Keith Richards, the legendary guitarist for The Rolling Stones, has often shared his deep appreciation for various musical artists. While his long-time bandmate Mick Jagger is known for his dynamic stage presence, Richards holds another iconic vocalist in the highest regard: Aretha Franklin. This preference highlights Richards's deep roots in rhythm and blues music, a genre that has influenced him since childhood.
Key Takeaways
- Keith Richards considers Aretha Franklin the greatest singer.
- Richards's musical tastes were shaped by rhythm and blues from a young age.
- He performed with Aretha Franklin in 1986 on 'Jumpin' Jack Flash'.
- Richards inducted Franklin into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997.
- Franklin made history as the first woman inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Richards's Musical Foundation and Early Influences
Keith Richards's musical journey began early, deeply influenced by the sounds of rhythm and blues. His mother, Doris, played a significant role in introducing him to this genre. She consistently had the radio playing, filling their home with music that would shape his artistic sensibilities for decades to come. This early exposure instilled a lifelong passion for the genre.
Even though his mother passed away many years ago, the love for rhythm and blues she passed on remains a central part of Richards's life. It serves as a direct connection to his childhood, demonstrating the lasting impact of early musical experiences. This foundational understanding of blues and soul music informs his unique guitar style and his appreciation for vocal talent.
Background on Richards's Musical Style
Keith Richards is renowned for his distinctive guitar playing, often characterized by open G tuning and a strong emphasis on rhythm. This style is heavily influenced by blues and R&B artists. His approach to music is often described as feeling-driven, prioritizing groove and emotional depth over technical flash.
Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul
In 2008, during a survey conducted by Rolling Stone magazine to identify the greatest singer of all time, Keith Richards made his choice clear. He named Aretha Franklin, widely known as 'Lady Soul,' as the supreme vocalist. This declaration came from a musician who had spent a lifetime alongside one of rock's most iconic frontmen, Mick Jagger.
Franklin's artistry extended beyond her vocal prowess. She once stated,
"Being the Queen is not all about singing. It has much to do with your service to people… your social contributions to your community and your civic contributions as well. Music does a lot of things for a lot of people. It can take you right back, it’s uplifting, it’s encouraging, it’s strengthening."This quote highlights her belief in music's broader purpose and its power to inspire and uplift.
Richards admired Franklin's talent for many years before getting the chance to collaborate with her. In 1986, he experienced her musical genius firsthand. Franklin recorded a cover of The Rolling Stones' song 'Jumpin' Jack Flash.' Richards and bandmate Ronnie Wood assisted in the studio, witnessing her ability to transform the track into something new and powerful.
Aretha Franklin's Achievements
- 18 Grammy Awards: Franklin earned numerous accolades throughout her career.
- First Woman in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: She achieved this milestone in 1987.
- Over 75 Million Records Sold: One of the best-selling music artists of all time.
- Presidential Medal of Freedom: Awarded in 2005 by President George W. Bush.
A Historic Induction and Lasting Legacy
Aretha Franklin made history in 1987 when she became the first woman inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Fittingly, Keith Richards had the honor of inducting her during the ceremony in Cleveland. His speech, while humorous and somewhat rambling, underscored his profound respect for her.
During his induction speech, Richards expressed his admiration, saying, "The dictionary has been used up, there’s no superlatives left, and there’s nothing to read anyway." He then added, half-jokingly, "What can I say about Aretha? You’re in baby. My turn next, maybe?" His words captured the immense impact Franklin had on the music world.
The Enduring Impact of a Voice
In 2018, the music world mourned the loss of Aretha Franklin, who passed away after a battle with cancer. Following her death, Keith Richards once again publicly shared his admiration. He posted a tribute on social media, perfectly summarizing her unique talent and consistent excellence.
Richards wrote, "The most consistent voice in music for 60 years has been Aretha Franklin’s voice… The world of music has lost a bit of its soul." This statement emphasized not only her vocal consistency but also the emotional depth she brought to her performances. Her influence continues to resonate with musicians and fans globally.
The Rolling Stones and Soul Music
The Rolling Stones have frequently incorporated elements of rhythm and blues, soul, and gospel into their music. Their early repertoire included many covers of blues and R&B songs, demonstrating their deep respect for these genres. This connection explains Richards's particular appreciation for vocalists like Aretha Franklin, who embody the raw power and emotional complexity of soul music.
Mick Jagger's Role and Richards's Perspective
For most of his career, Richards has performed alongside Mick Jagger, who is widely regarded as the archetypal rock and roll frontman. Jagger is known for his infectious energy, dynamic stage presence, and showmanship. While he can hit high notes, his primary strength has always been his ability to command an audience and deliver a captivating performance.
Richards and Jagger have formed a highly successful partnership, bringing out the best in each other for decades. However, despite his deep respect for Jagger, Richards places Franklin at the top of his list for vocal ability. This distinction highlights Richards's nuanced understanding of different aspects of musical talent, separating performance energy from pure vocal skill.
The collaboration between Richards and Franklin on 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' underscored for him that Franklin possessed an unmatched vocal range and control. She could deliver powerful performances both in the studio and live, often without relying on extensive technological enhancements. In Richards's view, this level of raw, natural talent is rarely matched.
Richards's comments offer insight into the values he holds most important in a singer: consistency, emotional depth, and raw, undeniable talent. For him, Aretha Franklin embodied these qualities more completely than anyone else in music history.