Rod Stewart has left an indelible mark on rock music with over 250 million records sold worldwide and a career spanning six decades.
Raw folk-rock sounds defined his early hits. Stewart became skilled at musical progress through the smooth disco transitions of the late ’70s. His best hits reveal a remarkable range. “Maggie May” demonstrates storytelling brilliance while “Tonight’s the Night” captivates with its seductive groove. Each song carries its unique narrative.
Our team analyzed Stewart’s extensive catalog and interviewed music critics. We gathered fan opinions to create this definitive ranking of his greatest songs. This gravel-voiced legend’s place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame speaks volumes about his enduring impact.
Maggie May: The Song That Started It All
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Rock history has seen many career-defining moments, but few songs took such an unexpected path to success as “Maggie May.” The song started as a B-side to “Reason to Believe” and became Rod Stewart’s breakthrough hit that fans still love today.
Maggie May Origin Story
The sort of thing I love about “Maggie May” is that it came from a real-life encounter at the 1961 Beaulieu Jazz Festival. Stewart, just 16 then, crawled through an overflow sewage pipe to sneak into the festival and met an older woman in the beer tent 1. She wasn’t really named Maggie May – Stewart borrowed that name from an old Liverpudlian folk song about a prostitute 2.
Stewart didn’t write the song until a decade later after he worked with guitarist Martin Quittenton. Stewart’s doubts about the song make it even more interesting. “I even wondered for a while about leaving it off the album,” he said. “It didn’t have a chorus. It just had three rambling verses” 3.
Maggie May Recording Process
The recording itself turned out amazing. These talented musicians brought this classic to life:
- Ian McLagan – Organ
- Ronnie Wood – Electric guitar and bass, 12-string
- Micky Waller – Drums
- Ray Jackson – Mandolin
- Martin Quittenton – Acoustic guitar
The band captured the song in just two takes 3. A funny detail – drummer Micky Waller had to add all the cymbal crashes later because they didn’t have any cymbals during the original recording session 3.
Maggie May Cultural Impact
Radio’s power turned this song into a massive hit. The song was the B-side to “Reason to Believe” until a Cleveland radio DJ played “Maggie May” either by choice or accident 3. The response was huge:
| Region | Chart Performance |
| UK | #1 for 5 weeks 3 |
| US | #1 for 5 weeks 3 |
| Australia | #1 for 4 weeks 3 |
| Canada | #1 for 1 week 3 |
The song’s success broke records – it stayed on the Billboard Hot 100 for 21 weeks 4, and its parent album Every Picture Tells a Story dominated the UK charts for 81 weeks 4. “Maggie May” launched Stewart’s solo career 3 and established him as one of rock’s most distinctive voices.
Stewart has many hits, but “Maggie May” remains his signature song, and he plays it at almost every show 3. The song’s lasting appeal comes from its honest lyrics, unique structure, and Stewart’s distinctive voice – elements that defined his greatest hits.
The Folk Rock Years (1969-1975)
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Rod Stewart’s career reached its creative peak during the folk-rock years of 1969-1975. At the time he joined the Faces in 1969 5, Stewart started a remarkable experience that made him one of rock’s most distinctive voices.
Folk Rock Era Highlights
Stewart’s golden period began in the early 1970s. His third album Every Picture Tells a Story became his breakthrough hit. The album topped charts in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia simultaneously 6. The sort of thing I love is how Stewart kept this momentum going. His 1972 follow-up album Never a Dull Moment reached #1 in both the UK and Australia 7.
Stewart showed an impressive work ethic during this time. He released multiple albums as a solo artist and with the Faces. Here’s a glimpse of his prolific output:
| Year | Albums Released |
| 1969 | The Rod Stewart Album |
| 1970 | Gasoline Alley |
| 1971 | Every Picture Tells a Story |
| 1972 | Never a Dull Moment |
| 1974 | Smiler |
Folk Rock Musical Style
The sort of thing I love about Stewart’s folk-rock years is how he combined different musical elements. His early albums masterfully blended:
- Rock and folk foundations
- Soul and R&B influences
- Traditional British folk elements
- American rockabilly undertones
His instrumental arrangements stood out. Stewart put the acoustic guitar front and center to create a punching sound through the speakers 8. He added distinctive elements like mandolin parts, which became his signature sound in many folk-rock recordings 6.
