In the 1960s, the legendary Rolling Stones band began writing its history. Before Keith Richards became a central figure, other guitarists played an essential role in shaping their musical identity.
Between 1962 and 1965, musicians such as Brian Jones, Ian Stewart and Dick Taylor each brought a distinctive touch. Their passion for blues and rock ’n’ roll influenced the band’s earliest compositions.
This period marked the Rolling Stones’ beginnings, when every musician helped create a distinctive sound. Let us explore this fascinating era and discover how these pioneers shaped one of the greatest bands in history.
Introduction: the origins of the Rolling Stones
The Rolling Stones’ story truly began in 1962. That year marked the official formation of the band, a pivotal moment in the development of modern music.
The band’s formation in 1962
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards’ meeting at Dartford railway station in 1961 proved decisive. United by a shared passion for Chuck Berry, they laid the foundations of what would become a legendary band.
Brian Jones, a central figure, played a key role in recruiting the members and choosing the name “Rollin’ Stones.” The first line-up included Jones, Jagger, Richards, Ian Stewart, Dick Taylor and Tony Avory.
The influence of blues and rock ’n’ roll
The band’s early years were strongly influenced by blues and rock ’n’ roll. Sessions at the Ealing Jazz Club and the Crawdaddy Club allowed the Rolling Stones to refine their sound.
Their repertoire drew on standards by Muddy Waters and Howlin’ Wolf, two giants of the blues. Ian Stewart, although later removed from the official line-up, made a major contribution on piano.
“The blues is the root of everything we do. Without it, the Rolling Stones would not exist.”
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1961 | Jagger and Richards meet |
| 1962 | The band is officially formed |
| 1962-1963 | Concerts at the Ealing Jazz Club |
Brian Jones: founder and first leader
Brian Jones, a pioneer of the guitar, brought a unique energy to the Rolling Stones. His charisma and vision were decisive during the band’s early years.
His role in forming the band
In 1962, Brian Jones was one of the chief architects behind the formation of the Rolling Stones. He recruited the members and chose the band’s name, drawing inspiration from a Muddy Waters song. His leadership in their early days helped lay the foundations of a musical legend.
His guitar style and influences
Brian Jones was an innovator. He explored techniques such as slide guitar on “I Wanna Be Your Man” in 1963. His influences, particularly the blues and music from around the world, enriched the band’s sound.
His contributions to the early albums
On the album “Aftermath” (1966), Brian Jones played numerous instruments, including sitar and marimba. He also created the iconic riff for “Paint It Black,” a rock classic. His innovations left their mark on the Rolling Stones’ early career.
“Brian Jones was a musical genius. Without him, the Rolling Stones would not have had that unique sound.”
To learn more about Brian Jones, explore his fascinating life and career.
Ian Stewart: pianist and session guitarist
At the heart of the Rolling Stones’ beginnings, Ian Stewart played an essential but often overlooked role. This talented pianist helped shape the band’s sound from its earliest years.
His importance in the band’s early days
Ian Stewart was a mainstay of the studio recordings, appearing on 118 tracks. His blues– and boogie-woogie-inspired style gave the early compositions a solid rhythmic structure. He also played a key role in live performances, providing the band with a firm musical foundation on stage.
Why he was removed from the official line-up
Despite his talent, Ian Stewart was removed from the official line-up in 1963. Manager Andrew Loog Oldham considered his image too “suburban” for the band’s identity. Stewart nevertheless remained a valued collaborator, working as road manager and touring pianist.
His influence can be heard on classics such as “Brown Sugar” and “Let It Bleed.” In 1989, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, a posthumous recognition of his immense contribution. As Keith Richards put it:
“Stu was our musical backbone.”
Dick Taylor: the bassist who became a guitarist
Dick Taylor made a distinctive musical contribution to the Rolling Stones’ beginnings. A founding member in 1962, he played a key role in forming the band. Before creating The Pretty Things, he took part in the first concerts at the Marquee Club, helping lay the foundations of a legend.
His time with the Rolling Stones
Initially a bassist, Dick Taylor quickly switched to lead guitar during rehearsals. His R&B-influenced style helped guide the choice of covers performed at the early concerts. Compared with Brian Jones, he brought a more structured approach that enriched the band’s sound.
His departure and its impact on the band
In 1962, Dick Taylor left the Rolling Stones for artistic and financial reasons. This departure indirectly influenced the band, as he went on to found The Pretty Things, another pillar of British rock. His legacy remains evident in the Rolling Stones’ early years, particularly on their first album.
