stones single UK, June 1963, & "More Hot Rocks"

Comment: The creator of the Rock 'n' Roll sound that the Rolling Stones would take to a level Berry could have never imagined. Influence is an understatement.

"Chuck Berry - Rock 'n Roll Rarities"

Chess CHD-92521

Run Rudolph Run - Released by Keith Richards on His First Solo Single, December 1978

Comment: Legitimate Outtakes, Alternate Takes, and Rarities

"The Best of Bo Diddley: 20th Century Masters"

MCA 088 112 163-2

Diddley Daddy - IBC Studios, London, March 11, 1963

Mona - UK "No. 1" & "Now!"

Crackin' Up - Top Gear July 23, 1964 (BBC) & "Love You Live" El Mocambo Side, March 4, 1977

Road Runner - IBC Studios, London, March 11, 1963

You Can't Judge A Book By It's Cover - Curly Clayton Sound Studios, October 26, 1962

"The Best of Bo Diddley"

Telstar Records TSD-3506

Pretty Thing - R.G. Jones Studio, London, England, April 16, 1963

Cops And Robbers - Blues In Rhythm, March 9, 1964 (BBC)

Who Do You Love? - Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami, Florida, November 25, 1994 (Special Guest)

"The Buddy Holly Collection"

MCA, MCAD2-10883

That'll Be The Day - Keith Richards rehearsal Cabo San Lucas, December 18, 1983

Not Fade Away - "The Rolling Stones (No. 1)" & "Stripped"

Oh Boy! - Keith Richards rehearsal Cabo San Lucas, December 18, 1983

Crying, Waiting, Hoping - Keith Richards solo rehearsal "The Wick"

Learning The Game - Keith Richards solo rehearsals

Well... All Right - Keith Richards rehearsal Cabo San Lucas, December 18, 1983

It's So Easy - Keith Richards rehearsal Cabo San Lucas, December 18, 1983

"Everly Brothers All-Time Greatest Hits"

Curb Records D2-77311

All I Have Do Is Dream -Sung by Keith Richards at Long View Farm May, 1981

Cathy's Clown - Keith Richards rehearsal Cabo San Lucas, December 18, 1983

Let It Be Me - Keith Richards rehearsal Cabo San Lucas, December 18, 1983

Comment: This label has the rights to the original recordings. The Everly's re-recorded these songs for other labels.

"Best of Everly Brothers Rare Solo Classics"

Curb Records D2-77472

Oh What A Feeling - Sung by Keith Richards at Long View Farm 1981. A Don Everly song.

Comment: The depth of Richards' record collecting is evidenced by the cover of this relatively obscure song. Richards' versions knock the original to pieces!

"Atlantic Rhythm & Blues 1947-1974 Volume 5"

Atlantic 81297-2

(Compilation)

Solomon Burke: If You Need Me - "12 X 5"

Rufus Thomas: Walkin' The Dog - "The Rolling Stones (No. 1)"

Don Covay: Mercy, Mercy - "Out Of Our Heads" & Live at Hyde Park July 5, 1969

The Drifters: Under The Boardwalk - "12 X 5"

Otis Redding: I've Been Loving You Too Long - "Got Live If You Want It!" & Bonus Track on "More Hot Rocks" ABKCO Remastered Series

Sam & Dave: Hold On I'm Coming - Surrey Rehearsals, England, March, 1968

Comment: A treasure trove of early influences, and ultimately the label behind Rolling Stones Records.

"Hank Williams Jr.: Your Cheatin' Heart"

Rhino Movie Music R2 72733

I Can't Help It (If I'm Still In Love With You) - Recorded as a falsetto vocal by Jagger and also as a fully arranged instrumental version. Never commercially released.

