The article examines Mick Jagger’s admiration for blues singer Howlin’ Wolf, whom he regarded as a performer of exceptional power and authenticity. It argues that Jagger’s wish to draw attention to Wolf reflected the Rolling Stones’ deep debt to African American blues, while also highlighting the racial inequalities the band encountered in the United States.

Jagger said that visiting America in the 1960s shocked him because of segregation and narrow-minded attitudes, despite the country being the source of music he admired. The Stones met and performed alongside leading blues musicians including Howlin’ Wolf, helping introduce some British and American rock audiences to artists whose work had strongly shaped the band.