The story behind Rod Stewart's "Maggie May"

“Maggie May” by Rod Stewart catapulted his solo career when it was released in 1971, and it’s based on a real life event that happened to the rock star. Find out more about this timeless tune in this episode of Behind The Song.
Music Producer: Christian Lane
Video Director: Michael Collier
Video Editor: Julian Romano
Listen on:
Apple: apple.co/3aXfikP​
Spotify: spoti.fi/3rjHeW1​
Google: bit.ly/3b4huH7​
PodcastOne: bit.ly/2zho2y6​
About Janda:
Behind The Song podcast host and creator Janda Lane is a radio DJ at WDRV-FM in Chicago, the city she calls home with her husband and podcast partner, Christian Lane, and their two cats, Ollie and Liam. She is a transplant from Los Angeles, where she was a video director at Fender, Executive Producer at Yahoo Music, playlist curator for ITunes, worked in rock management with artists like the Foo Fighters and Beck, was on the radio at KCRW, and she was a DJ at online radio pioneer site Soundbreak. She has not worked a day in her life.
Follow Behind The Song on TikTok @behindthesongpodcast.

[@robertthacher-dv4kn]

Maggie Mae was the biggest hit he ever had. Who could forget the fall of 1971 when that song owned the charts!

[@donalynette]

Rod sang about an experience , & somehow there was enough reality to this, that many could identify,

[@johnfourshareddotcom9928]

"Maggie Mae" is a Beatles track on the "Let It Be" Album ..... I take it you meant "Maggie May" which is a completely different song

[@angusmoffat]

Absolutely, one of my ten songs of all time. A masterpiece!

[@joemacdonald7879]

Rod Stewart has a Signature voice that cannot be mistaken. There is no doubt when you hear that voice.

[@mamapetillo8675]

I’ve always adored this song. From hearing it playing on the AM radio in my mom’s station wagon, to traveling thru the woods to the coast. I’m in my 50’s now, and still feel a wave of Saturday morning/childhood joy well up with only those first four chords. I expect this to be played at my funeral. If it isn’t, I’m gonna spend my afterlife planting this song into everyone I know’s head, for eternity cause Wake Up Maggie I Think I Got Somethin To Say To You

[@clarkbonelli7284]

My dad told a story of playing high stakes poker in the middle of the night, getting drunk with a funny English guy at Caesar’s in Lake Tahoe in the 80’s. He said he couldn’t believe this crazy man was throwing down 20 grand at a time….multiple times, and kept losing. He had no clue who he was, and as he drove out later that day….he saw Rod’s mug up on the marquee. He still didn’t know who he was but figured his kids would. 😂

[@behindthesongpodcast]

That is an amazing story! Rockin’ Rod strikes again! 😂

[@dianaproctor9497]

Cool!!!

[@breigesheppard8339]

Love it 🎉🍀

[@breigesheppard8339]

Love it 🎉🍀

[@canyonwrensong3869]

The first time I heard the song "Maggie Mae", it was on the radio as I was getting a ride to my junior high school (7th grade) in LA. I immediately knew this would be a big hit. I had never had that kind of clear insight before about a song. There was nothing like it on the radio. It's odd how the corporate suits couldn't hear it, but the suits don't always know. ..Thank you for the back story. I had never heard it before your broadcast. Great job!

[@1960fusion]

The first time i heard it was on the juke box at the rec center after school in the 7th grade while playing pool. It was probably already a year or two old...loved it then and still due!

[@paulaneary7877]

I was born in '63. Grew up listening to Rod Stewart. He was here in Santa Barbara a few years ago, completely regret not attending the concert. Enjoying your channel.

[@behindthesongpodcast]

Thanks so much!