You Win Again - Recorded at Paris Some Girls Sessions

"Eddie Cochran Greatest Hits"

Curb Records D2-77371

C'mon Everybody - Instrumental rehearsal at Bearsville, Woodstock, May, 1978

Summertime Blues - 1978 Tour Rehearsals & - Keith Richards rehearsal Cabo San Lucas, December 18, 1983

Somethin' Else - Rehearsed at Bearsville, Woodstock, May, 1978. Played live by Keith Richards with The X-pensive Winos

Twenty Flight Rock - "Still Life (American Concert 1981)"

Cut Across Shorty - Played by Ron Wood with Rod Stewart "Gasoline Alley" 1970

"My Girl: The Very Best Of The Temptations"

Motown/UTV Records 440 017 298-2

My Girl - US "Flowers". A Smokey Robinson song

Ain't Too Proud To Beg - "It's Only Rock 'n Roll"

I Wish It Would Rain - Played by Ron Wood with Rod Stewart/Faces "Coast to Coast: Overture and Beginners" 1973

(I Know) I'm Losing You - Played by Ron Wood with Rod Stewart "Every Picture Tells A Story" 1971

I Can't Get Next To You - Played live 1994 US Tour

Just My Imagination - "Some Girls"

Papa Was A Rolling Stone - The undisputed inspiration for Out Of Control, "Bridges To Babylon"

"The Definitive Don Covay"

Razor & Tie RE 2053

Mercy Mercy - "Out Of Our Heads", & Live at Hyde Park July 5, 1969

"Ray Sharpe: The Golden Age Of American Rock 'n' Roll"

Ace Records CDHD 500

Linda Lu - Recorded by The Rolling Stones at Pathe Marconi Studios, Winter 1978

"Ultimate Rock 'n Roll Time Capsule"

Martha & The Vandellas: Heat Wave - Rehearsed with the MRU at Rotterdam, Netherlands February 1975. With Jeff Beck.

"Rock & Roll Originators"

Tommy Tucker: Hi Heel Sneakers - Chess Studios, Chicago, IL, June 11, 1964 (2:58).

Dale Hawkins: Suzie-Q - "12 X 5" and "No. 2".

Muddy Waters: Hoochie Coochie Man - Muddy Waters live vocal with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards at the Checkerboard Lounge, Chicago, IL, November 22, 1981 (4:38).

Bo Diddley: Who Do You Love - Live with Bo Diddley Joe Robbie Stadium, Miami, November 25, 1994 (3:53).

Little Walter: Key To The Highway - Rolling Stones Rehearsals, Burnet Recording Studio, Dallas, Texas, June 23, 1972, Keith Richards, Long View Farm 1981, Played Live by The New Barbarians 1979, Keith Richards vocal w/Mick Taylor at the Lone Star Cafe, New York City, December 28, 1986 (9:29).

"The Very Best Of Ray Charles"

Rhino Records R2 79822

(Night Time Is) The Right Time - Played Live on US 2005 Tour.
The song was originally written and performed by 1930's Blues pianist Roosevelt Sykes & released on Decca records.

"The Very Best Of Otis Redding"

Rhino Records R271147

Pain In My Heart (Neville), Single Released October 1963 - "The Rolling Stones, Now!"

That's How Strong My Love Is (Jamison), Single Released December 1964 - "Out Of Our Heads"

I've Been Loving You Too Long (Redding/Butler) - "Got Live If You Want It!", "More Hot Rocks" SACD version, & "For Collector's Only" German LP.

I Can't Turn You Loose (Redding/Cropper/Robinson) - Played Live on US 2002 Tour

Mr. Pitiful (Cropper/Redding), Single Released December 1964 - Played Live on US 2005 Tour

Satisfaction (Jagger/Richard) Released February 1966 - Live versions played by the Stones in 1969 and 1972 with Stevie Wonder were heavily influenced by this cover version by Redding. Jagger has commented on his particular favor of this version of the song over the years.

Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa (Sad Song) - Played Live Chicago, Illinois July 24, 1975

"Bobby Womack: Greatest Hits"

Capital 72434

It's All Over Now - "12 X 5"

Comment: Bobby, good friend of Ronnie Wood made a significant contribution on the "Dirty Work" album, most notably on Harlem Shuffle and the unreleased Invitation jam.

"Stevie Wonder: For Once In My Life"

Motown Records 3746352342

I Don't Know Why - "Metamorphosis"

Comment: The Stones were recording this song with new guitarist Mick Taylor when they were informed of the death of founding member Brian Jones.

"Smokey Robinson And The Miracles Greatest Hits Vol. 2"

Motown Records 3746352102

Going To A Go-Go - "Still Life (American Concert 1981)". Played Live US Tour 1981, Europe 1982, and US Tour 2002

Tracks Of My Tears - Recorded by The Rolling Stones RCA Studios, Hollywood, March 1966 (Not released)

"James Brown: 40th Anniversary Collection"

Polydor 3409-2

I'll Go Crazy - A Federal single released in 1960 and played live by the Stones on the Europe 2007 Tour.

