Before Mick Taylor joined The Rolling Stones, he had already established himself as a talented guitarist in the blues-rock scene. At 17, Taylor began playing with John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers, stepping in after Eric Clapton’s departure.
His time with the Bluesbreakers was marked by his sophisticated playing style and profound understanding of the blues, which helped him mature into a remarkable lead guitarist. His work caught the attention of The Rolling Stones, and in 1969, following the tragic death of Brian Jones, Taylor was invited to join one of the most iconic rock bands in history.
The transition from Brian Jones to Mick Taylor
Mick Taylor made his debut immediately following Brian Jones’s death. His first major live appearance with the band was at a free concert in Hyde Park dedicated to Jones, setting the stage for the beginning of a new chapter for the band. Taylor brought a new level of technical proficiency and a fresh blues-influenced style to the band’s music, which was evolving rapidly during this period.
Mick Taylor’s time with The Rolling Stones, from 1969 to 1974, they marked some of the most creative and influential years in the band’s history. His technical skill and expressive style contributed significantly to the band’s music, particularly on the albums Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers, Exile on Main St., Goats Head Soup, and It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll. These albums represent a peak in the band’s creative output, with Taylor playing a pivotal role in shaping their iconic sound. Here are the top 5 songs from this era:
1. “Casino Boogie”
Much of Exile on Main St. was recorded at Keith Richards’ villa in the South of France, a setting that became almost as legendary as the album itself. The Stones had relocated there during their ‘exile’ from England to avoid hefty tax bills. A nocturnal lifestyle marked this period; the band members often spent their days sleeping, evenings at the casinos in nearby Monte Carlo, and nights in intense recording sessions that stretched into the early morning.
This unconventional routine infused the album with a raw, vibrant energy that is palpable in its tracks. Everyone visits casinos for a good time with the best games, don’t they? The hustle is to play and earn, but there’s no harm in enjoying the whole experience. Luckily, once you sign up and log in to your Nesine casino account, you can play more than 1,500 games here, and they cut across slots, pokers, table games, and lots more. You’ll be ushered in some exciting game titles just as the Stones found inspiration in the lavish casinos of Monte Carlo.
2. “Brown Sugar”
Written primarily by Mick Jagger, “Brown Sugar” is the powerful opening track and lead single from The Rolling Stones’ ninth studio album, Sticky Fingers (1971). This song quickly climbed the charts, becoming a number-one hit in the United States and Canada.
Notably, at the request of guitarist Mick Taylor, the Stones debuted the number live during their infamous concert at the Altamont Speedway on December 6, 1969. This performance marked one of the band’s most memorable, albeit controversial, live appearances, setting the stage for the song’s legendary status.
3. “Honky Tonk Women”
In an interview with Crawdaddy! Keith Richards credited Mick Taylor for significantly altering the song’s final style. According to Richards, the track started as a traditional country song reminiscent of Hank Williams or Jimmie Rodgers. However, it became entirely different under Taylor’s influence, embracing a more rock-oriented sound.
Despite Richards’ praise, Taylor had a more modest view of his role. In a 1979 reflection, he acknowledged adding his touch to the song but insisted it was almost complete by the time he contributed his parts.
4. “All Down the Line”
“All Down the Line” is a quintessential electric rock song that kicks off side four of Exile on Main St. This track showcases Mick Taylor’s prowess on slide guitar, adding a gritty, driving force to the song. The Rolling Stones have held this song in high regard over the decades, featuring it on every tour from 1972 to 1981.
The song’s popularity and enduring appeal ensured its return in every tour since the Voodoo Lounge Tour (1994–95), highlighting its significance in the Stones’ live repertoire and its lasting connection with audiences.
5. “Shine a Light“
“Shine a Light” was initially conceived by founding band member Brian Jones but was extensively reworked and released after his tragic death in 1969. This song’s final version is a testament to the band’s ability to evolve and adapt during change. It features Mick Jagger’s poignant vocals and showcases Stones producer Jimmy Miller on drums, stepping in for Charlie Watts.
Additionally, Mick Taylor significantly contributed to electric and bass guitar, adding depth and a new dynamic to the track. His involvement highlights his versatility and ability to integrate seamlessly into the band’s evolving sound.
“I liked Shine a Light. I played bass on that. There are quite a few things I played bass on. I used the band’s Fender Jazz bass for these because Bill wasn’t there; he was late, and nobody bothered to wait. That used to happen a lot, actually. I don’t mean that Bill was late a lot; we didn’t always get there at the same time. If we felt like playing, we would.” – Mick Taylor, 1979.
