The Story Behind Angel By Rod Stewart And Why He Covered A Jimi Hendrix Song

March 20, 2025

Rod Stewart stood alone in his small, cluttered studio, the dim light casting shadows on the walls adorned with posters of legendary musicians. It was the late 1970s, and Stewart was at a crossroads in his career. He had tasted immense success, but recently he felt lost, like a ship without a compass. The pressure to produce another hit weighed heavily on him, and he needed something fresh, something that spoke to the depths of his soul. That’s when he heard Jimi Hendrix’s mesmerizing rendition of “Angel” echoing through the speakers, a song that had a haunting beauty that took him back to a time of joy and heartbreak.

Stewart remembered the first time he listened to Hendrix’s version. It was soothing yet powerful, stirring emotions he had often buried deep within. Jimi was like a shooting star among musicians—bright, intense, and tragically short-lived. The way he transformed a simple melody into an anthem of hope and love inspired Stewart. It sparked a flame in Rod’s heart. He thought of all the people who had ever felt lost, just like he did. It was time for him to breathe new life into “Angel.” He wanted to recreate that feeling for his audience, to remind them that even in darkness, there can be light.

As Rod started to work on his cover, he poured his heart into every note. He infused the song with his raspy yet soulful voice, giving it a new layer of emotion. He wanted to honor Hendrix while making it his own. It became a labor of love, with each chord resonating with his life experiences—his triumphs, failures, and the relationships that shaped him. The music was not just about nostalgia; it was a personal journey, a testament to resilience. The track evolved into a powerful confession, filled with the hope that life would indeed get better, even after the hardest of times.

Rod’s version of “Angel” was released to the world, and the response was overwhelming. Fans embraced it wholeheartedly, and it quickly climbed the charts, revitalizing his career in a way he had not anticipated. The song became a beacon of hope for many, a reminder that music has the power to heal and uplift. Through this cover, Stewart forged a connection with his audience, reminding them that even their struggles could lead to beautiful moments. His resurgence was not just in music but in his spirit, reigniting the passion he had for his craft.

In that moment of success, Rod Stewart realized that music wasn’t just about fame or fortune—it was about connection. Every note he played resonated with the hearts of those who listened. By taking a chance to cover a song by someone as brilliant as Jimi Hendrix, he had rediscovered his purpose—a mission to create art that made people feel and think deeply. It became clear to him that in the world of music, embracing vulnerability and sharing one’s story could lead to greatness, something he sought to carry forward in his career.

Rod Stewart’s journey through “Angel” was a beautiful reminder that even in the darkest times, a spark of inspiration could lead to something magnificent. It showcased his resilience and passion for music, proving that even when faced with uncertainty, the heart has the power to guide us back to the light. Each performance became a celebration of life’s complexities, a reminder that we all have angels in our lives, waiting to be embraced, and that through music, we can find solace and strength.