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More about Ian’ Stu’ Stewart, the “sixth Rolling Stone”
Piano man and boogie-woogie master Ian Stewart, affectionately known as the “sixth stone,” was a founding member of the original ensemble, having joined before Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts. Stewart, also known by his nickname “Stu,” belonged to a core group of fans of rhythm and blues who regularly visited Alexis Korner’s blues club. Charlie Watts, Mick Jagger, Eric Clapton, Dick Taylor, and Keith Richards were among the others; these individuals would all go on to have a significant impact on rock ‘n’ roll music. Stewart, who was proficient in boogie woogie style piano, started practicing with fellow fans Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Brian Jones. Following the addition of drummer Charlie Watts and bassist Bill Wyman, the group changed their name to the Rolling Stones and started drawing a small but devoted fan base. (Ref. The Rolling Stones Stu)
Ian Stewart: The Rolling Stone Who Stayed in the Shadows but Played Loud
Only that following the Stones’ transition to new management, Andrew Loog Oldham judged Stewart unsuited for the group, saying the prim-and-proper Stewart “didn’t have the right look”. Luckily for the other members of the band, Stu consented to continue as their road manager and occasional pianist. Stu’s Chicago-style piano playing was included on various Stones albums through the Stones’ career. The extremely talented painist keyboardist also contributed to many non-Stones projects including Pete Townshend and Ronnie Lane’s Rough Mix album, Led Zeppelin’s Led Zeppelin IV (on Rock and Roll) and Physical Graffiti (on Boogie with Stu), and Howlin’ Wolf’s The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions. (Ref. The Rolling Stones Stu)
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