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Rolling Stones unreleased: Harlem Shuffle (alternate long version)

Written by: Relf/Nelson
Recorded: RPM Studios, NYC, USA, July 16-Aug. 17 1985 (Dirty Work sessions)
Guest musicians: Chuck Leavell (keyboards), Bobby Womack and Tom Waits (backing vocals)
*Data taken from Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012

Read About ‘Harlem Shuffle’ (Official Version)
*Click for MORE STONES UNRELEASED TRACKS

More about Harlem Shuffle (alternate version) by The Rolling Stones

*By Marcelo Sonaglioni

Bob & Earl, the dynamic duo of Bobby Relf and Earl Nelson, came together in the early 1960s with a shared passion for doo-wop. They recorded a variety of songs, but it wasn’t until 1963 that they truly hit the charts with the iconic Harlem Shuffle. The track, arranged by Barry White and Gene Page and produced by Fred Smith, quickly became a staple on dance floors, not just for its infectious beat but also for its heartfelt nod to the Harlem Renaissance.

Keith Richards, ever the aficionado of great music, was immediately taken by Harlem Shuffle. He was such a fan that he included it in the mix of cassettes he carried with him during his tours. It became a personal favorite, and over the years, Richards couldn’t shake the idea of bringing it to the Rolling Stones’ repertoire. His persistence paid off in 1985, when Mick Jagger and the rest of the band finally agreed to give it a go in the studio.

This decision proved to be a brilliant one, as the Stones’ version of Harlem Shuffle brought a fresh, electrifying twist to the original. It marked a significant milestone in the band’s career, being the first single not penned by Jagger and Richards since Ain’t Too Proud to Beg in October 1974 (with the exception of the live version of Going to a Go Go). The recording turned out to be more than just a nod to a favorite track—it was a celebration of the Stones’ musical diversity and willingness to experiment with their sound.

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