[@c.e.anderson558]

Went I see him when I lived in Vegas in 1988.. After a hours or so dude came out said Roddy was too ill to perform. Pissed we were. Great theater in a fairly new casino with great seating. He rescheduled and at the show he apologized profusely . He was VERY involved with the audience . Then he proceeded to perform every song he ever recorded and some covers. Almost 3 hours! And when Maggie started, about the time after the mandy part when the drumm fill introduces the full band he started shouting g stop stop and waving his hands. The band was looking at each other and when they finally all quieted he said "" I just love that part still after all these years let's do it again" You can imagine the reaction. Standing ovation. Then it started over. All the show he was talking and telling short tales and egaging with people down front. Phenomenal showman. My roommate and recording partners girlfriend worked for some paper or something and had 2 comp tickets at a table near front of stage and other paper guy didn't show up. No phones back then and she didn't know where we were seated but my buddy said later he would have let me go down there if she could have let us know.

[@Notmehimorthem]

Rod is a wonderful lyricist - very very very underated, probably the best the UK has.

[@robinfereday6562]

I think a certain Paul McCartney might be better

[@LynseyFenton]

@@robinfereday6562 No

[@patsanters2741]

I agree from UK here ..But bad part on him and Quittenton for not give Ray Jackson some of credits for playing Mandolin on the song as thats a big part near end part of Maggie May and aids song big time . Terrible and i was a big fan of Rods not now but he wont care as made his riches ..But him ever poor from is rubbish as he would not know what poor is ..

[@heathercrumpler5353]

We named our dog “Maggie May” after this song. She showed up on our at our house when my sister and I were 14. I loved that dog and still do. I am 46 now, so she would be long gone. We had to give her away because we moved to an house that didn’t allow dogs. We got her fixed first and I remember the putting a heating pad on her belly, to help ease pain. Then we gave her to my best , Amber, who had someone line up to give her to a family. I hope she had a wonderful life. I think she a Bernese Mountain dog. She was a stray, or we assume she was because no claimed her. We had a year or two with her. I miss her and love her always.

[@julenepegher6999]

A Great story! Rod had great hair, as a young teen in the 70’s me and my friends got our hair cut like Rod. ❤️ those great days of the 70’s and Rod Stewart and Faces!

[@pamelaparrish1100]

I am 64 and i heard his voice and it was mesmerizing. He made music videos way before MTV i would watch variety shows if they said he would be on it it wasn't live it was a video. Maggy May is my security question for favorite song. Then came Tonight's the Night and i didn't have a clue what he was singing about but it must be something good. The last time i saw him in concert was about 30 years ago and our seats were front row on the lower level right by the stage. Toward the end all the women on the floor got to go up on stage and hug and dance with him. My husband caught me as i was going over the rail to jump down. It was about a 25 foot drop and he said if it was closer i would let you go but its too far. I told him one of the security guards would catch me if he lowered me down far enough but he pulled me back to seat and said the kids would be mad if he let me get hurt. That was the closest i ever got. And i had long blonde hair and blue eyes just his type. Its still not too late!

[@janetmullen1340]

Absolutely genius

[@rebeccahunter7691]

Thanks for this. It was so interesting. 🤓 I cane across your page today and am already addicted. I love hearing about the history of songs. I will be back for sure.

[@behindthesongpodcast]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@johngore7744]

I’m 62 and been listening to music since I was 6 ( 1967) though my older siblings and have a very eclectic taste in music. And find your analysis at least the ones I’ve seen to be well thought out articulate and presented with accuracy and knowledge. Keep up the great work. Cheers from Montreal.

[@behindthesongpodcast]

Thank you!

[@dicky1961AD]

Have to say,@62 the Golden Years is the bestest We who know, ain't a sharin with the undeserving.

[@dicky1961AD]

@@behindthesongpodcast Yee haw,aka 2 - Screw it on,moooooorrreee!!!!

[@aussieoma361]

Loved him then, love him now.💖

[@subs4794]

This song always reminds me of spending summers with my favorite high school teacher, Miss Sandler.

[@roxannemacel9123]

I saw Rod the summer of 1971, in a little venue that held 2000 people, I was in hook, line and sinker!

[@breigesheppard8339]

My god ROD is the best of the best love him 54yrs and will rock him until god says otherwise 💜💜❤️❤️👏👏👏👏👏👏☘️☘️☘️🍀🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@williamkey4338]

Loved this song from the first time I heard it. Thank you rod.