“Dick Taylor brought a unique energy. His departure was a turning point, but his influence lives on.”
The early years: the search for a musical identity
Between 1963 and 1964, the Rolling Stones made music history with their boundless energy. These two years were crucial for the band, which played 186 concerts and established its presence on the British stage.
Their cover of Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away” was a groundbreaking single. The track marked a turning point, demonstrating their ability to transform classics into distinctive works of their own.
The first live performances
The 1963 concert set lists blended a variety of influences, notably Bo Diddley and Jimmy Reed. These performances allowed the band to explore different styles, gradually moving from pure blues toward garage rock.
The Crawdaddy Club played a key role in this development. Regular residencies gave the musicians a place to experiment and refine their sound on stage.
The evolution of the band’s sound
Comparing the studio and live versions of “Route 66” reveals a bold transformation. The live performances were more energetic, reflecting the band’s artistic development.
In 1964, the first original compositions emerged, marking a new stage. These tracks laid the foundations of their musical identity: a unique blend of blues, rock and raw energy.
The influence of Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters
The imprint of Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters on the Rolling Stones is undeniable. These two giants of blues and rock ’n’ roll shaped the band’s sound from the outset. Their music inspired techniques, riffs and a narrative approach that left a lasting mark on the band’s history.
How these artists shaped their music
The Rolling Stones drew on Chuck Berry’s legacy to create energetic riffs. Tracks such as “Come On” and “Carol” embraced his distinctive style, combining speed and precision. These songs helped the band stand out on the British music scene.
Muddy Waters, meanwhile, brought greater depth. His slide guitar technique on “I Can’t Be Satisfied” influenced Brian Jones, who incorporated it into the band’s repertoire. Waters’ storytelling also inspired the songwriting of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
The iconic early covers
Between 1963 and 1967, the Rolling Stones recorded 14 Chuck Berry covers. Songs such as “Roll Over Beethoven” helped the band make a distinctive sound their own. Their version of Muddy Waters’ “I Just Want to Make Love to You” also became a classic.
These covers did more than copy the originals. They added a personal touch, combining raw energy with technical finesse. This approach laid the foundations of their success.
| Artist | Covered song | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Chuck Berry | Come On | 1963 |
| Muddy Waters | I Just Want to Make Love to You | 1964 |
| Chuck Berry | Carol | 1964 |
The legacy of these two artists endured on albums released after 1969. Their influence can be heard in songs such as “Brown Sugar” and “Start Me Up.” The Rolling Stones transformed that inspiration into a unique musical identity.
The first album: The Rolling Stones (1964)
In 1964, the Rolling Stones reached a turning point with their first album. Recorded in just five days at Regent Sound Studios, the record captured the band’s raw energy and authenticity. Of its 12 songs, seven were covers, reflecting their love of blues and rock ’n’ roll.
The recordings and key tracks
The album’s raw mix was a deliberate choice intended to reproduce the energy of their concerts. Among the standout songs, “Tell Me” was the first original composition by the Jagger/Richards partnership. The track paved the way for their creative development.
- Technical analysis of the mix: a choice that prioritised live energy.
- A closer look at “Tell Me”: the first original composition.
Critical and public reception
The press had mixed reactions to this first album. Some critics found the sound “too raw,” while others praised its authenticity. Despite the divided opinions, the album reached number one on the UK Albums Chart, an undeniable success.
“Their first album marked the explosion of the British blues boom.”
This record not only established the Rolling Stones as a musical force, but also influenced a generation of musicians. Their bold approach redefined audience expectations and paved the way for their legendary rise.
The transition to Keith Richards
In the mid-1960s, the Rolling Stones underwent a major transition. Keith Richards, initially the second guitarist, began to establish himself as a central figure. This development marked a turning point in the band’s history.
Keith’s emergence as the principal guitarist
In 1964, the first composition credited to Jagger/Richards, “That Girl Belongs to Yesterday,” revealed their creative potential. Keith Richards developed a distinctive style characterised by powerful riffs and a melodic approach. His work on songs such as “Get Off of My Cloud” demonstrated his growing command of the guitar.
Producer Andrew Loog Oldham played a key role in this rise. By promoting the Jagger/Richards partnership, he helped redefine the band’s internal dynamics. This strategy strengthened Keith Richards’ position as a musical cornerstone.
