Fool to Cry

Zoo Freaks, get ready for some deep vibes as we spin "Fool to Cry" by The Rolling Stones from their 1976 album Black and Blue. This soulful ballad, a departure from the Stones’ usual gritty rock, showcases Mick Jagger’s emotional falsetto, inspired by soul legends like Aaron Neville. Keith Richards once shared in an interview, “I was just glad somebody in the band could sing that falsetto... Mick was always fascinated with the falsetto soul singers.” The song’s tender lyrics, reportedly reflecting Jagger’s experiences as a new father to his daughter Jade, hit No. 6 in the UK and No. 10 in the US, making it the only track from Black and Blue to chart. A 2019 post on X from the band’s official account highlighted its chart success, tying it to their HONK compilation. Fun fact: during a 1976 tour in Germany, Richards famously dozed off mid-performance of this track, a moment that became a legendary anecdote of the band’s grueling schedule.

Another tidbit for you Zoo Freaks: “Fool to Cry” features session guitarist Wayne Perkins, who nearly joined the Stones after Mick Taylor’s departure in 1974. Recommended by Eric Clapton, Perkins laid down the song’s watery guitar fills, but Ronnie Wood ultimately won the spot due to his chemistry with the band. Jagger later described the song in 1993 as “a bit long and waffly at the end maybe, but I like it,” reflecting its heartfelt, if slightly meandering, charm. The track’s lush orchestration even caught the ear of Girls creator Lena Dunham, who commissioned a cover by Tegan and Sara for the show’s soundtrack in 2013, introducing it to a new generation. Fans on Reddit’s r/rollingstones have mixed feelings, with some calling it a goofy masterpiece (rating it 7.5/10) while others find its schmaltz a bit much, blaming the band’s self-production for its loose vibe.

Let’s rewind to how The Rolling Stones kicked off their wild ride. Formed in London in 1962, the band—originally Mick Jagger (vocals), Keith Richards (guitar), Brian Jones (multi-instrumentalist), Bill Wyman (bass), and Charlie Watts (drums)—drew inspiration from American blues and R&B. Jones, the early leader, named the band after a Muddy Waters song and shaped their raw, rebellious sound. Their gritty take on rock, blending Chuck Berry’s riffs with Howlin’ Wolf’s swagger, set them apart in the early ‘60s British Invasion. By 1964, hits like “It’s All Over Now” and relentless gigging made them superstars, rivaling The Beatles. Over six decades, they’ve evolved through lineup changes (Ronnie Wood joined in 1975) and genre experiments, from psychedelia to reggae, cementing their status as rock’s enduring bad boys.

Zoo Crew’s got the connections for you to dive deeper into Stones mania. Check out the band’s official site at rollingstones.com, where you’ll find tour dates, merch, and more. Follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for the latest updates and throwback gems. For fan-driven vibes, head to It’s Only Rock’n’Roll (IORR), a killer fan site with detailed discographies and tour archives. You can also join the Rolling Stones Fans group on Facebook or engage with the r/rollingstones community on Reddit, where Zoo Freaks like you debate everything from “Fool to Cry” to the band’s best live shows. Keep it groovy, and stay tuned for more from THE ZOO!