THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

662-The Rolling Stones-Jumpin’ Jack Flash.

1968-Number 1 single.

Best Bit-At 0.16. The most famous song in the world ever, inspired by a gardener.

The Rolling Stones (see also best songs 933-452-160 and 77) were formed in London, England, in 1962. At the time of writing Mick Jagger, (lead vocals) and Keith Richards, (guitars) are the groups only two constants, the current trio is made up by Ronnie Wood, (guitars) who has been a group member since 1975. Charlie Watts, (1941-2021) (drums) was a group member from 1963 until his death, Bill Wyman, (bass and keyboards) was a group member between 1962-1993, Brian Jones, (1942-1969) (guitars) who was a member between 1962-1969, was dismissed from the group due to his alcohol and drug problems, and died from drowning in his swimming pool less than a month after his dismissal. Mick Taylor, (guitars) replaced Brian Jones, and was a group member until 1974. There have been a further seven official members who played with The Rolling Stones in their early years between 1962-1963, including Ian Stewart, (1938-1995) (keyboards) who was removed from the lineup in May 1963 at the request of The Rolling Stones manager Andrew Loog Oldham, who felt that he did not fit the band’s image. Ian Stewart remained as the groups road manager and pianist for over two decades until his death, and was posthumously inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ along with the rest of the band in 1989.

‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ was released as a stand alone single in May 1968, and the first Rolling Stones album on which the song appeared, was their 1969 compilation album, ‘Through the Past, Darkly (Big Hits Vol. 2,’) one year after the single was released. It has since appeared on numerous other Rolling Stones compilations, including ‘Hot Rocks,’ 1964–1971, (1971) and ‘Forty Licks’ (2002.) ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ is The Rolling Stones most performed song, with it being played live over 1,100 times by the group since 1968. The song was co-written by Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards, with the production being by Jimmy Miller (1942-1994.)

James Miller who was born on March 23rd, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, United States, would go on to produce five studio Albums for The Rolling Stones, from ‘Beggars Banquet,’ (1968) through to ‘Goats Head Soup,’ (1973) he also had a close working relationship with Steve Winwood, and Winwood’s various bands, including ‘Spencer Davis Group,’ ‘Traffic,’ and ‘Blind Faith.’ Jimmy Miller was also the producer of ‘Blackberry Way,’ (see also best songs 575) which was a Number 1 single for ‘The Move’ in the UK in 1968. In the 1970’s Miller produced the ‘Overkill,’ (1979) and ‘Bomber’ (1979) Albums for the Heavy Metal group ‘Motorhead,’ and in 1991 he worked with ‘Primal Scream’ on their third studio Album ‘Screamadelica’ (see also best songs 724.) Jimmy Miller died from liver failure on October 22nd, 1994, at the age of 52.

‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ gave The Rolling Stones their seventh UK Number 1 single, in total they achieved eight, all of which were in the 1960’s. Keith Richards has stated that he and Mick Jagger wrote the songs lyrics while staying at Richards’ country house, where they were awoken one morning by the sound of the gardener Jack Dyer, who was walking past the window. When Mick Jagger asked what the noise was, Richards responded, ‘Oh that’s Jack, that’s jumpin’ Jack.’ Keith Richards has said,’I started to work around the phrase on the guitar, which was in open tuning, singing the phrase ‘Jumping Jack.’ Mick said, ‘Flash,’ and suddenly we had this phrase with a great rhythm and ring to it.’ As for the songs meaning, Mick Jagger has said that the song arose,’Out of all the acid of Satanic Majesties. (Their Satanic Majesties Request-1967 Album) It’s about having a hard time and getting out. Just a metaphor for getting out of all the acid things.’ Keith Richards has said that the songs opening line ‘I was born in a crossfire hurricane,’ refers to his being born amid the bombing and air raid sirens of Dartford, England, in 1943, during World War II.

In his autobiography, Bill Wyman has claimed that it was he who came up with the songs distinctive main guitar riff on a piano, without receiving any credit, Wyman has also claimed that he wrote the bass line for ‘Miss You,’ (see also best songs 160) also receiving no recognition. Keith Richards has said, that of all the guitar riffs he has written, ‘Jumpin’ Jack Flash’ is his favourite.

‘I was raised by a toothless, bearded hag. I was schooled with a strap right across my back, but it’s all right now, in fact it’s a gas, but it’s all right, I’m Jumpin’ Jack Flash, it’s a gas, gas, gas.’