Brian Jones’ decline
At the same time, Brian Jones went through a difficult period. Absent from 35% of the studio sessions in 1967, he faced personal problems and declining productivity. His role in the band gradually diminished.
The album “Aftermath” (1966) marked a stylistic turning point. Although Brian Jones contributed instrumental innovations, his influence waned as Keith Richards became increasingly prominent. This gradual departure affected the band’s dynamics.
| Song | Guitar part | Contributor |
|---|---|---|
| Get Off of My Cloud | Energetic riff | Keith Richards |
| Under My Thumb | Subtle textures | Brian Jones |
This transition toward Keith Richards had profound consequences. It redefined the Rolling Stones’ musical identity and set the stage for their future success. As Mick Jagger put it:
“Keith brought a new energy. His talent transformed the band.”
Brian Jones’ contributions to later albums
The years 1966 and 1967 marked a period of intense creativity for Brian Jones. On the albums Aftermath and Between the Buttons, he explored new musical dimensions and enriched the Rolling Stones’ sound.
Aftermath (1966) and Between the Buttons (1967)
On Aftermath, Brian Jones introduced unusual instruments such as the sitar on “Paint It Black.” This innovation gave rock an exotic touch that captivated listeners. On Between the Buttons, he played 11 different instruments, demonstrating his versatility.
His dulcimer experiments on “Lady Jane” and the baroque elements of “Ruby Tuesday” reveal his creative genius. These albums marked a turning point in the history of music.
His influence on the psychedelic sound
Brian Jones was a pioneer of psychedelic sound. His collaboration with Nicky Hopkins produced complex arrangements that pushed studio technology to its limits. These innovations influenced a generation of musicians.
As Mick Jagger put it:
“Brian was our sound laboratory. He transformed our approach to music.”
| Album | Instrument | Contribution |
|---|---|---|
| Aftermath | Sitar | “Paint It Black” |
| Between the Buttons | Dulcimer | “Lady Jane” |
Brian Jones’ departure in 1969
1969 marked a dramatic turning point in the Rolling Stones’ history. That year, Brian Jones, a founding member and iconic figure, left the band under tragic circumstances. His departure left an enormous void and profoundly affected the band’s path.
The reasons for his dismissal
Several factors led to Brian Jones’ departure. His repeated absences from rehearsals and major concerts weakened his position. Legal problems involving drugs and violence also damaged his image. In his final BBC interview, three days before his death, he expressed a desire to focus on new musical projects.
On 26 May 1969, he played his final concert with the Stones in London. Three weeks later, he was found dead in his swimming pool. The event marked the end of an era for the band.
His legacy within the band
Despite his departure, Brian Jones’ legacy remains indelible. The 1969 Hyde Park concert held in his memory, where the Stones performed “I’m Yours And I’m Hers,” celebrated his musical genius. His influence on psychedelic sound and his instrumental innovations continue to inspire later generations.
As Mick Jagger put it:
“Brian was a pioneer. His creative spirit shaped our musical identity.”
His departure also reinforced the band’s image as a “cursed” group, a reputation that persisted throughout its career. The 1960s were marked by his talent and vision, elements that remain engraved in the Rolling Stones’ history.
Mick Taylor: Brian Jones’ successor
After Brian Jones’ departure, the Rolling Stones sought fresh musical inspiration. Mick Taylor, a young guitar prodigy, joined the band in 1969. His arrival marked a turning point in their history, bringing unprecedented energy and technique.
His arrival in the band
Mick Taylor was recruited after an impressive audition. His blues-rock style, influenced by legends such as B. B. King, immediately won over the band’s members. He brought a new dimension to their sound, notably through legendary solos such as the one on “Sway” in 1971.
His versatility allowed the Rolling Stones to explore new musical territory. Taylor also contributed to the arrangements of songs such as “Moonlight Mile,” adding melodic richness and complexity.
His impact on the albums of the 1970s
The albums “Sticky Fingers” (1971) and “Exile on Main St.” (1972) were shaped by Mick Taylor’s presence. His guitar playing enriched songs such as “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” and “Tumbling Dice.” These albums are regarded as rock masterpieces.
Despite his talent, Taylor left the band in 1974. Creative disagreements and a lack of recognition for his songwriting contributions were the main reasons for his departure. His legacy nevertheless remains undeniable: he helped give the Rolling Stones a “more polished” sound in the 1970s.
| Song | Mick Taylor’s contribution | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Sway | Legendary solo | 1971 |
| Moonlight Mile | Melodic arrangements | 1971 |
| Can’t You Hear Me Knocking | Blues-rock improvisation | 1971 |
“Mick Taylor brought a technical finesse that transformed our sound. He was an exceptional musician.”
