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Rolling Stones songs: Under the Boardwalk
From the park you’ll hear/ The happy sound of a carousel/ You can almost taste the hot dogs/ And french fries they sell…
Mick Jagger: vocals Keith Richards: acoustic guitar, backing vocals Brian Jones: triangle Bill Wyman: bass, backing vocals Charlie Watts: drums
More about The Rolling Stones’ Version of Under the Boardwalk
*By Marcelo Sonaglioni
Under the Boardwalk: A Song of Love, Loss, and Legacy
Few pop songs carry the dual weight of romance and tragedy quite like Under the Boardwalk. Written by Kenny Young and Arthur Resnick, the song paints a vivid picture of lovers stealing away from the blazing sun to share secret moments by the sea. Its warm blend of rhythm, melody, and seaside imagery instantly captured hearts in 1964, rising to number four on the Billboard Hot 100. But behind the smooth harmonies and carefree lyrics lies a somber truth — lead singer Rudy Lewis of The Drifters died the night before the recording session. Instead of postponing, the group pressed on with Johnny Moore stepping in, his heartfelt delivery forever coloring the track with a bittersweet undertone. What began as a story of summer love became a timeless anthem of nostalgia, passion, and resilience that continues to echo through countless covers.
The Song That Survived a Tragedy
The recording session for Under the Boardwalk was originally set for May 21, 1964. But tragedy struck when Rudy Lewis, the group’s main vocalist since Ben E. King’s departure, died of a suspected overdose just hours before. Rather than cancel, Atlantic Records producer Jerry Wexler urged the band to continue. Johnny Moore, who had recently rejoined the group, took on lead vocals with remarkable grace. His soulful yet subdued tone added an unexpected melancholy that gave the song emotional depth beyond its romantic lyrics. When it hit the charts in August 1964, peaking at number four, the bittersweet story behind its creation made it even more powerful—a love song with a quiet sense of loss woven between the notes.
The Rolling Stones’ Risky Tribute
By September of that same year, The Rolling Stones decided to take on the Drifters’ hit. Known for their bluesy swagger and raw energy, the British band was fearless in reinterpreting American R&B classics. Yet their Under the Boardwalk cover version proved a challenge. The Drifters’ version was polished perfection—lush harmonies, smooth strings, and effortless falsettos. The Stones’ rendition, featured on their The Rolling Stones No. 2 album (or on its American counterpart, 12 x 5), stripped away that glossy sound in favor of something looser and rougher. Mick Jagger, pushing his range to reach Johnny Moore’s falsetto notes, didn’t quite match the original’s elegance, but what he delivered had charm—fragile, human, and a little rebellious. Critics called it one of their weaker covers, but its unpolished sincerity made it stand out among the band’s early American influences.
Crafting a Different Kind of Sound
Despite the comparisons, the Stones brought something new to Under the Boardwalk. Keith Richards introduced a bright six-string acoustic—his Framus Jumbo 5/97—layered with a solo that flirted with a “mariachi” flair. For the first time on a Stones record, instruments like the güiro and triangle appeared, subtly echoing the tropical feel of the original while keeping a raw, distinctly British edge. Where The Drifters glided through perfect harmonies, Jagger and Richards leaned into simplicity, letting imperfection tell its own story. Their restraint was unusual for the Stones, who typically thrived on grit and attitude, yet it revealed their respect for the material. Even if their version couldn’t surpass the original, it remains a curious and heartfelt homage from a band still finding its artistic footing.
A Timeless Meeting by the Sea
Under the Boardwalk endures not just because of its melody but because of the emotion it captures—love hidden away from the world, tinged with longing and loss. From The Drifters’ soulful elegance to The Rolling Stones’ earnest tribute, each version adds a new shade to the song’s legacy. What began as a simple story of seaside romance has become a lasting reminder of how music can carry joy, heartbreak, and history in the same tune.
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