Get Up I Feel Like Being A Sex Machine - The undisputed inspiration for Sex Drive, "Flashpoint"

Comment: Check out Jagger nicking Brown's dance moves on the TAMI show! The Brown title was released as a single in 1970, it reached #2 on the R&B charts.

"Bob Dylan: Highway 61 Revisited"

Columbia CK 9189

Like A Rolling Stone - "Stripped" 1995

It A Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry - Mick Jagger Piano Solo, "The Wick" 1994

"Marvin Gaye: Trouble Man"

Motown Records 3746352412

Trouble Man - Mick Jagger Piano/Keith Richards Guitar (Take 2), "The Wick" 1994

"Ramblin' Jack Elliott: South Coast"

Red House Records RHR CD 59, Released 1995

Cocaine Blues - Keith Richards Vocal/Guitar, "The Wick" 1994

Comment: Keith mentions Jack's version in the studio. It is also rumored that Dylan's version from the Gaslight Tapes outtakes has more Elliott influence than that of the original author of the song country bluesman, Reverend Gary Davis.

"O'Jays: Love Train"

Epic/Legacy ZK 66114

Love Train - Played live on the 2002 US Tour!

"Jimmy Cliff • The Harder They Come"

Mango/Island Records 162-539 202-2, Released 1972

The Harder They Come - Keith Richards Solo Single Release December, 1978

Comment: A Landmark Reggae Recording!

"Bob Marley - Legend"

Island Records, 1984

Get Up Stand Up - Played Live on US 2005 Tour

"Black Uhuru - Guess Who's Coming To Dinner"

Heart Beat/Rounder Records CD HB-18, Released 1987!

Shine Eye Gal - Maybe Keith Richards jammed on this one in Jamaica, 1979.

Comment: First heard on the classic "In Tune With Jam" 2LP around 1981.

"Eric Donaldson - Love Of The Common People"

Jamaican Gold JMC 200.116

Cherry Oh Baby - "Black And Blue"

"Half Pint - legal we legal"

Artist Only! Records AOR-8, 1998

Too Rude - "Dirty Work" 1986

Comment: Liner notes: "Thanks You's & Shout Outs to: Mick Jagger & Keith Richards for the great interpretation of Too Rude...". This guy plays with Sly & Robbie!

Influences of the Rolling Stones Compilation CD's

"Rolling Stones' Jukebox"

Chrome Dreams Records - UK

Rollin' Stone 3:06 Muddy Waters/I Just Wanna Make Love To You 2:50 Muddy Waters/Juke Jacobs 2:43 Little Walter/Ain't That Loving You Baby 2:17 Jimmy Reed/Smokestack Lighting 3:03 Howlin' Wolf/Dimples 2:12 John Lee Hooker/Dust My Broom 2:48 Elmore James/No Money Down 2:57 Chuck Berry/Cops And Robbers 3:25 Bo Diddley/Flamingo 2:39 Earl Bostic/Koko 2:56 Charley Parker/Drums 5:35 Charles Mingus/Three O' Clock Blues 3:05 B.B. King/Chicken Shack Boogie 2:49 Amos Milburn/Mystery Train 2:27 Little Junior Parker/Love In Vain 2:32 Robert Johnson/Yo Yo Blues 2:57 Barbecue Bob/Long Tall Sally 2:10 Little Richard/Rocket 88 (The First Rock 'n' Roll Song?-1951) 2:50 Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats/Night Time Is The Right Time 2:49 Roosevelt Sykes/I'm Moving On 2:28 Hank Snow/You Win Again 2:36 Hank Snow/Aberdeen Mississippi Blues 2:36 Bukka White/You Can't Catch Me 2:44 Chuck Berry/Diddley Daddy 2:27 Bo Diddley

"Stone Rock Blues"

