Rock and roll bands often rely on genuine conviction behind their music to resonate with audiences, and Keith Richards knows this better than anyone. Throughout his career with The Rolling Stones, Richards has emphasized the power of authenticity in music, acknowledging that it’s far more than just playing chords to make money. While his band explored various genres over the years, it’s clear that for Richards, true soul music is a cut above the rest.
The Rolling Stones, known for their versatility, have always dabbled in different styles, from country to disco and even punk. But it was their blues roots that often served as the foundation for their most iconic songs. Richards, with his trademark Chuck Berry-inspired riffs, could always rely on blues covers like Muddy Waters’ tunes to get the band started. But for all their genre experiments, it was the emergence of early soul music in America that truly caught Richards’ attention.
While many early soul musicians were rooted in blues, they took the genre to new heights. Artists like Ray Charles and Curtis Mayfield weren’t just about the blues—they brought unique grooves and voices to the forefront. Charles, with songs like “What’d I Say” and “Let the Good Times Roll,” was focused on creating a signature groove rather than sticking to traditional blues. However, when it comes to soul guitar, Richards looks no further than Curtis Mayfield.
Richards, reflecting on his own experiences with soul music, especially with songs like The Stones’ “Almost Hear You Sigh,” revealed his admiration for Mayfield’s distinctive guitar style. He explained, “When you’re playing something like that, the obvious thing you start hitting is the soul licks. As we started to add the bridge part and it started to open up for me, then I thought to myself exactly what you said – Curtis Mayfield. It’s that style. Curtis is the king of that.”
Mayfield’s impact on guitar playing, particularly his soulful approach, left a lasting mark on Richards. Mayfield, renowned for his soulful guitar licks, inspired Richards in ways that went beyond the music itself. Mayfield’s ability to mix groove with sharp, rhythmic guitar playing influenced the way Richards approached his own work. And although Richards is known for his open-G tuning, he admired Mayfield’s “black key” tuning that made his guitar sound rhythmically distinctive, contributing to some of the most iconic soul tracks, like those from the Superfly soundtrack.
Richards’ deep respect for Mayfield highlights the core philosophy of The Rolling Stones: blues served as their foundation, but they were always open to exploring any genre that inspired them. Curtis Mayfield, often referred to as the “king of soul guitar,” is a testament to that broader musical exploration that defines The Rolling Stones’ approach to music.
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