In 1962, Keith Richards fell in love with the blues. Now, he still considers one singer the all-time best

Keith Richards says that Little Walter Jacobs remains one of the greatest blues singers of all time, and recalls being struck by his voice as well as his harmonica playing. That admiration reflects the blues’ central place in the Rolling Stones’ sound, especially in their early years.

Richards and Mick Jagger reconnected through their shared interest in blues, joining Brian Jones’s band before developing into songwriters. The Stones drew on artists including Muddy Waters, Robert Johnson, Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly, and later returned to blues covers on their album *Blue & Lonesome*. Richards praised Walter as “one of the best singers of the blues” and an exceptional harmonica player.