Keith Richards Explains How He and Mick Jagger Crafted Their First Hit

Keith Richards recently shared insights on how he and Mick Jagger created their first hit song, “As Tears Go By.” Originally, the Rolling Stones focused on playing blues covers rather than writing music. Their manager, Andrew Loog Oldham, played a crucial role in pushing them towards songwriting.

Origins of the First Hit

Before composing original tracks, the Stones were known for their electric guitar-driven renditions of classic blues music. As Richards noted, the idea of becoming songwriters was far from their initial plans. “Songwriting is something I got thrown into out of necessity,” he admitted. Their early success came from covers that unexpectedly resonated with audiences.

• Songs included in their catalog:
  • (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
  • Get Off My Cloud
  • Paint It, Black
  • Ruby Tuesday
  • Honky Tonk Women
  • Brown Sugar
  • Angie
  • Miss You
• First original song: “As Tears Go By” (June 1964) for Marianne Faithfull.

The Influential Lock-In

To encourage the songwriting duo, Andrew Loog Oldham famously locked Richards and Jagger in a kitchen with minimal distractions. “He said, ‘You ain’t comin’ out’,” recalled Richards. This unconventional method forced them to focus, and they emerged with their first original hit.

Richards reflected on the experience, stating, “That was such a fart of an idea, that suddenly you’re gonna lock two guys in a room and they’re going to become songwriters.” Despite the unconventional approach, it proved effective in igniting their creativity.

Transitioning to Songwriters

Although “As Tears Go By” was a success, Richards and Jagger felt that their songwriting efforts initially didn’t fit their identity. They found themselves writing “terrible pop songs that were becoming top 10 hits” but felt disconnected from the genre.

Finding Their Voice

It wasn’t until they penned “The Last Time” in 1966 that they created a song truly representative of the Rolling Stones’ sound. Richards said, “That was the first one we came up with where Mick and I said, ‘This is one we can lay on the guys.’” This track marked a significant turning point in their songwriting career.

Richards also highlighted the collaborative spirit of the 1960s, mentioning how the Beatles and the Stones often supported one another, forming a unique dynamic in rock music history. “In retrospect, during the ’60s the Stones and the Beatles were almost the same band,” he noted.

Reflection on Success

The success Richards and Jagger achieved as songwriters left Richards humbled. He recognized the importance of not taking sole credit for their work, stating, “The idea that you create songs can fuck you up.” Instead, he suggests treating songwriting as a natural process, noting it can lead to prolific output.

In conclusion, the journey of Keith Richards and Mick Jagger from blues musicians to iconic songwriters reflects both a shift in artistic approach and the impact of collaboration in music. Their evolution serves as an inspiration for aspiring artists everywhere.