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Rolling Stones unreleased: Invitation

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During the Dirty Work sessions in New York City in 1985, The Rolling Stones explored a very different path with Invitation. Far removed from their usual rock swagger, this 16-minute unreleased track drifts into soulful late-night territory, where groove and atmosphere matter more than hooks. Featuring powerful duetting vocals from Bobby Womack and Don Covay, the song feels spontaneous, raw, and deeply alive. Organ, piano, and loose improvisation create a sound closer to jazz-soul than classic Stones. Though never officially released, Invitation remains a fascinating hidden chapter that shows the Rolling Stones were always willing to push beyond expectations.

Also known as: You Don’t Tell Me
Written by: Jagger/Richards
Recorded: RPM Studios, NYC, USA, July 16-Aug. 17 1985 (Dirty Work sessions)
Guest musicians: Bobby Womack and Don Covay (vocals), Chuck Leavell (piano)

From Martin Elliott’s book The Rolling Stones Complete Recording Sessions 1962-2012:
The track is an incredible 16-minute soulful exchange of organ, piano, and the duetting vocals of Bobby Womack and Don Covay. It’s very unlikely that the songwriters are Jagger/Richards, more likely to be a jazz soul scriber.

Invitation: A Soulful Hidden Gem

Not everything the Rolling Stones recorded was meant for the spotlight. A perfect example is Invitation, also known as You Don’t Tell Me, a sprawling 16-minute track recorded during the Dirty Work sessions at RPM Studios in New York City in the summer of 1985. From the first note, it’s clear this isn’t a typical Stones rocker.

The song unfolds like a late-night jam, with organ and piano weaving together as legendary soul artists Bobby Womack and Don Covay trade soulful, duetting vocals. Their voices glide and clash, creating a rich, improvisational energy that feels more like a live conversation than a polished studio track. It’s an unpolished gem that reveals a more experimental side of the band. The track offers a fascinating glimpse into the collaborative and spontaneous creative process of The Rolling Stones, highlighting their willingness to explore new sounds and work with diverse artists, even when the results were destined to remain unreleased.

Jazz Soul Meets Rolling Stones

Officially credited to Jagger and Richards (but still an unofficial recording), Invitation hints at a different authorship—likely a jazz soul songwriter who knew how to craft extended grooves and emotional interplay. Chuck Leavell’s piano adds depth and texture, underpinning the duets while the organ floats above with atmospheric flair. The combination of instruments and guest vocals gives the track a unique vibe, far from conventional Stones fare. It’s raw, experimental, and deeply immersive—an overlooked chapter in the band’s history that showcases their willingness to explore beyond rock and roll. Even unreleased, Invitation proves the Stones could take bold, soulful detours that leave a lasting impression.

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