Folk Rock Critical Reception
Critics loved Stewart’s folk-rock period. They praised his tremendous talent and unique approach 6. His storytelling abilities earned special recognition. One critic noted that his songs were “intelligent, witty, and packed with the nuance and drama of real life” 9.
His work with the Faces added depth to his artistry. The band earned recognition as “the best straightforward British rock band of the early 70s” 10. Their music balanced sophisticated songwriting with raw energy perfectly.
Stewart moved to the United States in 1975 5. He had already become one of rock’s most compassionate voices in music 6. His folk-rock period stood out because of his sharp eye for tiny details and his distinctive vocal delivery that made those details unforgettable.
The albums from this era, especially Gasoline Alley, Every Picture Tells a Story, and Never a Dull Moment, showed Stewart’s range. They moved naturally from “sentimental folk to charging, acoustic-based rockabilly to stomping, loose-limbed rocking funk” 9. This period proved that Rod Stewart wasn’t just a singer – he was a master at interpreting various musical styles.
The Disco Evolution (1975-1982)
Image Source: James Hamilton’s Disco Page
The late 1970s marked a bold change in Rod Stewart’s musical experience when he welcomed the pulsating rhythms of disco. The sort of thing I love is how artists grow and change. Stewart’s venture into disco stands out as one of the most dramatic genre changes in rock history.
Disco Era Transformation
Disco dominated the club scene by 1978. Stewart made a calculated decision to reinvent his sound during this time. This change ended with what would become one of his most controversial yet commercially successful hits – “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” This wasn’t just a casual experiment. He thought over this gamble that could have pushed away his rock fanbase 2.
The Rolling Stones’ “Miss You” and the broader disco wave sweeping through the music industry inspired the creation of “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” 11. Some artists tested disco waters cautiously. Stewart tucked into it headfirst and put all his eggs in the disco basket 2.
Disco Chart Performance
The numbers tell an impressive story of Stewart’s disco era success:
| Achievement | Details |
| US No. 1 Hits | 4 hits during this period 12 |
| UK Chart Success | 6 No. 1 singles 13 |
| Weeks at No. 1 | 18 weeks in UK charts 13 |
| Album Success | “Blondes Have More Fun” topped charts in multiple countries 6 |
“Tonight’s the Night” became a standout hit that spent 8 weeks at No. 1 on the US singles chart 14. Many radio stations banned it due to suggestive lyrics. The song still struck a chord with audiences strongly 14.
Disco Fan Response
Fan response to Stewart’s move into disco fascinates me. Rock purists pushed back at first, especially about “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” Stewart’s black spandex pants in the music video raised eyebrows 15. The commercial success told a different story:
- “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” sold two million copies in the US alone 15
- The song topped charts worldwide 11
- It became one of Stewart’s signature anthems 2
Stewart’s own take on this period stands out. “People love it. I do it every night. They absolutely love it, so I had the last laugh,” he later remarked 16. This comment captures how initial controversy gave way to lasting appreciation.
The disco era showed Stewart’s remarkable talent to stay relevant in different musical worlds. Some rock artists struggled with changing musical tastes. Stewart managed to keep scoring hits consistently. His success during this period went beyond a single track or album. He stayed strong on charts across multiple countries 6.
This period showed Stewart’s artistic range and commercial instincts clearly. Critics called his disco move mere trend-chasing. The lasting popularity of these songs suggests otherwise. “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” remains a crowd favorite at his concerts decades later 16. This proves the lasting effect of his venture into disco.
Power Ballad Dominance (1983-1995)
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The 1980s saw Rod Stewart evolve into the king of power ballads. This transformation proved he was one of rock’s most adaptable singers. His songs could bring tears to anyone’s eyes, and his emotional delivery became legendary 17.