[@petertornabeni602]

Janda, you have a terrific voice and I appreciate your efforts in all you bring to this podcast !!

[@behindthesongpodcast]

Thank you Peter!

[@gotham61]

Thank you for pronouncing Beaulieu correctly.

[@kenozyuk527]

Most likely the first Rod Stewart song I ever heard. Very interesting story.

[@eddieMurphy11111]

I met rod a couple of time when he was with the faces and then the best ever happened to him he left the faces and then well enough said thanks for the memories and for the video

[@BigM74]

You did an amazing job Janda. You too told a great story of one hell of a performer!!!

[@michaelwashington1585]

One of the greatest rockers rock and roll for ever

[@axiomist4488]

Until now, I'd known that the mandolin was played by Ronnie Wood. Maybe it was he who played it on live performances. He also plays pedal steel guitar, so he seems to have a taste for country music; both instruments are played in the genre. Maggie certainly was a giant hit in the early 70s. One could hear it on the radio all the time . Great song . I can;t believe that the sexual encounter with that lady was over in 30 seconds, but being that Rod was only 16 and it was his first time, it's possible that it went really fast ! Ha !

[@moodyb2]

The album notes, on the album cover refer to "the mandolin player from Lindisfarne, whose name escapes me". I always assumed it was he who played the mandolin? You can see the relevant notes in the video at 5:27.

[@andrewwillan3372]

Ray Jackson from Lindisfarne. Embarrassingly his name was omitted on the EPTAS LP, "whose name I forget" Imagine how he felt about that. Lindisfarne were BIG in 1971 ☹

[@ceecee6223]

The May-December relationship of this song is "cringe worthy?" No, it's not. It flips on its ear the male-female dynamic of the times - older woman-younger man, the man being in the inferior position and the woman having the maturity and upper hand, particularly sexually, but also over her own life. There is a vulnerability expressed by the singer also, to being in love with someone who is not showing the same feelings.

[@banjammy4116]

Saw him when this album came out.Pretty good, God Bless

[@blackfinjrblackfinjr3555]

You do such an excellent job with these- they literally lead me to tears when you read it!! Thank you thank you thank you

[@behindthesongpodcast]

Wow, thank you!

[@liamfahey7836]

The Angels weren’t on there. Great songs all the way through. 🎸🎸

[@she_sings_delightful_things]

It's crazy how many talented musicians are shafted by the music industry for their major contributions. That's disappointing to see Rod was a douche to that man

[@behindthesongpodcast]

I know. I like to think he wouldn’t do that now.

[@tomholm4456]

yes, in a gross understatement stewart was quite a douche. and unless at some point he made good wi’that player, he remains a pathetic and total douche. what a hero . . .

[@xxcelr8rs]

So, by that loosely wrapped logic every song that is not a hit ..the studio musicians should play for free.

[@she_sings_delightful_things]

@@xxcelr8rs What?? Where....how did you even get to that conclusion? 🤔

[@xxcelr8rs]

@@she_sings_delightful_things Logic. Sensitive communists don't have a clue how business works. Even the crazy music industry has gambler investors and paid service providers. Always was, always will be. Go starve a Kulak.and talk fairness equality.

[@DonJoyce]

Super interesting and superbly delivered by the lovely Janda!

[@behindthesongpodcast]

Many thanks!

[@robertpascal869]

Well written and told. Thank you!

[@behindthesongpodcast]

Glad you liked it! Thank you.

[@lindatullos9430]

I think he was singing about his first love "football dreams" which is why he left school and it didn't pan out as he was expecting. The rest is the flavor of his disappointment and his continuing love of football regardless of the outcome of the actual affair(with football dreams).

[@TyDomi]

Back in the late 70's riding in the backseat of my dad's new 77 Grand Prix i was 10 but I remember hearing s news report over the tsfi6

[@TyDomi]

Woops , dozing off here. The news was that Stewart was found unconscious in a hotel and later they found 50 ounces of sperm in his gut. Just wondering if anyone knows anything?

