The Rolling Stones - Brown Sugar (REACTION)

[@llw1066]

I can’t help loving this song! And I have since the 70s!Even though I’m a black woman and I’m supposed to be offended. That riff, that sax solo, just pure rock gold!

[@hackdaniels7253]

There's no denying it's a brilliant song... its problems are definitely problems though. I say that as a middle aged white English man.

[@neilmartin99]

@@hackdaniels7253 No, the problems are middle aged white men telling blacks what they should be offended by.

[@neilmartin99]

Why would you be offended? There's nothing whatsoever demeaning in the lyrics. The song is a social statement about the ills of slavery during that particular time in America. Period.

[@CANDOKNOWHOW]

@@hackdaniels7253It was really kinda confusing to me when I used to hear it as a kid, but now it seems obvious the Stones were deliberately f-ing with the record company and with the censors on radio, by thumbing their noses at repressed social taboos. They made this total rock n roll radio hit, filled with flaunting interracial sex, confronting the reality of colonialist slavery, with BDSM overtones.. essentially poking fun at the historic perversions of white slave traders, which takes a blatant jab at the USA as well.

[@fuchsiaswing8545]

It’s just about the enslaver boinking his black slaves, the rich white woman boinking the black houseboy, and Mick’s present-day attraction to black women. It's quite an interesting chronology.

[@johntrickey7182]

When Mick Taylor joined the Stones on Let it bleed, it would be 6 years of their best stuff.

[@fuchsiaswing8545]

But Aftermath, Between the Buttons, and Beggars Banquet are better than Goats Head Soup and It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll. Also, Let It Bleed was practically a finished record when Taylor joined.

[@gabyvansant4533]

YEP! You're so right! After Sticky fingers their music, little by little, got worse and worse! Even Excile on main street isn't as good! People who disagree and keep saying that Excile on main street was their best work just repeat what the mainstream want to hear. As people are sheep and not able to listen with a critical ear. @@fuchsiaswing8545

[@joefilter2923]

@@fuchsiaswing8545 why the sour grapes? Are you really defending Keif and his merry band of junkies?

[@fuchsiaswing8545]

@@joefilter2923 Yes ❤️

[@EatTravelSteve]

the Mick Taylor years were the best!!!

[@billschafer9668]

Everybody loved Ian Stewart. He was actually in the band at first but was older than the rest and the band manager said he didn’t fit the image - so he became the road manager and occasional pianist. Stu definitely gave the Stones a signature sound when he played.

[@sheiladrucker6872]

I'm 64. I must have listened for 50 years! They are in the top 5 of the Classics, for me.

[@DrVonChilla]

Absolutely keep going through the entire "Sticky Fingers" album. The final track, "Moonlight Mile", may be my very favorite Stones song of all.

[@robertpiekosz7470]

I agree. Moonlight Mile is simply a Masterpiece 😊

[@Gordy63]

Same. I have been requesting that one with a lot of reactors for a long time now. The guys will love it!

[@willblood7082]

Sister Morphine is my favorite track

[@robertpiekosz7470]

@@willblood7082 I love it as well. Just listened to it this morning. I actually love every song on the album.

[@wdrauch]

Don’t forget about Dead Flowers!

[@ronaldstokes4841]

My fave Stones song. Try ta sit still when it comes on. (Still with my long-time Brown Sugar. I'm 76 and we still dance to this).

[@mrDK1951]

Such a simple opening riff, yet so great and iconic.

[@Bassman2353]

Claudia Lennear was the inspiration for this song (as well as "Lady Grinning Soul" by David Bowie). She had a minor west coast hit with the Superbs, became an Ikette behind Tina Turner in the Ike and Tina Turner Review, then went into the backup singer stratosphere with Leon Russell - from whom all her other musical connections proceeded. Mad Dogs and Englishmen, Concert For Bangladesh, etc., etc. The lady is a legend.

[@llw1066]

I thought it was Marsha Hunt

[@dougj7295]

@@llw1066 Claudia. What a beauty.

[@stevedahlberg8680]

Interesting!

