The Rolling Stones, icons of rock and roll, are renowned for their electrifying guitar riffs and Mick Jagger’s charismatic vocals. However, a key ingredient in their early blues-infused sound and continuing through their vast catalog is the often-understated blues harmonica, or “blues harp.” From their early covers to original tracks, the harmonica has added a distinctive flavor to many Stones classics and deep cuts.
Brian Jones, a founding member, was instrumental in introducing the harmonica into the band’s sound. His playing graced many early hits, establishing the instrument as part of the Rolling Stones’ signature style. Later, Mick Jagger himself picked up the harmonica, contributing to the band’s evolving sound.
Here’s an exploration of Rolling Stones Songs that prominently feature the blues harp, showcasing its role across their discography:
Early Blues Infusions: The Brian Jones Era
In their formative years, heavily influenced by blues and R&B, the harmonica was a crucial element in the Rolling Stones’ sound. Brian Jones was the primary harmonica player during this period, lending his talents to covers and early originals alike.
- Come On: Their debut single, a Chuck Berry cover, immediately showcased the harmonica’s raw energy in their sound.
- It’s All Over Now: Another early cover, this time of a Valentinos song, features prominent harmonica adding to the track’s bluesy feel.
- Like a Rolling Stone: Their iconic cover of Bob Dylan’s masterpiece includes harmonica, enriching the song’s texture.
- I Just Want To Make Love To You: A Willie Dixon blues standard, frequently performed live and recorded by the Stones, highlighting the harmonica’s blues roots.
- Not Fade Away: Buddy Holly cover, transformed by the Stones with a driving beat and signature harmonica riffs.
- Now I’ve Got A Witness: An early original showcasing their R&B influences, featuring energetic harmonica work.
- Good Times, Bad Times: An early track where the harmonica underscores the song’s rhythm and blues foundation.
- Cops And Robbers: Another R&B flavored tune from their early days, punctuated by the harmonica.
- 2120 South Michigan Avenue: An instrumental jam that allowed for extended harmonica improvisation, displaying their blues musicianship.
- Look What You’ve Done: A blues cover where the harmonica carries the mournful melody.
- Fanny Mae / The Under Assistant West Coast Promotion Man: Medley showcasing their versatility and harmonica-driven blues-rock.
- Roadrunner: Bo Diddley cover, energized by the harmonica’s rhythmic drive.
- Stoned: Early instrumental B-side, highlighting the band’s raw energy and blues harp.
- I Want To Be Loved: Willie Dixon penned song, a staple early in their career, featuring classic blues harmonica.
Harmonica in Later Stones Tracks
As the Rolling Stones evolved, the harmonica continued to appear in their music, sometimes played by Mick Jagger or guest musicians, adding a bluesy or rootsy touch to various songs.
- Midnight Rambler: A blues-rock epic where harmonica weaves in and out, adding to the song’s dramatic narrative.
- Miss You: While known for its disco groove, the song also features harmonica adding a surprising bluesy counterpoint.
- Black Limousine: A classic bluesy ballad from the Tattoo You era, featuring soulful harmonica.
- Stop Breaking Down: Robert Johnson cover, revived with classic Rolling Stones energy and harmonica.
- Little By Little: Features a catchy harmonica riff, adding to the song’s upbeat rhythm and blues vibe.
- Out Of Control: Later track with a raw, bluesy edge, featuring harmonica adding to the intensity.
- Down In the Hole: Bluesy track from Emotional Rescue with Jagger on harmonica, enhancing the song’s mood.
- King Bee: Slim Harpo cover, a blues standard given the Stones treatment with prominent harmonica.
- Down Home Girl: A bluesy number where the harmonica adds to the song’s laid-back, rootsy feel.
- Shake Your Hips: Slim Harpo cover, another example of their blues roots, driven by harmonica.
- Turd On the Run: A more obscure track with a raw, bluesy sound, featuring harmonica.
- Little Red Rooster: Willie Dixon blues classic, famously covered by the Stones, featuring iconic harmonica.
- Jump On Top Of Me: A bluesy rocker with harmonica adding to its swagger.
- Fancy Man Blues: A deep cut blues track true to their roots, featuring harmonica.
- The Spider and the Fly: A bluesy, storytelling song with harmonica enhancing the narrative feel.
- Parachute Woman: Beggars Banquet track with a distinctive harmonica intro and bluesy feel.
- Sweet Neo Con: A later political song with surprising harmonica use, adding a rootsy flavor.
- Silver Train: A bluesy rocker from Goats Head Soup with a memorable harmonica part.
- Gimme Shelter: Iconic song featuring subtle but effective harmonica parts, adding to the song’s texture.
Deeper Cuts and Hidden Gems
Beyond the better-known songs, the Rolling Stones catalog is filled with deeper cuts and less famous tracks that feature notable harmonica contributions.
- Break the Spell: Bluesy track with harmonica adding to its atmospheric feel.
- Champagne & Reefer: Muddy Waters cover, a tribute to their blues influences, featuring harmonica.
- Send It to Me: Reggae-infused track from Emotional Rescue with harmonica adding an unexpected blues element.
- Had It With You: Raw and energetic track with harmonica driving the rhythm.
- Might As Well Get Juiced: Later bluesy track with harmonica adding to its gritty texture.
- Moon Is Up: Acoustic-based track with harmonica adding a folk-blues element.
- Infamy: Edgy track with harmonica adding to its raw and bluesy sound.
- Back Of My Hand: Bluesy and soulful, featuring prominent harmonica throughout.
- Dear Doctor: A country-blues flavored song with harmonica enhancing the storytelling.
- High and Dry: A bluesy ballad with harmonica adding to its emotional depth.
- Honest I Do: Jimmy Reed cover, a blues shuffle with classic harmonica.
- What A Shame: Early track with a strong R&B influence and harmonica.
- I Wanna Be Loved: Willie Dixon/Muddy Waters song, another example of their blues roots with harmonica.
- So Young: Early track with harmonica adding to its youthful energy.
- The Storm: Bluesy and atmospheric, with harmonica contributing to the mood.
This list, compiled from fan discussions and deep dives into their discography, showcases the breadth of Rolling Stones songs featuring the blues harp. From their early blues explosion to their later explorations, the harmonica remains a vital thread in the tapestry of Rolling Stones music. Exploring these “stones songs” reveals a rich layer of their sound often hidden in plain sight.
