The Rolling Stones Revisit Bo Diddley’s ‘Crackin’ Up’ in 1977 (live)

By Marcelo Sonaglioni on February 13, 2025

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Rolling Stones songs: Crackin’ Up (live)

I used to do your cookin’, your laundry too/ Now what more for a woman could a man like me do…

Written by: McDaniel
Recorded: El Mocambo, Toronto, Canada, March 4-5 1977
Gust musicians: Ollie Brown (percussion), Billy Preston (keyboards)
*Data taken from Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012

*Click for MORE ROLLING STONES SONGS 1962-PRESENT

More about Crackin’ Up by The Rolling Stones

*By Marcelo Sonaglioni

rolling stones songs crackin' up love you live 1977

The great Bo Diddley kicked off his collaboration with the Chess brothers with Go Bo Diddley, an LP that dropped on the Checker label in July 1959. Many fans and critics argue that this album is his finest, capturing the raw energy and innovative sound that made him a trailblazer in modern blues and rock ’n’ roll. It’s packed with some of his best tracks, including the standout You Don’t Love Me (You Don’t Care), a song that perfectly showcases his signature rhythm and style.

Another notable track from the album is Crackin’ Up. While it may not be one of Diddley’s biggest hits, it’s an unforgettable tune with a playful groove and quirky lyrics (a woman is pushing him to the brink—he’s literally crackin’ up! He’s been spoiling her for ages, and now she expects to be treated like royalty. He even does her laundry! It’s a far cry from the tough, confident swagger he had in his 1955 hit I’m A Man) In fact the original recording featured an impressive lineup: Willie Dixon on bass, Jerome Green adding his signature maracas, either Clifton James or Frank Kirkland on drums, and the Carnations (also known as the Teardrops) providing smooth backing vocals. This combination of talent helped bring Diddley’s unique vision to life, making the Go Bo Diddley album a must-hear for anyone who loves the roots of rock and blues.

There’s something irresistible about this song, which might be why the Stones picked it for their legendary set at El Mocambo, which in 1977 partly appeared in their Love You Live album. In a way, it was a comeback— they’d already played it years earlier on their BBC show back on July 17, 1964 and before that, as huge Bo Diddley fans they had always been, in some of their early shows in 1963 ad 1964. The lyrics dive into relationship struggles, with the guy venting about his partner constantly nagging him: “You’re always hollerin’ ’bout where I’ve been / You’re always screaming ’bout the money I spend“.

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