Power Ballad Breakthrough
Stewart stepped confidently into power ballad territory during the mid-1980s. He knew how to keep his signature raspy vocals while embracing this new style. Songs like “Every Beat of My Heart” (1986) showed his gift for writing lyrics that struck a chord with listeners 17.
His talent really shone when he covered other artists’ work. Stewart’s version of Tom Waits’ “Downtown Train” perfectly captured this gift, and Jeff Beck’s slide guitar added raw emotion to the track 18.
Power Ballad Commercial Success
Numbers paint a clear picture of his dominance during this era:
| Achievement | Details |
| Worldwide Sales | 120 million records 3 |
| US Sales | 46.6 million albums and singles 3 |
| Billboard Ranking | 15th Greatest Artist of all time 3 |
| Hot 100 Position | 20th Greatest Hot 100 artist 3 |
Stewart hit another peak in 1993 with “All For Love,” a collaboration with Bryan Adams and Sting. This power ballad topped charts worldwide and ruled the US Billboard charts for three weeks 19. The song’s impact was huge:
- Reached #1 in Europe, Australia, and North America 19
- Knocked Bryan Adams’ “Please Forgive Me” off the top spot in Canada 19
- Achieved platinum certification with over a million copies sold 4
Power Ballad Legacy
Stewart’s cover of Van Morrison’s “Have I Told You Lately” stands out as one of his greatest works. The live version from his Unplugged… and Seated album dominated the adult contemporary chart for five weeks 4. His emotional delivery still connected deeply with audiences.
His 1994 induction into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 6 proved his lasting impact on popular music. Billboard named him the 6th greatest male soloist of all time 3, cementing his place among music’s legends.
The sort of thing I love about this era is how Stewart reinvented himself while staying true to his roots. His power ballads weren’t just hits – they became classics that still appeal to audiences today. “Forever Young” (1988) mixed meaningful lyrics with powerful melodies 20, while “Rhythm of My Heart” (1991) blended Celtic influences into his power ballad style 20.
Modern Era Classics (1995-Present)
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Rod Stewart has reinvented himself yet again as we enter the modern era. This proves great artists never stop growing. Stewart made a powerful comeback to songwriting after spending years interpreting others’ work through his Great American Songbook series. His creative well runs deeper than ever.
Modern Era Innovation
Stewart’s modern period shows his drive to challenge himself creatively. He completed successful ventures into the Great American Songbook, soul covers, and rock classics 1. This led him to a creative crossroads. “I’d backed myself into an alley because there’s not much left to do except write,” Stewart admitted 21.
His creative renaissance produced remarkable results. Time (2013) became his first UK chart-topper since 1976 22. This achievement meant more than commercial success – it marked Stewart’s artistic rebirth.
Recent releases showcase his continued growth:
- Blood Red Roses (2018)
- You’re in My Heart with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (2019)
- The Tears of Hercules (2021)
- Swing Fever with Jools Holland (2024) 22
Modern Era Collaborations
Stewart’s collaborative spirit shines through this period. His partnerships created unforgettable moments. The work with Jools Holland on Swing Fever shows he still knows how to explore new musical territories. “We could’ve kept recording for another year,” Stewart revealed, highlighting their natural chemistry 23.
His notable achievements stand out:
| Milestone | Achievement |
| Record Sales | Over 250 million records worldwide 24 |
| UK Success | 11 No. 1 albums (tied with David Bowie, Taylor Swift, and U2) 24 |
| US Recognition | 46.6 million albums and singles sold 3 |
| Billboard Ranking | 15th Greatest Artist of all time 3 |
Modern Era Recognition
Stewart’s legacy grows stronger with numerous accolades. He achieved something rare – dual induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The first came as a solo artist in 1994, followed by membership of the Faces in 2012 22.
Recent honors include:
- Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2007 22
- Knighthood in 2016 for services to music and charity 6
- Chopard Diamond Award for exceeding 100 million record sales 10
Stewart remains a powerful force in music. His Rio de Janeiro show drew 3.5 million fans to Copacabana Beach – the largest free rock concert audience in history 10. He performed at The BRITS in 2020 and graced Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee concert in 2022 25.
