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Hidden in the whirlwind of the 1979 Emotional Rescue sessions, Linda Lu is a playful, rockabilly-tinged gem that never made the album’s final cut. Originally a 1959 hit by Texan bluesman Ray Sharpe, the song blends blues, country, and early rock’n’roll swagger with catchy guitar riffs and lively rhythms. Though unreleased, the Stones’ take highlights their knack for transforming classics with signature energy, keeping rockabilly alive while showcasing their creative versatility. For fans of hidden tracks, American roots music, and classic Stones experimentation, Linda Lu is a fascinating glimpse into a prolific, boundary-pushing period.
From Martin Elliott’s book The Rolling Stones Complete Recording Sessions 1962-2012: The Stones recorded approximately 40 songs during 1979 for the Emotional Rescue album but only 25 were of an acceptable standard. Linda Lu is one which didn’t make the mastering stage. It is a soft rock and roll, almost a rockabilly number, in which Ron Wood and Keith Richards are kept conservatively employed, but only just! The song was a hit for Texan blues player Ray Sharpe and was covered by Bobby Vee in 1963. Perhaps Bobby Keys introduced the song to the band.
More about The Rolling Stones take on Linda Lu
*By Marcelo Sonaglioni
The Stones’ Hidden Rockabilly Gem
In 1979 The Rolling Stones were in full creative overdrive, recording around 40 tracks for Emotional Rescue, though only 25 made the final cut. One track that didn’t reach mastering was Linda Lu, a soft rock and roll number with clear rockabilly roots. The song kept Ron Wood and Keith Richards conservatively busy, but just barely, while Mick Jagger likely infused his signature dynamic vocals to bring energy to the track. Perhaps Bobby Keys introduced the song to the band, but either way, it reflects the Stones’ fascination with American roots music and their talent for reimagining classics. Originally a hit for Texan bluesman Ray Sharpe and covered by Bobby Vee in 1963, Linda Lu blends blues, country, and early rock’n’roll with playful swagger. Though Sharpe’s original only reached No. 46 on the Billboard Hot 100, its lively guitar riffs and infectious rhythm left a lasting mark that even the Stones couldn’t ignore.
Ray Sharpe’s Enduring Influence
Sharpe’s work stands out as wonderfully unconventional: an African-American artist producing music that sounded at times like hillbilly rock & roll, infused with bluesy guitar and vocal twangs that could stretch and stutter syllables in unpredictable ways. Under producer Lee Hazlewood Sharpe captured a clean, powerful sound, often in early true stereo, creating a catalog far richer than his one chart hit might suggest. The Stones’ unreleased rendition of Linda Lu showcases their deep respect for artists like Sharpe, turning covers into something uniquely their own. While the track never reached the public, it serves as a snapshot of a prolific period, highlighting the band’s ability to honor rockabilly and blues traditions while injecting their unmistakable energy. For fans of classic Texas music with a twist, both Sharpe and the Stones’ hidden exploration of Linda Lu remain essential listening.
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