Classic Pop Icons

Today is Rod Stewart’s 66th birthday and to celebrate we’ve selected his breakthrough solo hit “Maggie May” as Song of the Week. “Maggie May” was released on single in the summer of 1971 and also appeared on Rod’s classic album “Every Picture Tells a Story.”

In the UK, the song was originally the B-side of “Reason to Believe”, but the sides were reversed when DJs began playing “Maggie May” more.

“Maggie May” was written about Rod’s teenage affair with an older woman, who he met at the Beaulieu Jazz Festival when he was 16-years-old.

Rod Stewart – “Maggie May”

Here’s a performance of “Maggie May” from British pop show “Top of the Pops” in December 1971. Yes, that is DJ John Peel pretending to play the mandolin.

Authorship

“Maggie May” was written by Rod Stewart and classical guitarist Martin Quittenton.

Recording date/location

“Maggie May” was recorded in April 1971 at Morgan Sound Studios, Willesden, North London, England.

Musicians

The following musicians appeared on “Maggie May”:

• Rod Stewart – vocals
• Ray Jackson – mandolin
• Ron Wood – guitar
• Martin Quittenton – guitar
• Pete Sears – piano
• Ian McLagan – Hammond B-3 organ
• Andy Pyle – bass
• Micky Waller – drums.

Ray Jackson was a member of the group Lindisfarne. His mandolin work and Stewart’s trademark gravelly vocals are the most memorable elements of the recording.

Chart performance

In October 1971, “Maggie May” was number one in the US and the UK singles charts. At the same time, “Every Picture Tells A Story” repeated this feat on the US and UK album charts. Rod Stewart the solo artist had arrived.

“Every Picture Tells A Story” was the first of five number one UK albums in a row for Rod Stewart, concluding with “A Night On The Town” in 1976.

Covers

The Pogues – “Maggie May”

The Pogues’ cover of “Maggie May” is enjoyable enough, with the band’s lively brand of punk meets folk rock. Shane MacGowan’s vocals lack the authority of Stewart’s though and the original remains the definitive cut.

Although recorded in 1987, it was first released in 2008 on the five-CD box set “Just Look Them Straight in the Eye & Say Pogue Mahone.” The box set also features a live version of “Maggie May” from a show at Barrowlands, Glasgow in December 1987.

Melissa Etheridge & Toto – “Maggie May”

Melissa Etheridge performed a solo version of “Maggie May” during her MTV Unplugged show in 1995. In the same year she performed a live duet with Toto on the song. Melissa’s raw vocal style is well suited to “Maggie May” and her enthusiasm is infectious.

There will be a new Song of the Week on January 17.

Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May” features on his album “Every Picture Tells A Story” and several compilations, including the double album “The Definitive Rod Stewart.”

Title
Every Picture Tells A Story (CD)	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now
The Definitive Rod Stewart (2 CDs)	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now	Buy Now