OPINION: This article may contain commentary which reflects the author’s opinion.
When Rod Stewart’s “Maggie May” became an international hit in 1971, it marked the moment that transformed the British singer from a promising talent into a bona fide rock superstar. The song, with its raw, bittersweet lyrics, topped charts across the world and became synonymous with Stewart’s career. However, beneath the surface of this legendary track lies a lesser-known but equally fascinating story—the iconic mandolin solo that closes the song. It’s a musical touch that elevates the emotional weight of the piece, but the man behind the instrument remains largely overlooked by many.
The Legacy of ‘Maggie May’
Written about a youthful romantic encounter tinged with feelings of regret, “Maggie May” became a defining anthem for Stewart, capturing the confusion and heartache of a young man feeling used and emotionally abandoned by an older lover. While the lyrics and Stewart’s unmistakable voice remain at the forefront of the song’s success, there’s an instrumental twist that adds another layer of depth: a mandolin solo that brings the track’s emotional coda to a haunting close.
The man responsible for that unforgettable mandolin part is Ray Jackson, a folk musician and member of the English band Lindisfarne. Although Stewart later recalled Jackson’s involvement in the song’s creation, it’s easy to forget that Jackson’s contribution was a vital element that would cement the song’s legacy.
A Musical Collaboration
As the story goes, Stewart was not working alone when crafting “Maggie May.” Though he was already a seasoned member of the Jeff Beck Group and, later, Faces, he enlisted the help of several notable musicians, including his bandmate Ronnie Wood, folk guitarist Martin Quittenton, and keyboardist Ian McLagan. Quittenton’s acoustic guitar and Wood’s lead guitar parts were integral to the song’s distinctive sound, layering a mixture of folk, rock, and blues.
But it’s the mandolin solo—played by Jackson—that serves as the song’s emotional punctuation. Following Wood’s second guitar solo, Jackson’s mandolin shifts the mood of the song from the narrative’s unresolved tension to a soft, melancholic resolution. This delicate instrumental section may seem like a subtle touch, but in reality, it’s a turning point in the song, offering a quiet reflection on the pain of unrequited love.
Ray Jackson: The Unsung Hero
While Jackson’s contribution to “Maggie May” is well-remembered by those involved in its creation, it hasn’t always been celebrated in the public eye. In fact, when Stewart performed on British music chart shows like Top of the Pops, it was DJ John Peel who mimed the mandolin parts—leaving Jackson in the shadows.
Jackson’s role in the track was, at the time, that of a session musician—a regular but often invisible part of the music industry. In a 2003 interview, Jackson reflected on the financial and creative circumstances that surrounded the recording. Having been paid a modest fee of £15 for his work on the track, Jackson had little reason to expect any recognition or royalties. It wasn’t until much later that Jackson, upon hearing the success of “Maggie May,” sought songwriting credits and royalties, even threatening to sue Stewart for his rightful share.
Though Jackson’s request for songwriting credits was denied, his contribution to “Maggie May” is undeniable. As Stewart himself admitted in the album’s liner notes for Every Picture Tells a Story, the mandolin was played by “the mandolin player in Lindisfarne,” but he couldn’t remember Jackson’s name at the time. Still, as Jackson later expressed, the memory of his work on the track remains significant to him. “It still knocks you sideways when you hear it after all these years,” he said with a sense of pride, acknowledging the lasting legacy of the song.
The Emotional Impact
The mandolin, an instrument not commonly heard in mainstream rock music, adds an unmistakable folk sensibility to “Maggie May.” Its inclusion at the song’s conclusion is not only a nod to the traditional folk influences that shaped Stewart’s early career but also a perfect sonic manifestation of the song’s theme. The haunting, finger-picked lines underscore the emotional vulnerability of the young protagonist, encapsulating the sadness and reflection of a love that has slipped away.
The tragic beauty of the mandolin solo is a testament to the power of subtlety in music. It’s a delicate touch that elevates the track from a great rock song to a timeless ballad. Without Jackson’s contribution, “Maggie May” might have been a wonderful hit, but it wouldn’t have reached the same emotional resonance that fans still feel when they hear it today.
Conclusion
While Rod Stewart rightfully remains the face of “Maggie May,” it’s important to recognize the unsung heroes behind the scenes—like Ray Jackson—who played critical roles in the creation of the song. The mandolin solo, played by Jackson, has become one of the most memorable and emotionally stirring moments in rock history. Though Jackson may not have received the accolades he deserved in the years following the song’s release, his contribution has certainly not been forgotten by those who appreciate the timeless beauty of “Maggie May.” For fans and musicians alike, the song will always serve as a reminder that sometimes, the most powerful moments in music are the ones that go unheard—until you know the story behind them.