Get ready to dive into the fascinating story behind one of the Rolling Stones' earliest hits!
The Birth of a Rock Legend: The Rolling Stones' First Original Song
In the vibrant music scene of 1964, a pivotal moment occurred when The Rolling Stones, under the guidance of their manager Andrew Loog Oldham, decided to take a bold step towards creating their own music. This marked a significant shift in the band's trajectory, moving away from cover songs and embracing original material.
Oldham, a visionary in his own right, knew that the band's future success hinged on their ability to write their own songs. So, he took a rather unconventional approach: he locked Mick Jagger and Keith Richards in a room, challenging them to write a song before they could leave. And thus, their first original composition, "Tell Me (You’re Coming Back)", was born.
But here's where it gets intriguing: the initial version of "Tell Me" was never intended for release. Jagger and Richards planned to re-record it, treating the first take as a "dub" version. This explains why Richards sang harmonies into the same microphone he was using for his 12-string guitar!
A Pop Ballad's Impact
The decision to move towards original music was not just a trendy choice but a practical one too. In a 2013 interview, Oldham revealed that the band was running low on material, and the well of R&B covers was drying up. He wanted The Stones to try something different, like James Ray's "If You Gotta Make a Fool of Somebody", but when he learned that another band had already covered it, he knew it was time for The Stones to write their own songs.
Mick Jagger, reflecting on this period in 1995, noted the distinct feel of their original compositions compared to the R&B and Motown covers that were popular at the time. "Tell Me (You’re Coming Back)" became a hit in Belgium and Sweden, topping the charts, and it was their first Top 40 hit in the U.S.
However, the band's involvement in the release process was limited. According to Keith Richards, they thought their original version was just a dub until they heard it was going to be on their first record. "We had very little control over it," he said. "We were constantly on the road, playing gigs every night, sleeping in the van or in hotels if we were lucky. A lot of it was Andrew's decision."
So, what do you think? Was "Tell Me (You’re Coming Back)" the band's first good song? And how much control should a manager have over a band's creative process? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