[@chrisf.7980]

So glad somebody mentioned this fact about Claudia Lennear & Bowie's song 'Lady Grinning Soul.' It has always been a fave of mine since it came out back in the 70's. I can keep my fingers crossed that maybe these guys will react to Bowie's song as well since they are Bowie fans too (hint-hint, nudge-nudge). It is a first listen likable song that should have been released as a single at the time, IMHO.

[@CANDOKNOWHOW]

Leon married one of her friends too, Mary McCreary.

[@dopeymark]

Props to the late great Bobby Keys for blowing the saxophone on some Rolling Stones hits.

[@curtisduncanmusic7645]

This was recorded in Muscle Shoals, Alabama along with "Wild Horses" and "You Gotta Move." It was featured in the documentary on Muscle Shoals which is totally worth checking out.

[@fuchsiaswing8545]

I haven't seen that documentary. I'm wondering if the footage is the same as the Maysles brothers’ documentary, Gimme Shelter (1970). Does anyone know?

[@curtisduncanmusic7645]

@@fuchsiaswing8545 I've seen both, and yes, there is some overlapping footage. But there is also material that is unique to "Muscle Shoals." Also, there is an early performance of the Stones doing "You Better Move On" which was their cover of Arthur Alexander who was a Muscle Shoals artist.

[@kenperkins7921]

​@@fuchsiaswing8545 almost all of it is in MUSCLE SHOALS with Aretha frank lynn , Steve Winwood and so many more music greats!

[@cherrypickerguitars]

This whole album is incredible! I have an original copy that has an actual zipper on the front! Peace

[@ThePittsburghToddy]

I have it as well!🖖🏼

[@cherrypickerguitars]

@@ThePittsburghToddy That’s awesome! One thing I’ve never given up is my record collection! I started buying albums in 1968, when I was 10 yrs old, and had some “working” money, beyond my “allowance” Peace

[@willblood7082]

I have an original album too 👍🏻

[@iancostigan5047]

I got it too

[@kylemccready4866]

me too

[@john-daviddennison2862]

Sticky Fingers came out in 71'... so about 8yrs into the Stones legacy... Ian Stewart was an original Stone right from the beginning... but was removed from the lineup because his image wasn't quite the same as the Stones.... he did stay on with the group as a road manager (I believe) and of course piano player right up till around the time of his death in 85'... Stu was heavily regarded as a great among his peers of the honky tonk style piano playing and is credited on many albums throughout the generation...

[@hackdaniels7253]

The first 8 years does count as 'early' for a band that's been going 60 years. Makes you feel old, doesn't it?

[@john-daviddennison2862]

@hackdaniels7253 lol sure does...

[@davegaskell7680]

Great that he refused to play minor chords.....simply lifting his hands from the keys when one came up in the song.

[@hackdaniels7253]

@@john-daviddennison2862 I mean, I'm only 53, but I think of the entire 70s as 'mid-period' Stones... but when you think they've basically been a heritage act since Steel Wheels, perhaps that's right.

[@davescurry69]

Guys, speaking of Ian Stewart, he also plays piano on Zep's "Rock And Roll".

[@ML-un1oi]

Can not get enough of the Stones. As always fellas great reaction. Much appreciated 🙏 ❤

[@michaelbriefs9764]

I remember this song back in the day because they would play it at the beach, when my family was visiting (back in Maryland/Delaware area). I was 8 years old and it just locked in my brain as a Summertime, bikini girls, and sweet waves song! I love this song!

[@BluesImprov]

I went to the Stones concert in 1972 in St. Louis. . .Brown Sugar was the first song. . .It was a great concert. . .Think about it, the "opening act" for the show was some guy named. . .Stevie Wonder!

[@deb1425]

Every time I have ever heard this song in a crowd the Yeah Yeah whoooo gets the whole room singing it. So much fun

[@dougieyou]

You had to have been living under a rock not to have heard this song but great that your reacting to the stones best 2 albums IMHO. Every song is a banger and kudos to you guys for going for it.

[@patrickvecchio8138]

You heard this song everywhere back in ‘71.The most popular song of that year.

[@cdfdesantis699]

The Stones' musical contribution to the issue of slavery. They just stated the truth of how it used to be, & rocked out with it. Thanks for your reaction.

