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Rolling Stones songs: Cherry Oh Baby
You say you love me madly/ Then why do you treat me badly…
Written by: Eric Donaldson Recorded: Musicland Studios, Munich, Germany, Dec. 12 1974-March 25-Apr. 4 1975; Casino, Montreux, Switzerland, Oct.-Nov. 1975 Guest musicians: Nicky Hopkins (organ) *Data taken from Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012
*By Marcelo Sonaglioni Born in 1947 in Jamaica, Eric Donaldson emerged as a trailblazer in the island’s vibrant music scene. In 1964, he formed a vocal group and began recording at Kingston’s legendary Studio One, laying the groundwork for his career. A few years later, he embarked on a solo journey and achieved widespread acclaim with his massive hit Cherry Oh Baby, which won the Festival Song Competition in 1971.
The Rolling Stones’ connection to Donaldson’s work began during their time in the South of France, where Mick Jagger likely encountered Donaldson’s album. Charlie Watts later recalled having similar records with him during their French stay, and Keith Richards frequently listened to The Harder They Come. Inspired, the Stones experimented with Cherry Oh Baby in 1975, initially just for fun. However, they ultimately decided to include it on their album. “We just did it one day for a laugh and kept it on the album,” Jagger explained. With their rendition, the Stones marked their first significant foray into reggae, blending their signature style with the Caribbean genre’s rhythms.
The Stones had already dipped into the sound of the Caribbean, although not directly with reggae, with the calypso-tinged 1974 song Luxury, featured on the It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll album. Reflecting the band’s growing fascination with Caribbean music, the song blends their rock sensibilities with a laid-back, tropical vibe. Mick Jagger’s vocal delivery and the rolling groove evoke a sense of island relaxation, while the lyrics touch on themes of wealth and privilege with a satirical edge
As history ha sit, Ronnie Wood made his debut appearance on a Rolling Stones album with Black and Blue. At the time, the band was auditioning lead guitarists to fill the vacancy left by Mick Taylor’s departure. Though Wood contributed guitar parts to only two tracks on the album, the very Cherry Oh Baby and Hey Negrita, his presence left a strong impression. Before the album’s release, the band officially named him as their new guitarist, solidifying his place in the Stones’ lineup. Wood also appeared on the album cover, symbolizing his transition from a collaborator to a full-fledged member of one of rock’s most legendary bands. His unique style and chemistry with Keith Richards would soon become integral to the Stones’ sound.
In Charlie Watt’s words: “The reggae influence on the songs on Black And Blue came primarily from Keith… Mick was certainly into reggae. I had all those reggae records in France with me when we moved there and when we were recording tracks for Exile on Main St. at Keith’s house. Mick used to have them as well. I’d play him Cherry Oh Baby or he’d play one to me. And The Harder They Come was an album Keith listened to a lot.”
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