Stewart keeps pushing forward. His 2024 release Swing Fever topped the UK charts 24. This proves his connection with audiences stays strong. “I can’t think of anything better than that,” he said about potentially touring with Jools Holland, showing his endless passion for live performance 23.
Comparison Table
| Era | Time Period | Notable Songs/Albums | Chart Performance | Musical Style | Key Achievements |
| Maggie May | 1971 | “Maggie May”, “Every Picture Tells a Story” | #1 in UK (5 weeks), US (5 weeks), Australia (4 weeks) | Folk Rock | Breakthrough hit as solo performer; stayed 21 weeks on Billboard Hot 100 |
| Folk Rock Years | 1969-1975 | “Gasoline Alley”, “Every Picture Tells a Story”, “Never a Dull Moment”, “Smiler” | Multiple #1 albums in UK, US, Canada, and Australia | Blend of rock, folk, soul, R&B, and British folk | Made his mark with a distinctive voice; thrived alongside his career with Faces |
| Disco Rise | 1975-1982 | “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?”, “Tonight’s the Night”, “Blondes Have More Fun” | 4 US #1 hits, 6 UK #1 singles, 18 weeks at UK #1 | Disco, Dance Pop | “Tonight’s the Night” dominated US charts for 8 weeks; “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” hit 2 million US sales |
| Power Ballad Dominance | 1983-1995 | “Downtown Train”, “All For Love”, “Have I Told You Lately” | 120 million records worldwide; ranked 15th Greatest Artist by Billboard | Power Ballads | Joined Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1994); Billboard ranked him 6th greatest male soloist |
| Modern Era | 1995-Present | “Time”, “Blood Red Roses”, “Swing Fever” | Over 250 million records worldwide; 11 UK #1 albums | Various (American Songbook, Rock, Swing) | Received knighthood (2016); awarded CBE (2007); Set record with 3.5 million attendees at Rio concert |
Conclusion
Rod Stewart’s remarkable experience in rock music stands as a perfect example of artistic progress. His six-decade career shows a transformation from folk-rock storyteller to disco sensation and power ballad virtuoso. He accomplished this while keeping his distinctive raspy vocals and authentic style intact.
The numbers paint an impressive picture. Stewart has sold over 250 million records worldwide, topped the UK albums chart 11 times, and created countless hit songs. His legacy reaches far beyond these achievements. He knows how to connect with audiences through raw, honest performances of “Maggie May” and later reinvented himself with hits like “Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” This rare artistic versatility sets him apart.
Stewart’s knighthood and dual Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductions speak volumes about his impact. His record-breaking performances, including the 3.5-million-strong Rio concert, showcase his enduring appeal. His recent work, including 2024’s “Swing Fever,” proves his creative well runs deep.
Great artists never stop growing, and Stewart embodies this principle perfectly. His rise from sewage pipe festival crasher to rock legend demonstrates that authenticity, combined with being willing to change, creates timeless music that resonates across generations.
FAQs
Q1. What is Rod Stewart’s most iconic song? “Maggie May” is widely considered Rod Stewart’s signature song. Released in 1971, it became his breakthrough hit, topping charts in multiple countries and establishing him as a solo artist.
Q2. How has Rod Stewart’s musical style evolved over the years? Rod Stewart’s career has spanned several musical eras. He began with folk-rock in the late 1960s, transitioned to disco in the late 1970s, dominated with power ballads in the 1980s and early 1990s, and continues to explore various genres in the modern era.
Q3. What are some of Rod Stewart’s biggest career achievements? Rod Stewart has sold over 250 million records worldwide, achieved 11 UK number-one albums, and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. He was also knighted in 2016 for his services to music and charity.
Q4. Which Rod Stewart song spent the most time at number one in the US? “Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” spent 8 weeks at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1976-1977, making it his longest-running number-one hit in the United States.
Q5. Is Rod Stewart still making music today? Yes, Rod Stewart continues to create and release new music. His recent albums include “Blood Red Roses” (2018), “The Tears of Hercules” (2021), and “Swing Fever” with Jools Holland (2024), demonstrating his ongoing creativity and relevance in the music industry.
