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From Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012: Keith Richards sings vocals on this Jimmy and Mary Reed slow blues. Mick Jagger is on the harmonica. Ian McLagan asked Keith how to play it and Keith responded on the piano by playing ‘a death march’.
More about Te Rolling Stones’ unreleased version of Jimmy Reed’s ‘My First Plea’
*By Marcelo Sonaglioni The Rolling Stones’ version of Jimmy Reed’s My First Plea, recorded in 1978, is an unreleased gem that offers a unique twist on the classic slow blues track. In this rendition, Keith Richards takes over vocal duties, giving a gritty, soulful performance that brings a raw energy to the song. His vocals perfectly capture the bluesy essence of the original while adding his own distinct style. Mick Jagger, on the other hand, plays harmonica, contributing his signature sound that enhances the track’s bluesy vibe.
The Stones’ take on My First Plea is unmistakably grounded in the blues, but it carries a certain depth and atmosphere that’s characteristic of the band’s late 70s sound. Ian McLagan, the band’s keyboardist at the time, remembers asking Keith how to approach the song. Keith, always with a touch of humor, responded by playing what he called “a death march” on the piano. This ominous and slow-paced riff sets a dark mood that aligns with the melancholic tone of the song. The rhythm section, driven by Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman, lays down a steady and blues-infused groove that ties everything together.
This version of My First Plea is another example of the Rolling Stones’ deep connection to the blues and their ability to interpret classic songs through their own unique lens. Though it never made it onto an album, the track showcases the band’s versatility and the way they can take a song from their musical influences, like Jimmy Reed, and transform it with their own personality. It’s a treasure for Stones fans, offering a raw, intimate moment from their 1978 sessions.
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