On This Day in 1971: Rod Stewart’s Accidental B-Side Smash Became His First UK Chart-Topper
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From B-Side to #1
On October 9, 1971, Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May” reached No. 1 on the UK singles chart, spending five weeks at the top. What makes the achievement more remarkable is that “Maggie May” was originally released as the B-side to “Reason to Believe.”
The phenomenon of a B-side overtaking its A-side is rare. In Stewart’s case, radio DJs began favoring “Maggie May,” driving airplay and sales that pushed it to the top of the charts. It became his first UK No. 1, and the start of a string of chart successes.
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The Song Behind the Hit
“Maggie May” was co-written by Stewart and guitarist Martin Quittenton. The track blends folk, rock, and acoustic elements, driven by a melody that resonated quickly with listeners. Notably, the recording includes a mandolin part played by Ray Jackson of Lindisfarne, an ingredient many cite as a key to its charm.
Stewart later said that Mercury Records initially viewed the song with doubt. In a 2013 interview with Howard Stern, he recalled, “The record company thought it was shit … We had eight tracks … and they said, ‘Well, we need another track…’ And that was ‘Maggie May.’” He admitted his concern that the song lacked a defined hit chorus, calling it “rambling” yet compelling.
Cultural Ripples and Legacy
The ascent of “Maggie May” signaled Stewart’s pivot from fronting bands like Faces to becoming a major solo artist. The track’s success in the UK mirrored its impact elsewhere: in the U.S., “Maggie May” also climbed to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 later in 1971.
Over time, “Maggie May” has become Stewart’s signature song—still widely played, covered, and recognized as a turning point in his career.
The story of “Maggie May” remains a reminder that sometimes the side of a record least expected to shine ends up defining an artist’s path.