[@Gordy63]

Deep cut request from Exile on Main Street album - “Ventilator Blues.” Rarely heard gem of a song displaying the Stones hard core blues roots!

[@kanjjn]

What a great song. Seconded!

[@stevenmurano7863]

I third that!

[@CANDOKNOWHOW]

They should really just do the whole damn double album track by track.. it’s a pure 🔥 masterpiece, and a perfect follow up to Sticky Fingers.

[@GregRosenbaum-j5j]

This song has a Little Richard-type feel to it, and that's not easy. Their song "Rip This Joint" also has this vibe. Love it.

[@AbeMayaTV]

Ian Stewart was the 6th Rolling Stones from the begininng but music executives said he didnt 'look' like a Rolling Stone so he was kept off album pictures but was a major part of their history.

[@LiseR-cu4dv]

I feel so lucky to have been young in the 70's. There wasn't any 'merch', fancy stage set ups, choreography, synth, auto-tune etc Jagger doesn't even have a particularly great voice, but how can somebody like, say, Taylor Swift compare to this kind of raw pulsating music, instruments being played? There's no comparison. So very many excellent bands back then competing for sales. Exciting times. The song doesn't celebrate slavery, it's just honest about the shit that happened.

[@uma.n2680]

Fun fact! The woman that Mick sings about here is the same woman that Bowie sings about in Lady Grinning Soul, an amazing song, very different style.

[@kenkeppol9175]

There is a Stones cover band of all black musicians in Philly called Brown Sugar

[@RickDanner]

I love you guys man you are so into music and you got the whole vibe of every song

[@ohfour-seven6228]

I read an interview with Mick recently where he explained this was an anti-slavery song; due to the lyrics, they don't play it in concert anymore. It was a big top 40 radio hit for them but I doubt it would get airplay today. Great song though!

[@donnazasgoat2274]

Brown people and sugar have been interwoven since White people brought slaves over from Africa to harvest sugar cane. Repugnant.

[@ALD56]

It still gets airplay on classic rock stations

[@ohfour-seven6228]

@@ALD56 Yes it does. I meant to say if it came out today, I doubt it would get airplay.

[@raider1297]

Lol that's so soft. It really is incredible how some people are such energy vaccums that they can't enjoy the song and be happy with it in concert. They really have to make an effort to believe this song is racist and wrong lol

[@Bassman2353]

Keep going all the way through "Sticky Fingers" - their best album.

[@duggygee1232]

I like this album too..

[@dreggymon]

Sway!!!!!! It should have opened the album. 👍

[@jofi4580]

Subjective

[@MrThumbs63]

@@dreggymon it's their best song.

[@lewismaddox4132]

Certainly a matter of taste. It does have an edge with me cause it was the first Stones album I bought. However, I will always feel like Exile is their best, and perhaps the best ever. "Let it Loose" and "Sweet Virginia" are difficult to top.

[@michaeldavid6284]

No better horn in the history of rock and roll than Bobby Keys' sax in this song.

[@sharrongrant6240]

I think this is the first song that Bobby Keys added his saxophone to this fabulous song...began a long career with the Stones and a lifelong friendship with Keith!!

[@francescobenati2045]

he had played on Live With Me that's on the Let It Bleed Lp, two years before, that's the first time they worked together

[@naldovaz9157]

Putting some Rock and Roll on some Brown Sugar Thats What l am Talking AboutYEAH BABY

[@soulsurvivor5555]

Ian Stewart was with the Stones since 1962. He was an original. As a matter of fact, Ian answered the ad placed in a magazine called Jazz News by Rolling Stones founder Brian Jones. However, in 1964, Stones manager (Andrew Oldham) politely asked Ian to step aside. He would still play on the records, but he didn't fit the Stones image. Ian agreed. He continued to play on the records, and became their road manager. He was a great Blues/Boogie Woogie Piano player. He can be heard on any Bluesy, or old school Rock N roll tracks. He refused to play on any tracks that were not rooted in the blues, or Chuck Berry style rock N Roll.

