Don Covay (born Donald Randolph, March 24, 1938 – January 30, 2015) was an … Read Full Bio ↴Don Covay (born Donald Randolph, March 24, 1938 – January 30, 2015) was an American R&B, rock and roll and soul singer and songwriter most active in the 1950s and 1960s. He received a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation in 1994.

Donald Randolph was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, United States. His father a Baptist preacher died when Don was eight. Covay resettled in Washington D.C. during the early 1950s and initially sang in the Cherry Keys, his family's gospel quartet. He crossed over to secular music with the Rainbows, a formative group which also included Marvin Gaye and Billy Stewart. Covay's solo career began in 1957 as part of the Little Richard Revue.

A single "Bip Bop Bip" was released on Atlantic and produced by Little Richard, on which Covay was billed as "Pretty Boy". It also featured his backing band the Upsetters. Over the next few years Covay drifted from label to label, but a further dance-oriented track called "Popeye Waddle" was a hit in 1962. He also wrote and recorded "Pony Time" which later became a US #1 single for Chubby Checker. Covay meanwhile honed his songwriting skills by penning a hit for Solomon Burke, "I'm Hanging Up My Heart for You", while Gladys Knight & The Pips reached the US Top 20 with "Letter Full of Tears".
Covay's singing career continued to falter until 1964, when he signed to the Rosemart label. His debut single there with the Goodtimers, "Mercy Mercy" (accompanied by a young Jimi Hendrix on guitar), established his earthy bluesy style. Atlantic bought his contract, but, while several R&B hits followed, it was a year before Covay returned to the pop chart. "See Saw", co-written with Steve Cropper and recorded at Stax, paved the way for more hits.
Don Covay's songs still remain successful: Aretha Franklin won a Grammy for her performance of his composition "Chain of Fools". He is a legendary composer and singer, best known for his R&B classic compositions "Mercy Mercy", "Chain of Fools", "See Saw" and "Sookie Sookie". Covay had success as a singer as Don Covay and The Goodtimers, and his compositions have been recorded by such varied artists as Steppenwolf, Bobby Womack, The Rolling Stones, Wilson Pickett, The Small Faces, Grant Green, Peter Wolf and many more.

Don Covay had a stroke in 1992, and the following year Ronnie Wood of the Rolling Stones appeared, with Iggy Pop, Todd Rundgren and others on a Covay tribute album Back to the Streets: Celebrating the Music of Don Covay. The same year he was presented by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation with one of its Pioneer Awards.

He released an album Adlib in 2000 on the Cannonball label, his first album in 23 years. Collaborating musicians included Paul Rodgers, Wilson Pickett, Lee Konitz, Otis Clay, Kim Simmonds, Ann Peebles, Syl Johnson, Paul Shaffer, Huey Lewis, and Dan Penn. The cover art was by Ronnie Wood.

Covay died on January 30, 2015 at the age of 76.

Mercy Mercy
Don Covay Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Have mercy, have mercy, baby
Have mercy, have mercy on me

Well, I went to see a gypsy and had my fortune read
She said, "Don, your baby's gonna leave you"
Her back is packed up under the bed and I cry

Have mercy, have mercy, baby, yeah

Have mercy, yeah, have mercy on me

I said, if you leave me baby, girl, if you put me down
Well, I'm a goin' to the nearest river, child
And jump from above to the ground but don't leave me

Have mercy, have mercy, baby
Mercy, yeah, have mercy, have mercy on me

Well, now hey hey baby, hey hey now, what you tryin' to do, huh?
Hey hey baby, hey hey now, please don't say we're through

I said, if you stay, baby, I tell you what I'm gonna do
I'm gonna work two jobs seven days a week
And bring my money home to you

Well, I said mercy, mercy, mercy
Mercy, mercy, mercy

Overall Meaning

Don Covay's song "Mercy Mercy" is a soulful plea for mercy from a lover who is afraid of losing his significant other. Covay paints a vivid picture of his desperation as he seeks a solution to his troubles. The song's verse is an account of seeking help from a fortune teller who predicts the end to his current relationship, and he begs for mercy from his lover. The chorus repeats the phrase "mercy, mercy, have mercy on me" as he pleads for his lover's compassion.

