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Rolling Stones unreleased: Jah Is Not Dead
Drifting in on ocean air and borrowed rhythms, Jah Is Not Dead feels less like a studio creation than a transmission caught in motion. Rooted in the sun-washed spirit of Rockers (1978), the song channels reggae not as a trend, but as lived belief—raw voices, rolling surf, and devotion carried on the wind. What began as an a cappella moment of teaching and faith would ripple outward, catching the attention of Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood and pulling the Rolling Stones deeper into Jamaican sound and sensibility. Part jam, part ritual, part cultural exchange, Jah Is Not Deadcaptures a band listening closely, opening itself to influences far beyond rock’s usual borders—and letting those influences reshape their music from the inside out.
Written by: Jagger/Richards Recorded: Compass Point Studios, Nassau, Bahamas, Jan. 18-Feb. 12 1979 (Emotional Rescue sessions) Guest musicians: Max Romeo (vocals), Boz Scaggs (backing vocals, guitar)
From Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012: Jah Is Not Dead may have been inspired by the 1978 film Rockers which was about Jamaican life and featured local reggae artists. One of these was Winston Rodney who was the man behind the band Burning Spear. Jah Is Not Dead was sung by him on a beach acapella style with the noise of surf lapping to teach another cast member the power of religion within Jah. Keith Richards and Ron Wood were clearly influenced by the sound of reggae.
The Stones recorded Jah Is Not Deadwith the help of Max Romeo and Boz Scaggs. It is obviously to a reggae beat but has some raging guitar work which may have been with Boz Scaggs ex of Steve Miller Band and now a solo recording artist in his own right. Mick Jagger performs the vocals for the first part of the song before solo reggae artist Max Romeo takes up the lyrics about 2,000 years of Christianity before ending with Mick and Max skanking and chanting together “Jah is not dead” on this 10-minute epic.
Jah Is Not Dead: The Rolling Stones’ Dive into Reggae Roots
Inspired by the 1978 film Rockers, which celebrated Jamaican life and reggae legends like Winston Rodney of Burning Spear, Jah Is Not Deadcaptures the spiritual power of Jah through raw, beachside acapella. This song influenced Keith Richards and Ron Wood, sparking the Stones’ reggae experimentation.
The Rolling Stones recorded Jah Is Not Deadalongside reggae artist Max Romeo and Boz Scaggs. While the track rides a steady reggae rhythm, it also bursts with fiery guitar riffs, likely contributed by Scaggs. Mick Jagger opens the vocals before Max Romeo delivers a poignant reflection on 2,000 years of Christianity. The song culminates in a vibrant skank and chant of “Jah is not dead”, blending rock and reggae in a mesmerizing 10-minute journey.
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