[@AW11-e4h]

Greatest Rock n Roll Band ever 🤘🤘

[@detroitrocker4098]

3rd IMO. 1. Beatles 2. Zeppelin 3. Stones

[@jofi4580]

Subjective

[@mikeflynn248]

Ian Stewart was an original member of the Stones. Some say he even started the band. He played on some albums but mostly served as the Stones Road manager.

[@stevesharpe361]

'Some say'' That includes Keith Richards, See their induction speech into the RRHOF.

[@mikeflynn248]

Your right! I think I got it from an interview with Keith. Oh well, the 70s?@@stevesharpe361

[@dannymoore6886]

There may have been a double entendre meaning to this song also. Brown sugar was a slang term for a type of heroin that some members of the band may have been partaking of at various times during their lives.

[@diamondprincess9168]

The original name was Black Pu**y

[@jon6346]

Practically every song on Sticky Fingers is about drugs if you want to see it that way.

[@thecelt471]

Love the song, lyrics and the stones!

[@keef7224]

If I recall correctly, Ian Stewart was an original founding member of The Stones but got booted offstage by manager Andrew Oldham for looking too old. So he became their road manager instead and still contributed amazing boogie-woogie piano to many of their classic studio tracks.

[@jamesk557]

An excellent taste of Stewart is "Boogie With Stu" by Led Zeppelin. Stewart plays the piano on the song.

[@kennethbrown5164]

Bobby Keys... best sax for hire back in the day.

[@philowens7680]

I used to play bass and back-up vocals on this in a band in the seventies. OMG so much FUN to play. Once it takes off it gets a life of its own. What a blast to play. Audiences loved it.

[@aaparden]

I’m sure it’s been pointed out numerous times that this is the quintessential Stones lineup. Savor some of these albums, then watch concert footage ‘69 to ‘73 and you’ll agree they were the World’s Greatest Rock ‘n Roll Band.

[@benhinds2971]

The two part harmony between Jagger and Richards is magic. It does more for the song than two voices should. Greater than the sum of its parts.

[@Jamesd1861]

Recorded at the Famous Muscle Shoals Recording Studio

[@hugoortega4548]

Saw the Stones at MSG in July of 1972, this song was the one they opened their set with. In addition, Stevie Wonder was the opening act. What a great night.

[@kleinmeisterlein]

Fine reaction. I learned a lot watching this video.

[@ronaldelliott4373]

Keith Richards loved Bobby Keys saxophone sound and described it as “greasy.” In fact Keith was the “grease” that helped Bobby get back in the band, (Jagger fired him) after missing a show from an all nighter. One of the greats, shoutout to Bobby and Lubbock, TX.🍺

[@edwardcapobianco2975]

Bobby keys also filled a bathtub up with champagne so he and a few ladies could get hammered the right way. Bobby put it on the room service bill and Mick got mad so that was the end of Bobby keys for awhile .it took Keith like a decade or more to get him back In the band.

[@ronaldelliott4373]

@@edwardcapobianco2975 That is the story, as I heard it too. 👍

[@brianherrington7226]

Bobby played on a catastrophe of hits of various artists some prior to his late sixties years among them Run Around Sue by Dion and The Belmonts , and alto sax on Elvis Presleys Return To Sender and he was playing with Bobby Vee when he met The Stones on their second US concert at the Teen Fair in San Antonio.

[@midnightrambler7716]

….another fun fact…Keef and Bobby Keys born on exactly the same day. Dec. 18, 1943. Sadly Bobby didn’t get the Keef longevity gene. Apparently nobody did! 😂

[@nordogvids]

One of my favorites!

[@827dusty]

One of their most popular songs.

[@wanderer0617]

There's a great live version of this with Tina Turner in Japan. She and Mick together, amazing, fun!

[@Micknkeithable]

The Stones arr the GOAT’s

[@kirb1892]

Look up this song on top of the pops 1971, awesome performance by Mick Jagger!

[@JamesJohnson-zt2zv]

This was Micks give to a black lady he dated. He has a black daughter from that relationship. My teenage me would sing it loud and proud being one of the few black kids in my high school! Chiguy

[@stephaniekaminsky7497]

If you’re talking about Bianca, she was Nicaraguan.

