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The Rolling Stones, Poison Ivy, and the Blues That Wasn’t
Most fans think the Rolling Stones began as purist bluesmen, digging up obscure American gems. But from the start, they were more rock’n’roll alchemists than traditional blues disciples. Their take on Poison Ivy—a Leiber and Stoller creation once made famous by The Coasters—showed how early on the Stones mastered turning classic R&B into something sharp, stylish, and radio-ready. The song’s seductive tale of a dangerous woman sounded cheeky on the surface, but behind the smirk was a cautionary metaphor about more than heartbreak—an STD warning disguised as teenage rebellion. A wink, a riff, and just enough danger to make it unforgettable.
Want the full version with recording details, song background, history, trivia, and more? See how the Rolling Stones turned this R&B classic into rock gold. Exploring ‘Poison Ivy’ by The Rolling Stones (1963)
Poison Ivy: The Stones’ Femme Fatale
Penned by Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller, Poison Ivy became a blueprint for the Stones’ fascination with risky women and darker humor. Jagger’s sly delivery and Keith’s swaggering guitar brought a touch of menace to Leiber’s double entendre. Though slated for release as a 1963 single, Decca shelved it, and it finally surfaced on their 1964 UK EP.
Two Versions, One Legacy
The Stones recorded Poison Ivy twice—version one staying close to The Coasters’ playful style, while version two slowed it down into a sultry, harmonized groove. The track later reappeared on More Hot Rocks and the 2002 ABKCO reissue, proving its lasting charm.
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