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Rolling Stones songs: 2120 South Michigan Avenue
2120 SOUTH MICHIGAN AVENUE: THE FULL JAM Fans of The Rolling Stones know 2120 South Michigan Avenue isn’t just a song—it’s a full-on studio jam. The original EP cut it short, sparking rumors about Muddy Waters or time limits, but the truth? Just classic ’60s EP constraints. Luckily, in 1982, the UK got a 12-inch release with the full 1.5 extra minutes, letting everyone hear the Stones stretch out their solos, riffs, and bluesy magic in all its glory.
More about 2120 South Michigan Avenue by The Rolling Stones
*By Marcelo Sonaglioni
2120 South Michigan Avenue: A Raw Blues Jam
2120 South Michigan Avenue started life as a full-on studio jam with Bill Wyman laying down the groove and Ian Stewart’s organ in glorious overdrive. Each Stones member took a turn with a solo, turning the track into a powerhouse of improvisation and raw energy. The version that eventually appeared on the British EP was trimmed, leaving fans debating what might have been in the full take.
The title itself points straight to Chess Records’ legendary Chicago address, where the band cut some of their earliest tracks. Founded by Leonard Chess in 1947 as Aristocrat and expanded with his brother Phil in 1950, the label was a hub for the blues’ greatest innovators: Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Chuck Berry, and Willie Dixon. These Polish-Jewish brothers brought the genre to a wider audience, giving the Stones—and countless others—the foundation to turn raw blues into rock ‘n’ roll history.
A Nod to Chicago: The Stones’ 2120 Tribute
As Andrew ‘Loog’ Oldham explained on the sleeve notes, this new EP was recorded in Chicago during the Stones’ recent American tour and stands as yet another showcase of their electrifying vocals and distinctive instrumental sound. The band’s energy and creativity shine through on every track, blending raw blues roots with their own rock ‘n’ roll flair.
Oldham also highlighted a special gesture for fans and friends: an extra track was included on this release, adding a little bonus magic to their latest disc outing. It’s a small but meaningful thank-you, reflecting the Stones’ connection to their audience and the city that inspired the recording. The EP, anchored by 2120 South Michigan Avenue, pays tribute not just to Chicago’s legendary Chess Studios, but to the very musical roots that shaped the band’s signature sound.
Bill Wyman: “I played the bass riff for 2120 South Michigan Avenue and then everyone picked up on it. It was credited to Nanker Phelge” (the nickname The Rolling Stones went for when writing songs together at the time)
The Extended Jam: Myths and Facts About 2120
Fans who own bootlegs featuring the extended version of 2120 South Michigan Avenue, with an extra 1.5 minutes of instrumental magic, have long speculated about the reasons for its original shortening. One popular rumor suggested that Muddy Waters’ participation in the jam caused contractual problems—though in reality, that was never the case. Another theory points to the practical constraints of early ’60s EPs, which often required trimming tracks to fit the format.
Finally, in November 1982, UK fans were treated to a 12-inch release of the EP featuring the full-length version, giving listeners the chance to hear the Stones’ jam in its intended glory. The extended cut preserves every improvised flourish, solo, and bluesy riff, offering a fuller picture of the band’s creative energy during their early Chicago sessions and cementing the track’s place as a legendary slice of Stones history.
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