Startling new research on the origins of the Rolling Stones

Colin H on Dinosaurs

On October 1970 the Melody Maker revealed astounding new research that antedated the Mock Jogger and his garage band cronies at least 30 years prior to the existing understanding of their formation. Somehow swept under the carpet by the Rolling Stones’ publicity machine, this remarkable research deserves to be re-examined. It means Jogger is about 112.

Here is the text from that original 1970 expose:

‘MICK – YOU NEVER TOLD US!’

Nothing is new – back in 1932 the Melody Maker was raving about The Rolling Stones.

Our delightful picture shows an incredibly camp looking band who must have been a sensation. Al Smith was the drummer and the Jagger-like lead singer was Jack Lewis – “an accomplished dancer, a noted athlete and once schoolboy boxing champion of Great Britain”, according to the contemporary report. Al used to lead a group called the Broway Melody Makers until he formed the Stones, “a bright and popular act”.

The review goes on to say of Jack Lewis: “besides his terpsichorean efforts, which are a big feature of the act, he gives a clever exposition of ball-punching to music. Dolly Lewis, his sister, sings and dances equally well, and adds most effectively a dainty touch of feminitity. Al Smith gives a terrifically vigorous exhibitiion of drumming.” It would be lovely to see Micjk giving an “exhibition of ball-punching”.

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