Long before The Rolling Stones became one of the biggest rock bands in the world, the group was busy digging through American blues records for songs to make their own.
One of those early recordings was "I’m a King Bee," a bluesy track that appeared on the band's 1964 debut album. But the song was not written by Mick Jagger or Keith Richards, and its roots stretched back nearly a decade before The Rolling Stones recorded it.
The original "I'm a King Bee" was written and recorded by Louisiana blues musician Slim Harpo, whose real name was James Moore, in 1957. Released on Excello Records, the song became one of Harpo’s signature recordings and an example of the swamp-blues sound coming out of Louisiana at the time.
When The Rolling Stones recorded their version in January 1964, they were still in the early stages of their career. Jagger, 83, handled vocals and harmonica, while Brian Jones played lead and slide guitar, Richards, 82, played rhythm guitar, Bill Wyman played bass and Charlie Watts was on drums.
The Stones largely stayed close to Harpo's original arrangement, but Jones' slide guitar helped give their version the gritty sound associated with the band's early blues recordings. The track appeared on the group's debut album in the U.K. and on England’s Newest Hit Makers in the U.S.
The connection between The Rolling Stones and Harpo went beyond a single cover. The British band's early enthusiasm for American blues helped introduce artists such as Harpo to new audiences in the United Kingdom and elsewhere. Other British rock groups followed the same path, including The Kinks and The Yardbirds.
Harpo's original recording eventually received an even greater honor: "I’m a King Bee" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2008, recognizing its lasting musical and historical significance.
RELATED: The Animals’ Rock Classic Began With a Song Much Older Than You Think
Hence then, the article about the rolling stones early rock classic began with a 1957 blues song was published today ( ) and is available on Parade ( Saudi Arabia ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( The Rolling Stones' Early Rock Classic Began With a 1957 Blues Song )
Also on site :
- Zurich & El Gouna Film Festivals Strike Strategic Partnership Kicking Off With ‘Dolphins: My Close Encounters’
- Pakistan-administered Kashmir votes in reduced third phase amid unrest
- My Friends Were Shocked When I Booked Virgin Voyages’ 'Party Ship' to The Mediterranean—Here’s Why I’m Never Looking Back