Chess/MCA Records, 1994

Carol 2:49 - Chuck Berry/Look What You've Done - Chuck Berry 2:23/Little Queenie 2:43 - Chuck Berry/Mona 2:21 - Bo Diddley/You Better Move On 2:45 - Arthur Alexander/Around And Around 2:40 - Chuck Berry/I Just Want To Make Love To You 2:51 - Muddy Waters/Little Red Rooster 2:28 - Howlin' Wolf/You Can't Catch Me 2:43 - Chuck Berry/Not Fade Away 2:22 - Buddy Holly/Come On 1:49 - Chuck Berry/Susie Q 2:14 - Dale Hawkins/Crackin' Up 2:06 - Bo Diddley/Mannish Boy 2:56 - Muddy Waters/I'm Talking About You 1:50 - Chuck Berry/I Can't Be Satisfied 2:44 - Muddy Waters/Bye Bye Johnny 2:05 - Chuck Berry/Rollin' Stone 3:05 - Muddy Waters

"Artist's Choice: Rolling Stones"

Papa's Got A Brand New Band-James Brown/I'm Still In Love With You-Al Green/I Can't Turn You Loose-Otis Redding/Still A Fool-Muddy Waters/32-20 Blues-Robert Johnson/C'mon Everybody-Eddie Cochran/The Girl Can't Help It-Little Richard/Flamingo-Earl Bostic/Jail Bait-Andre Williams/If You Want Me To Stay-Sly & Family Stone/In A Dis A Time-The Itals/By Your Side-Sade/Until You Come Back To Me-Aretha Franklin/This Old Heart Of Mine Is Weak-The Isley Brothers/You Shook Me-Muddy Waters/I Just Wasn't Made For These Times-The Beach Boys

Quiz Of The Day: Which Stones picked which songs?

"Artist's Choice: Ad"

Promotional Booklet

"The Devil's Music"

Down The Road Apiece 2:56 - Amos Milburn/Rocket 88 2:47 - Jackie Brenston/Preachin' Blues (Up Jumped The Devil) 2:49 - Robert Johnson/Rollin' Stone 3:04 - Muddy Waters/Goin' Away Baby 2:40 - Jimmy Rogers/The Midnight Special 3:02 - Leadbelly/Okie Dokie Stomp 4:05 - Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown/Ay-Te Te Fee 2:39 - Clifton Chenier/Mardi Gras In New Orleans 2:50 - Professor Longhair and His Shuffling Hungarians/Good Golly Miss Molly 2:08 - Little Richard/He's Funny That Way 2:37 - Billie Holiday/I'm In The Mood 3:04 - John Lee Hooker/Jah Is Mighty 2:24 - Bob Marley & The Wailers/You Win Again 2:34 - Hank Williams/I Can't Believe What You Say 1:59 - Ike & Tina Turner/Everyday I Have The Blues 2:46 - B.B. King/(They Call It) Stormy Monday 2:59 - T-Bone Walker/Moanin' At Midnight 2:39 - Howlin' Wolf /Talkin' To Your Mama 3:05 - Blind Willie McTell/Bon Ton Roulet 2:49 - Clarence 'Bon Ton' Barlow/Tell It Like It Is 2:39 - Aaron Neville/That's What The Blues Is All About 3:49 - -Albert King/Ruler Of My Heart 2:32 Irma Thomas/Pain In My Heart (Alt. Take) 2:20 - Otis Redding/Baby, Scratch My Back 3:01 - Booker T. & The MG's/Take Me To The River 4:23 - Al Green

"The Devil's Jukebox"

Dust My Broom 2:54 - Elmore James/Bright Lights, Big City 2:39 - Jimmy Reed/Bo Diddley 2:20 - Buddy Holly/Baby Please Don't Go 2:46 - Big Joe Williams/Whoopin' The Blues 2:42 - Sonny Terry & Brownie McGhee/Born Under A Bad Sign 3:26 - Albert King/My Baby Walked Off 2:57 - Howlin' Wolf/It's All Over Now 2:50 - Bobby Womack/I Got My Mojo Working 3:48 - Muddy Waters/It's Gonna Work Out Fine 2:35 - Ike & Tina Turner/Love In Vain 2:20 - Robert Johnson/You Can Make It If You Try 2:06 - Gene Allison/Key To The Highway 3:02 - Big Bill Broonzy/This Is Hip 2:29 - John Lee Hooker/Bo Diddley 2:31 - Art Neville & The Meters

"Stoned Alchemy"

Instant/Charly Records CD INXS 5016