The Rolling Stones’ Brush With Voodoo Culture In New Orleans

April 3, 2025

In the heart of New Orleans, the air was thick with mystery and magic. It was the summer of 1975, and the Rolling Stones had come to town to record their next album. The band, famous for their electrifying performances and catchy songs, felt the pull of the vibrant city, rich with its unique culture and history. As they settled into their recording studio, they couldn’t ignore the whispers of voodoo that echoed from the streets. Voodoo, often misunderstood, was a complex spiritual tradition that blended African beliefs and Catholicism, a reflection of the city’s diverse roots.

One sultry evening, Mick Jagger, the band’s charismatic frontman, wandered away from the studio. The vibrant colors and lively music of New Orleans beckoned him. As he strolled through the French Quarter, he found himself drawn to a small, dimly lit shop filled with artifacts and statues that captured the essence of voodoo. Intrigued, he stepped inside and met a wise woman named Marie. She wore colorful beads and had a smile that hinted at secrets untold. Marie shared stories of her ancestors and the power of the spirits that guided her, sparking something deep inside Mick.

Inspired by their conversation, Mick returned to the studio that night with a new fire in his heart. The raw energy of the voodoo tales and the spirit of the city seeped into his songwriting. He began to craft lyrics that spoke to the struggles and triumphs of life—love, heartache, and resilience. His experiences with Marie and the mystical aura of New Orleans transformed the music they were creating, adding layers of emotion and depth that hadn’t been there before. The band felt invigorated, as if the city itself was breathing life into their sound.

As the recording sessions continued, the Stones invited Marie to the studio. She brought with her small trinkets and charms, saying that music needed protection to reach its fullest potential. The band was fascinated and decided to let her presence guide them during their sessions. When they recorded “Black and Blue,” one of their most soulful albums, it was infused with the essence of New Orleans and the wisdom of voodoo, creating something entirely unique. It became a continued reminder of the importance of community, spirituality, and the stories that shape us.

When the album dropped, it was met with both excitement and skepticism. Critics hailed it as groundbreaking, though some fans were unsure of this new direction. Yet, for Mick and the band, it was a turning point. They realized that inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. This brush with voodoo not only enriched their music but also deepened their understanding of life and art. It reminded them that resilience is born from embracing change and that music has the power to connect us all, regardless of our backgrounds.

Years later, as Mick reflected on that magical summer in New Orleans, he felt grateful. The lessons of voodoo and the spirit of the city had etched themselves into the band’s legacy. They had learned to embrace the unknown, to weave stories into their music, and to keep pushing boundaries. The Rolling Stones emerged from that experience more passionate than ever, and their journey continued to inspire generations to come. Through the rhythms of voodoo, they discovered the heartbeat of life itself—vibrant, powerful, and always a little mysterious.