Unveiling the Early Songwriting Contributions of The Rolling Stones

One of the most intriguing questions in the history of the iconic band, The Rolling Stones, is: how many original songs did each member write before they officially joined the band? This article delves into the early days of The Rolling Stones, exploring the contributions of each member to the band's songwriting before their full integration.

Historians and music aficionados often surmise that the group's early songwriting efforts were not significantly contributed to by its members, with many believing that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards only began their musical journey of co-writing with each other well after they were already part of the band.

The Initial Formation and Early Musical Endeavors

Before the band's formation in 1962, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were still in their formative years as musicians, exploring a variety of musical styles and genres independently. It was only after they met Denny Dillon, Bill Wyman, and Brian Jones that they began to collaborate more seriously on music, but even then, their contributions sometimes felt more like personal expression rather than communal band projects.

The Influences and Influencers

Before joining The Rolling Stones, both Jagger and Richards were known for their covers of American and British tunes, influenced heavily by blues, rock, and roll. However, it was the arrival of Brian Jones, the band's first member, that served as the catalyst for their transformation into a songwriting duo. Jones helped them in refining their sound, and it was under his guidance that they started to experiment with more original material.

Pioneering the Path: Mick Jagger’s Contributions

Mick Jagger's early songwriting before The Rolling Stones was limited to a handful of original compositions that contributed to his own solo career. Most of these songs were released under different names or co-writes, showcasing a significant, yet modest, contribution. By the time Jagger joined The Rolling Stones as a full member, his style and repertoire had already started to take shape through his early solo work.

Keith Richards: A Discovered Genius

Keith Richards, on the other hand, remains one of the most praised guitarists in rock history, but his early songwriting efforts, during his solo career before joining The Rolling Stones, primarily consisted of collaborating with other artists. Once he became a member of the band, his natural talent for songwriting took center stage, often penning the majority of The Rolling Stones' hit songs through solo composition or collaboration with Jagger.

The Role of Brian Jones and Early Innovation

Before The Rolling Stones achieved nationwide fame, Brian Jones played a crucial part in the band's development. His influence was not only in his presence but also in the atmosphere he fostered, encouraging experimentation and creativity. While it is true that Jones did not directly write songs, his role in nurturing the band’s musical potential cannot be overstated. His disappearance from the band in 1969 marked a significant moment in their history, as the band had to adapt to life without him.

The Myth and Reality: Andrew Loog Oldham and His Prodding

The famous quote by Andrew Loog Oldham, the band’s former manager, suggests that it was only after a couple of years that Mick Jagger and Keith Richards began to actively write songs for The Rolling Stones. This statement adds weight to the theory that the band genuinely found their footing and true creative voices when they entered their stable partnership in songwriting with Oldham’s encouragement.

Aftermath and Legacy

After the initial years of confusion and exploration, The Rolling Stones became a powerhouse of originality and creativity, with Jagger and Richards crafting countless charts-topping songs, from the bluesy hits of "Brown Sugar" to the rock and roll anthem "Satisfaction." Their journey from cover artists to influential songwriters is a testament to their growth and the influence of those early days.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Did any member write songs before joining The Rolling Stones?

A: While individual members had their early musical expressions, it was not until joining The Rolling Stones that significant original songwriting collaborations began to take root. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, in particular, started to co-write songs that would define the band after a couple of years.

Q: How did Brian Jones impact The Rolling Stones' songwriting before joining the band?

A: Brian Jones indirectly influenced the band’s songwriting by keeping them grounded in the blues and rock and roll genres, while pushing them to explore various sounds and styles. His role as a founding member helped create a musical foundation that set the stage for The Rolling Stones' future songwriting endeavors.

Q: How important was Andrew Loog Oldham’s role in The Rolling Stones’ songwriting?

A: Oldham’s management was instrumental in encouraging the band to discover and develop their songwriting abilities. His belief in Jagger and Richards’ potential to co-write was a driving force behind some of The Rolling Stones' most iconic songs, making him essential to their creative breakthroughs.