[@timshelton8535]

You guys pick up on everything!

[@rghilino6734]

My fave by the Stones and the first sax solo I learned to play "almost" dead on.

[@MrAschiff]

This song and Wild Horses, from Sticky Fingers, were recorded in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

[@barbarabarber3167]

Freedom against a background of slavery. …that is what I think it was about. Mick’s first child was with a black female model. Keith dated Ronnie Spector…George Harrison dated her sister…

[@encoreunefois1X]

Ian Stewart was with the Stones before they became famous, right up until his death in 1985. both as piano player and for a time early on as road manager. Management didn't think he suited the band's image looks-wise so he took a back seat but still played with them live and on their albums. Keith Richards has said the Stones were really "Stu's" band.

[@johnnyd5285]

Those last licks on guitar by Kieth, was his influence by Chuck Berry.

[@rdhudon7469]

I have an original pressing of sticky fingers and the cover is a pair of jeans and they have a real zipper that works and goes up and down . Lol the creativity back then was epic.

[@markeetafarmer541]

"Brown Sugar" was recorded over a three-day period at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio in Sheffield, Alabama, from 2 to 4 December 1969 Keith Richards said he thinks it would have been a completely different song if not for the influence, style they learned in Muscle Shoals. "Sweet Home"

[@vernonallen3370]

Ian Stewart was an original full member of the Stones but, he wasn’t a pretty boy and their management told them to dump him, however they kept him as an unofficial member playing piano in the studio and on tour. He sadly died in 1985 aged 47. Former Ronnie Wood band mate Ian McLagen keyboardist with the Small faces and the Faces would replace him.

[@donhanlon7121]

A floor filler if ever there was one and that riff kills me, what a groove💎🕺🎸🎶🎵🎸💎👌🔥

[@anthonyorlando5425]

This song could never be made today. That in itself is sad.

[@Micknkeithable]

1971…. They were 8 years into their legendary career. The best era for them

[@gs8191]

I think you have Sway, I Got the Blues, Sister Morphine and Moonlight Mile left to do on Sticky Fingers, and you should do all of them.

[@CANDOKNOWHOW]

Sway is my favorite on the album

[@melvinwomack3717]

Shit dirty and funky at the same damn time 😅

[@AirplayBeats]

It sure is

[@wilburkowitz7344]

Not one of their earlier ones. This was in their prime creative years. Brown Sugar opening Sticky Fingers, my personal favorite, including Mick Taylor on guitar and Bobby Keys on sax to complement Jagger and Richard. The world's greatest rock and roll band. At their peak.

[@johnshannon9656]

Mighty song.

[@ImproveYourMagic]

ZZ Top’s Brown Sugar is a winner. Check that one out too.

[@TinaGregory-qv3dt]

Love this

[@frankmaitland1254]

House boy knows that he's doing all right

[@irenelopez3390]

Favorite ❤

[@rosamattisse4652]

They wrote this song and recorded it in an hour. This was take 2. Live in studio

[@marksiracusa6114]

Another Keith Richards Open G guitar tuning masterpiece

[@Hessulo]

Mick invented the riff, chords circle, that is odd

[@snatchhog]

This like 😊50 years

[@flipflopmcgurt3403]

Stones giving out free history lessons in the key of C

[@chicklets4ever51]

Keith's guitar, churning hot, is the backbone of the Stones' sound.

[@charsibaba6960]

Paying attention department . I see the Bird t shirt !!

[@johnniekight1879]

Ian Was an original member of the Stones. '62 -'64. This was from '69.

[@michaelchristopher3845]

LOVE the Charlie Parker shirt!!!

[@johnchallener]

I remember when this came out..I know most people didn't even know what it was about, most songs in those days didn't have lyrics so political or controversial, they just enjoyed the music instead

[@scatton61]

Great tune for filling the dancefloor along with Paranoid from Black Sabbath, Kashmir from Led Zeppelin, Hi ho silver lining from Jeff Beck and Can't get no satisfaction from the Stones

[@BGRPiccu]

The Stones don't play this song in concert anymore for obvious reasons. Musically it's a stone Cold jam.