The evolution of the guitar’s role in the band
The guitar has always been central to the Rolling Stones’ identity, and its role evolved over the years to become a cornerstone of their success. From the outset, the instrument helped the band stand apart, from Brian Jones’ slide techniques to Keith Richards’ powerful riffs.
From Brian Jones to Keith Richards
With his innovative approach, Brian Jones introduced techniques such as slide guitar, notably on songs such as “I Wanna Be Your Man.” His blues-influenced style gave the early albums a distinctive character. With Keith Richards’ emergence, however, the band’s sound took a new direction.
Richards adopted open-G tuning in 1968, an innovation that marked a turning point. His riffs, such as the one in “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” became iconic. This transition allowed the band to explore new musical territory while retaining its raw energy.
The importance of riffs to their success
Riffs are a key element of the Rolling Stones’ success. Seventy-eight per cent of their songs feature a central riff, demonstrating its importance in their songwriting. Classics such as “Start Me Up” and “Brown Sugar” are built around memorable riffs that have left their mark on rock history.
As Eric Clapton put it:
“The Stones’ riffs are lessons in efficiency. They capture the essence of rock with inspired simplicity.”
This mastery of riffs allowed the band to stand apart and remain relevant over the decades.
The first international successes
By the mid-1960s, the Rolling Stones had reached the summit of the international music scene, securing their place in music history. Their first major international success, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” topped the charts in 12 countries in 1965 and became an anthem for a generation.
With its iconic riff and provocative lyrics, the song captured the era’s rebellious spirit. It also consolidated the band’s place on the world stage, paving the way for a series of memorable tracks.
(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction and other hits
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” was not only a commercial success but also an artistic turning point. Keith Richards’ riff, recorded in a single take, became one of the most recognisable in rock history. The song was followed by other tracks such as “Get Off of My Cloud” and “19th Nervous Breakdown,” which strengthened their reputation.
Often written in response to media pressure, these songs reflected the band’s raw energy and authenticity. They also helped the Rolling Stones distinguish themselves from their contemporaries, particularly the Beatles.
Conquering the United States
In 1964, the Rolling Stones embarked on their first American tour, playing 34 concerts in just 29 days. The tour was a resounding success, attracting enormous crowds and generating $1.2 million in revenue. Their presence on the American stage was reinforced by memorable, if sometimes controversial, television appearances.
Their repertoire, which included covers of Sam Cooke and Irma Thomas, appealed to a broad and varied audience. Combined with the “bad boy” image cultivated by manager Andrew Loog Oldham, this strategy contributed to their rapid rise.
To learn more about this pivotal period, explore the history of the Rolling Stones.
The legacy of the early guitarists
The legacy of the Rolling Stones’ early members continues to resonate throughout the world of music. Their contributions not only shaped the band’s history, but also influenced generations of musicians.
Their influence on modern rock
The early Rolling Stones marked a turning point in the history of rock. Their innovative approach and passion for blues inspired artists such as Jack White and The Black Keys. These modern artists often draw on stylistic elements from the 1960s, paying tribute to that legacy.
The remastered reissues of their pre-1970 albums testify to their enduring impact. These editions allow new generations to discover their raw, authentic sound.
Their place in Rolling Stones history
Brian Jones, one of the Rolling Stones’ early guitarists, played an essential role in the band’s development. As Keith Richards put it:
“Without Brian, we would have remained a cover band.”
The permanent exhibition devoted to them at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame since 1995 highlights their major contribution to music. Tributes at anniversary concerts, including those marking the band’s 50th and 60th years, serve as reminders of their importance.
To learn more about their influence, explore the history of the Rolling Stones’ early guitarists.
Conclusion: the importance of the early guitarists
The early members laid the foundations of a unique sound, leaving an indelible mark on the history of music. Their technical and stylistic contributions redefined rock by blending blues with raw energy. These formative years allowed the band to create an unrivalled musical identity.
Their influence extends far beyond their era. Later generations of musicians continue to draw inspiration from their boldness and creativity. Reissue projects and previously unreleased archives bear witness to their enduring legacy.
Ultimately, these pioneers shaped not only a sound but also a vision. Their contribution remains a cornerstone in the evolution of modern music.