Happy 75th birthday, Michael Jagger.

In Keef's book, he makes the claim that Jagger is the best harp player since Little Walter. I favor the early blues stuff and the Taylor years and while the statement is rather strong, Mick is indeed fabulous and a fantastic harp player. Underrated musician, commanding, an incredible brilliance and a great feel for the music. In a way he has stayed out of the media limelight, did his rock star trip sort of off to the side, very, very well. Kept his sanity. A really smart guy.

I was lucky enough to be at his birthday show in 1972 at the Madison Square Garden. Last night of the three night stand. Forty six years ago today. Thank you Barbara, sister of mine, for taking me. They threw rose petals at Mick that day, the energy was so high. Stevie Wonder sat in on drums. Happy to have been there. One of the greatest concerts I have ever witnessed. The Stones made it okay for white kids in this country to like Muddy Waters and Howling Wolf. As did Mayall, Clapton, Alexis Corner, Peter Green, Rory Gallagher among others. American blues fans owe a lot to them.

By the way, Brian Jones makes this song work. His slide playing and general musicianship was great and his vision really shaped the band in this most important and powerful nascent period.