[@KimLong-v4i]

There is nothing wrong about this song

[@ammaleslie509]

@@KimLong-v4i rape is not entertainment

[@eliteautoworksmd]

another Stones mastercut......Just keep going with this album its hard to beat

[@sharrongrant6240]

Recorded at the famous Muscle Shoals Sound....you need to watch the documentary Muscle Shoals!

[@terenzo50]

Take a gander at Mick's girlfriend Claudia Lennear from those days. Unfucking real beauty.

[@kevincaulder96]

Now this is the way to put it down and really rock. The people upset with the topic are silly, politically correct snowflakes, who are more than willing to let women be called bitches and hoes. Right or wrong, at least this song has historical context. And it is a great jam. Mick Taylor and Keith Richards were in their prime during the Jimmy Miller produced music of this era. The Stones were never better. I was a teenage black kid growing up on military bases when this song was making the rounds. Our parents heard it. Our friends heard it. And we shared it with our friends. Given the openness of the time we lived back, to explore and at least give something a chance before condemning it, there is something to be said for what we have lost. Why do you think so many KZbin channels are react to this older music with such enthusiasm? This music is still relevant. Full of life, creativity, soul, funk, and exciting ideas. The world would be a better place if we could express ourselves like this, rather than being afraid of opening our mouths because we fear the repercussions. The computer has limited thought and expression. Too bad. I bet there are so great ideas not being expressed because we fear being canceled, silenced, or ridiculed. In the meantime, here is a great song from the Rolling Stones catalog. It is called SHATTERED. It's about New York, Mick going through divorce, the trappings of crime, fashion, and a city in turmoil, and being alone. And then there's that driving rhythm. Enjoy

[@jhamler1]

Phew! Thanks for that comment. I only wish Airplay Beats would've commented, too. Even if they felt differently

[@trishriley9681]

❤❤❤

[@willblood7082]

No denying it’s an absolute banger of a song, but those lyrics 😮

[@ridemfast7625]

What are you babbling about. The Stones have had black female singers, black musicians play with them, black people in the audience... for 50 years. And now its a problem. hahaha Dont listen if it bothers you.

[@briangray00]

@@ridemfast7625 You're the person babbling here. As he said the song bangs... but try and defend the lyrics. Really.. Go on... I dare you!

[@Oli3TB76]

Yep, I cant stand it personally

[@ridemfast7625]

@@briangray00 Already did. Read and comprehend next time. And btw - black chicks had no issues "bang"ing Mick. hahaha And yet here you are... wawawa

[@joescott8877]

@@briangray00 It's a fraught thing, man. I dislike Woke scoldings of people fifty years ago, or even today, and am very pro-free speech. I won't say it's "racist." Yet Keith says it's about "the horrors of slavery." Huh?! The upbeat music, the feel-good vibes, bopping our heads right along with "Hear him [a slave-owner] whip [and rape] the [slave] women [and girls]" doesn't sit right. Of course, many rap lyrics glorify violence against Black women, and few seem to care there either. Rock on?

[@antarcticorb9197]

Tales of Brave Ulysses next.

[@johntuohy1867]

Diggin how ya dug this dudez. Thank you.

[@Sirala6]

The Stones were brilliant in their use of controversy to keep rolling. This song always seemed a bit odd when it came to the words but it rocked in the melody.

[@se6550]

High school all over. :)

[@rich-ox3md]

thanks

[@joebrasher638]

What’s your headphones connected to? Thanks 0:15

[@AirplayBeats]

Tascam mixcast

[@kevinmarker-cz3bx]

Gentlemen you should spin Stray cat blues. One of my favs from Mick and company.

[@johnr1348]

If I was A Black Woman I Would Take It As A Compliment! ❤

[@ronaldriis1023]

I commented on this classic track previously on another site and was taken to task by another fan. But shortly after that the Stones announced that they will no longer play this song, due to sensitivity over the lyrics. I love the Stones, but this is a don’t-go-there zone.

[@chrisboerger465]

For classic early Stones, try Paint It Black.

[@scottviverette14]

When I was growing up they banned this song from the radio because of the lyrics