[@franticproductions]

Very interesting channel, been listening to Rod sense mid-60s, very enlightening, young Lady. (I'm 72, you're, a young lady), and cute to.

[@ricklee5845]

"The killing of Georgie"... I wonder if that was the same person Van Morrison sang about on 'Astral Weeks' Madam George. Thank you Janda for the wonderful presentation and all the things I have learned from your video!

[@sicksquid3258]

No connection,I believe 'Madam George' was a transexual who lived a few blocks from a young Van Morrison.

[@seanhayes1965]

Rods a great guy. Used to see him at the Manalapan Ritz Carlton.

[@seanhayes1965]

Rachel would get equal attention at the buffet...

[@behindthesongpodcast]

@@seanhayes1965 Hahaha I bet

[@she_sings_delightful_things]

He would have been a greater guy if he would have stuck up for that mandolin player in court. That was pretty messed up.

[@cenfran]

Thx Janda, big fan, enjoying your work a great deal. Good choice of song.

[@behindthesongpodcast]

I’m so glad you enjoyed this one, Francisco! Thank you!

[@unkolawdio]

Good song

[@vicpnut1]

And a few seconds later ….ah to be a teenager ….a few seconds and immediately ready to go again for mayBe 4 or 5 minutes 😂

[@vicpnut1]

Couldnt imagine the mandolin law suit would go anywhere, assuming he was a studio musician. He got paid for work and obviously until much later when he realized the song was a hit he didnt even care about album credit …i do t have a clue aside from this video how the events unfolded ,but, on the other hand youd think rod wouldve given a little extra payment afterwards once he started getting big paydays for the song…but who knows ,maybe he was never approached until the lawsuit was filed .?.? And that would tick me off too if it was the case .

[@xxcelr8rs]

Model train enthusiast. Takes his train scenes on tour!

[@jurglietha2901]

Yeah - it's a great song of Rod & the Faces! But don't forget MARTIN QUITTENTON, the COMPOSER of this fantastic music! He was a gifted songwriter and guitar player. Rod made the lyrics. (wikipedia)

[@ianhector2957]

The Queen didn't knight him. Every year still quoted selling 250 million records surely even more

[@mamajudah7269]

This song is haunting, of my fear of a prodigy and my suspicsion of his project assistant.

[@carriefroman2302]

Still I look to find a reason to believe...

[@galaxycommand1988]

Rack ‘em up

[@jamesw1313]

Just found the channel and instantly subbed

[@behindthesongpodcast]

Thank you! Welcome aboard!

[@jonathanstoutenburg8634]

I figured that Maggie Mae was about Stewart losing his virginity. It is nice to get the whole story, and I always felt it was a sad story.

[@TinJesus-xs3zk]

Sad he never credited that haunting mandolin player though.

[@she_sings_delightful_things]

New sub, your voice is soothing, lol. Appreciate the story, I was always curious.

[@behindthesongpodcast]

Thank you, and welcome aboard!

[@she_sings_delightful_things]

@@behindthesongpodcast 🚣‍♂️😊

[@donalynette]

Rod Stewart is also known for Forever Young. I am sorry Rod never credited the Mandolin Player. With 8 kids, he has a lot of credits already, I guess.

[@privatename3621]

What a sweet story. A chance encounter between a 16 year old Stewart who was just beginning to experience the fruits of being a young man and a gracious and loving woman "twice his age" giving him the chance of a lifetime to fulfill his young carnal desires to give his virginity to her. And for all that, we all got this gorgeous perennial favorite acoustic rock hit. A wonderous and lovely pairing. Today? That woman would have lost her career, been shamed publicly forever, and sent to prison for many years for "statutorily raping" an "underage youth". This is the problem with the world. We've lost sight of the innocent things that hurt no one, and demonize them endlessly for political gain. Yet many will ignore the massively evil things that hurt everyone, like denying affordable heath care, denying reproductive rights, and destroying access to voting and democracy itself. For sure, it was another era. But one in which the people of the world still had hope.

