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Rolling Stones songs: Ride ‘Em On Down
Raised in the country, got up raised in town/ Got two kids and they’re all look like mine…
Written by: Eddie Taylor Recorded: British Grove Studios, London, England, Dec. 11, 14–15 2015
Mick Jagger: lead vocals, harmonica Keith Richards: rhythm guitar Ron Wood: rhythm and lead guitars Charlie Watts: drums Guest musicians: Darryl Jones (bass), Chuck Leavell (Hammond B3), Matt Clifford (Wurlitzer piano)
More about The Rolling Stones’ Take On ‘Ride ‘Em On Down’
*By Marcelo Sonaglioni
Riding the Blues Highway: The Rolling Stones and Eddie Taylor’s Legacy
Before The Rolling Stones ever inked a deal with Decca, they were already channeling the spirit of classic blues with covers like Bright Lights, Big City. One of their early guiding lights was Eddie Taylor, a guitarist revered for his smooth, raw playing and long association with Jimmy Reed. Taylor’s style, a powerful blend of laid-back Louisiana blues and gritty Chicago electric sound, laid the groundwork for what became known as the “Jimmy Reed sound.”
But some blues historians argue that it was Taylor—not Reed—who truly originated that unmistakable groove. That legacy echoes through the Stones’ 2016 take on Ride ’Em on Down, a scorching revival of Taylor’s track that pays homage to his pioneering influence. By reinterpreting his work, the Stones weren’t just covering a blues standard—they were circling back to one of the key inspirations that helped shape their identity.
From Delta Dirt to Stadium Stage: The Evolution of Ride ‘Em on Down
Long before The Rolling Stones cranked up their amps for “Ride ’Em on Down” in 2015, the song had been on a decades-long journey through the heart of the blues. Its roots dig deep into Bukka White’s 1937 recording of Shake ’Em on Down, a raw Delta blues number cut in Chicago for Vocalion Records. That gritty original inspired a long line of interpretations, evolving over time through the hands of blues greats like Big Bill Broonzy, Big Joe Williams, Doctor Ross, and Mississippi Fred McDowell.
In 1955, Eddie Taylor reimagined the tune for Vee-Jay Records, Chess Records’ key competitor, shaping it into the version we now recognize as Ride ’Em on Down. Taylor’s take stood as a bridge between Delta traditions and modern electric blues—and became the blueprint for later rock revivals. From Savoy Brown to Led Zeppelin, to the Black Crowes and finally the Stones, this song’s journey is a testament to blues immortality.
Eddie Taylor: The Heartbeat of Chicago Blues and the Legacy of Benoit
Eddie Taylor, born January 29, 1923, in Benoit, Mississippi, stands as a towering figure in the post-World War II Chicago blues movement. Known for his impeccable timing and mastery of both guitar and rhythm, Taylor’s influence extends far beyond his own recordings, helping to define the distinctive sound of Jimmy Reed, a childhood friend with whom Taylor later reunited in Chicago. His profound impact on the blues landscape also laid the foundation for the careers of many, including St. Louis blues legend James DeShay and southern soul star Nathaniel Kimble.
Growing up in the Delta, Taylor was inspired by the greats like Charley Patton, Son House, and Robert Johnson. However, it was a musician named “Popcorn” who taught him to play guitar. By the 1940s, Taylor had moved from Memphis to Chicago, where his innovative electric blues playing shaped the city’s signature sound. During the 1950s and ‘60s, Taylor became an in-demand session player, collaborating with Reed on countless hits and recording his own solo work for Vee-Jay Records.
Although Taylor never achieved widespread fame, his contributions were so revered that he was posthumously inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 1987. His influence continues to be felt today, not just through his music but through the generations of musicians he inspired, including his children, who followed in his musical footsteps.
The Rolling Stones’ Electric Blues Revival: Ride ‘Em on Down
The Rolling Stones’ cover of “Ride ‘Em on Down” is a raw, electrifying tribute to the blues that highlights their deep-rooted love for the genre. Unlike Eddie Taylor’s original, this version is more dynamic, with Keith and Ronnie’s guitars delivering a saturated, intense tone. Ronnie’s solo proves his mastery of the blues, playing with both technical skill and fiery passion. The rhythm section, powered by Charlie Watts’ impeccable drumming and Darryl Jones’ solid bass, grooves with relentless energy, anchoring the track perfectly.
Mick Jagger shines with a performance that is both sensual and forceful, adding his signature touch to the song’s gritty atmosphere. His harmonica solo toward the end is a standout, adding further emotional depth to the track. Chuck Leavell’s subtle Hammond organ work enhances the arrangement, giving it a rich texture, even if Matt Clifford’s Wurlitzer is harder to distinguish.
The song’s vibrant energy comes alive in the video, directed by François Roussel, who previously collaborated with big names like Madonna, Depeche Mode, and Snoop Dogg.
Keith Richards (2016): “Eddie Taylor – a great guitar player and a lovely voice. He isn’t a name that would jump out at you unless you were really into the blues, but he was very well known in blues circles. And, like most of that Chicago blues stuff, there’s lovely interplay with the guitars”
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