Who's behind the notes? Discover The Rolling Stones: The Legendary Rock Band
"Angie" is one of The Rolling Stones' most well-known and beloved songs, but it is not without its share of interesting facts and anecdotes:
Release Date: "Angie" was released as a single in August 1973 and later featured on their 1973 album, "Goats Head Soup."
Inspiration for the Song: The song is often rumored to be about Mick Jagger's tumultuous relationship with David Bowie's wife, Angela, who he was allegedly dating during this period. However, the true inspiration behind the song's lyrics remains a topic of debate and speculation. Keith Richards, the band's guitarist, claims that it was not about any one person but was more of a composite of various experiences and relationships.
Acoustic Ballad: Unlike many of The Rolling Stones' more rock-oriented hits, "Angie" is a ballad featuring a more subdued and acoustic sound. The song's gentle, melodic quality made it stand out from their other work.
Mick Jagger and Keith Richards: Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the primary songwriting duo of the band, co-wrote "Angie." Despite the speculation surrounding the song's inspiration, the collaboration between these two iconic songwriters resulted in a memorable hit.
Chart Success: "Angie" was a commercial success, reaching the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 in the United States. It also performed well in various other countries.
Live Performances: The Rolling Stones have performed "Angie" in many of their concerts over the years, and it remains a fan favorite. The song's acoustic nature often translates well to live settings.
Awards: "Angie" received a Grammy nomination in 1974 for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
Cover Versions: Over the years, "Angie" has been covered by various artists, showcasing its enduring popularity and the influence of The Rolling Stones on music.
Legacy: "Angie" is often considered one of The Rolling Stones' greatest ballads and remains a classic rock song, contributing to the band's extensive catalog of hits.
Album Art: The single and album cover for "Goats Head Soup" featured artwork by Belgian artist Ray Lowry, depicting a goat's head in a bowl of soup. This image added to the mystique of the album.
"Angie" continues to be a timeless classic and a testament to the band's ability to diversify their musical style while maintaining their rock 'n' roll edge.