Rolling Stones' Keith Richards Defends His Blues Credentials

(Classic Rock) Rolling Stones' Keith Richards says he is "as black as the ace of spades" in response to the debate around cultural appropriation in blues music.

In 1966, blues man Muddy Waters reportedly told a journalist that frontman Mick Jagger "stole" his music, but gave him his name - pointing to the revival of his singing career as the Stones spiralled to success.

But 72-year-old Richards insists "work songs" and slavery have been around since the beginning of time - and that the genre should not be defined by race.

He tells Rolling Stone: "I'm black as the ace of f***ing spades, man. Ask any of the brothers. I didn't know what color these people were, as a kid. I don't think of blues as being of any particular color at all.

"Obviously, its history. But there were white slaves, as well. There have been plenty of work songs from way back. Try Egypt. Quite Jewish, actually. People have been doing this since history began." Read more here.

Rolling Stones Music, DVDs, Books and more Rolling Stones T-shirts and Posters More Rolling Stones News Share this article Related Stories The Rolling Stones' 'Hackney Diamonds' Scores Rock Album Grammy Susanna Hoffs and Elvis Costello Celebrate Keith Richards' Birthday With 'Connection' The Rolling Stones Shared Video From Hackney Diamonds Tour Launch (2024 In Review) The Rolling Stones Launch RS No.9 Fragrance Rolling Stones Stream 'You Got Me Rocking' From Shepherd's Bush Live Package