[@lynnfisher3037]

He should return to that bridge home

[@seanhayes1965]

Nice job, Janda.

[@behindthesongpodcast]

Thanks Sean!

[@chrisbennett6260]

forget that give me some boba Womack

[@markowens6285]

Thought it was the "small faces"

[@waynedrummond6583]

You forgot he declined an offer to join the rolling stones after the Faces final split and he had decided to go solo. (perhaps a key reason for the Faces split - as Ronnie had already left -as had others)

[@lmundiclan]

Why not play his song?

[@LynseyFenton]

Let's not forget that the Mandolin part, the chorus of the song that everyone loves, was actually written by Ray Jackson, but was shafted by Rod Stewart as a ''Work for hire'' job. Utterly pathetic.

[@gwillis01]

hello YT video watching people

[@joemacdonald7879]

my adopted Greyhound is Named "Maggie Mae" ...my late cat was named "Charlie Watts"

[@behindthesongpodcast]

Excellent pet names! R.I.P. Charlie Watts. My condolences.

[@johnpatterson6448]

Tight-arsed multi-millionaire could have thrown Jackson a few crumbs.

[@gordonteats298]

LASSIE LAY by APOLOGETIX a great PARODY of MAGGIE MAY

[@pugil1sttheboxingforce940]

Stewart is a real butt for not treating Ron Jackson much better. He should have found out his name, given him AT LEAST credit for playing the mandolin, and probably should have cut him in for at least 1 percent of the royalties!

[@stevenbell7902]

Do you mean Ray Jackson from Lindisfarne?

[@joemacdonald7879]

I named my Greyhound Maggie Mae....I like Charlie Watts ...guess that is fitting.

[@dollysimmons6354]

M

[@user-wc6bd8ll1x]

Stop calling people by their last names. Call them by their first names.

[@derekec]

I can't stand when session players paid for their service at whatever rate, come back demanding credit and pay for what later became and 'maybe' contributed to the success. You'd think they deserve more and I'd agree it's arguable - except it just doesn't work that way. The writer gets the rewards. It's just the way it is.

[@motomuso]

Seems a bit selfish and arrogant, not giving Ray credit for his part, especially since the liner notes describe him fairly well. As for the money, if you're hired and paid for work ("work for hire") you can't come back later with new demands.

[@markpotochny56]

His best album imho,and maggie mae wasnt even the best song…the title song was

[@spiritzweispirit1st638]

Why did he shaft the Mandolin player 'Ray Jackson' So bad! Wtf? _ That song Maggie May needs that Mandolin part' like the 12 string part on Stairway to Heaven! _ Not the Same song at All without it! _

[@patsanters2741]

From Scotland her , Not very nice at all against the guy Ray Jackson this from both Rod Stewart and Martin Quittenton terrible i reckon Ray Jackson guy not being noted for playing the Mandolin on Maggie May ..Seems to me and ive been a big fan of Rods since the early 70s and he just seems a bit of a fake.. and by that not a very nice person No way in life if i had his talent and another person played the instrument which aided in making Maggie May a huge hit and then leaving him out in the credits was terrible ..The guy at least should have been also in the credits and been payed well for such as the mandolin aids much with the making of that very hit song . Terrible i never knew that ..Great song from Rod but not nice at all in leaving guy out Ray Jackson in the credits nit an ounce of guilt within his or other guys body to live with that ..and they wont care as lived a great life and very wealthy with it all his days ..Lets get stright here Rod Stewart he was never a poor guy and its way many rock stars like to be portrayed as poor as sounds good a poor guy doing well ..Rod would not know what poor is even before he hit it off with music im talking about ..ive purchased many of his albums way back ..and inc some up to date Always spoke his name well > But this is something i never knew about.. until now regards Ray Jackson .

[@AngusMacPherson-ch9wh]

Rod ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊from Scotland.

[@elquesoyyo_6407]

As always, once they make it big they deny others that contribute to there fame, so PATHETIC. REMEMBER THAT NO ONE IN THIS WORLD IS EVER SELF MADE and that is truth!.