'70s Legends Reveal Their Rock Music Mount Rushmore

More than six decades after forming one of the most influential bands in music history, Mick JaggerandKeith Richards are finally sharing the artists who sit atop their personal musical Mount Rushmores.

The two Rolling Stones legends, both 82, discussed the musicians who shaped their sound during a new Billboard cover story celebrating the band’s latest album, Foreign Tongues. While their answers overlapped in key places, each also highlighted different pioneers whose influence helped define the Stones’ unmistakable blend of rock, blues and rhythm and blues.

Asked who would make the Rolling Stones’ Mount Rushmore of influences, Jagger didn’t hesitate to begin with one obvious choice—Chuck Berry. The interviewer asked them because the new album includes a cover of Berry’s song “Beautiful Delilah,” plus the Stones’ first single back in 1963 was a cover of Berry’s “Come On.”

“He definitely would be up there,” Jagger said of Berry before adding, “I suppose Muddy Waters, Howlin’ Wolf, Jerry Lee Lewis maybe, Little Richard.”

Richards’ list shared Berry and Muddy Waters but leaned even deeper into Chicago blues.

“Oh, it would have to be Chuck Berry, Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, through the harp of Little Walter Jacobs,” Richards said. “And then you go through the old litany of the ’50s and ’60s and the Chicago blues roster, John Lee Hooker. An amazing period in time, the ’50s, for the ways of recording.”

The answers reflect the musical foundation that has been part of the Rolling Stones since the beginning. Before becoming one of the world’s biggest rock bands, the group started by playing American blues and R&B songs, eventually transforming those influences into a songwriting partnership that produced classics like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Gimme Shelter” and countless others.

While Jagger’s list stretched from blues giants to early rock-and-roll trailblazers like Jerry Lee Lewis and Little Richard, Richards highlighted blues innovators including Jimmy Reed, Little Walter and John Lee Hooker, underscoring the slightly different musical paths that have complemented each other throughout their 60-plus years together.

The interview comes as the Rolling Stones celebrate the release of Foreign Tongues, their second album of original material in three years. Produced once again by Andrew Watt, the album features guest appearances from Paul McCartney, Robert Smith, Chad Smith and Bruno Mars while continuing the creative resurgence that began with 2023’s Grammy-winning Hackney Diamonds.

Even after decades at the top of rock music, Jagger and Richards’ answers make one thing clear: they still see themselves as students of the artists who came before them.

Related: ‘One of the Most Important Partnerships in the History of Modern Music’ Began 69 Years Ago Today