Covay's lyrics are full of emotion, describing his feelings of despair and hopelessness. The way his voice rises at the mention of jumping off a bridge emphasizes his feeling of desperation. Furthermore, the repetition of the word "mercy" throughout the song emphasizes his need for compassion from his lover. The final verse is an appeal to his lover to remain committed, promising to work hard and provide for her if she stays.

Line by Line Meaning

Have mercy, have mercy, baby
The singer asks for mercy from their partner.

Have mercy, have mercy on me
The singer is asking for mercy from their partner for their own sake.

Well, I went to see a gypsy and had my fortune read
The singer sought guidance from a fortune teller.

She said, "Don, your baby's gonna leave you"
The fortune teller predicted that the artist's partner will leave them.

Her back is packed up under the bed and I cry
The partner has packed their bags to leave and the artist is upset about it.

I said, if you leave me baby, girl, if you put me down
The singer tells their partner that leaving them would hurt.

Well, I'm a goin' to the nearest river, child
The singer contemplates suicide if their partner leaves them.

And jump from above to the ground but don't leave me
The artist begs their partner not to leave them even though they feel suicidal.

Well, now hey hey baby, hey hey now, what you tryin' to do, huh?
The artist questions their partner's intention to leave them.

Hey hey baby, hey hey now, please don't say we're through
The artist pleads with their partner not to end their relationship.

I said, if you stay, baby, I tell you what I'm gonna do
The singer promises to work hard to keep their partner with them.

I'm gonna work two jobs seven days a week
The artist plans to work extra hard to make ends meet and keep their partner happy.

And bring my money home to you
The singer intends to provide for their partner financially.

Well, I said mercy, mercy, mercy
The singer continues to plead for mercy from their partner.

Mercy, mercy, mercy
The singer repeats their plea for mercy.

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Don Covay, Ronald Miller

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@smokinjz

4y↑6

Have mercy
Have mercy baby
Have mercy
Have mercy on me
Well I went to see a gypsy
And had my fortune read
She said Don, your baby's gonna leave you
Her back is packed up under the bed
And I cry
Have mercy
Have mercy baby
Have mercy
Have mercy on me
I say, if you leave me baby
Girl if you put me down
Well I'm a goin' to the nearest river, child
And jump from above to the ground
Don't leave me
Have mercy
Have mercy baby
Mercy yeah
Have mercy
Have mercy on me
Well hey hey baby, hey hey now
What you tryin' to do, huh?
Hey hey baby, hey hey now
Please don't say we're through
I said if you stay, baby
I tell you what I'm gonna do
I'm gonna work to a job seven days a week
And bring my money home to you
Well I say mercy,
mercy, mercy, mercy...

All comments from YouTube:

@tbkiyoshiro9097

2y↑30

Jimi Hendrix played the guitar, and Mick was influenced by his singing style. And good song. There's no rock and soulful song like this.

@AR-dj3yw

48w

Dude I was just thinking that sounds similar to Jimi style!!

@MattH-wg7ou

44w

Yep, thats Jimi!

@jessewolf7649

22w↑1

1st song on Stones’ Out of Our Heads, US version.

@rollerchickable

8y↑18

I LOVE IT SING DON COVAY, THIS SONG BRINGS BACK A LOT OF MEMORIES , THANKS FOR SHARING. RIP DON COVAY.

@wymellwilliams1543

I love this song but I love Cannonball Adderley version a lot better as a matter fact I'm going to play that next

@1408alan

16y↑14

I bought this when it was first released in 19mumble, and it still sounds as great today. Soul at its best.

@capt3662

1y↑1

1960

@dhornjr1

13y↑13

One of my favorite songs of all time.

@smokinjz

4y↑6

@patriciawilson155

34w↑1

Had forgot this artist until I was listening to Bobby Womack sing I was Checking Out While She Was Checking In, a song first performed by Covay .The man had his own skills with the Blues ! ❤️

@mindyboadilla8414

10y↑33

A young Hendrix. . A man full of guts & glory

@92463mike

8y↑3

+Mindy Boadilla That is NOT Jimi Hendrix! I am an authority on Hendrix, and that is not him. That is a Muscle Shoals session player, probably Tommy Cogbill. Stop the madness.

@jimmyscratchjames

5y↑12

@michael swanson Tommy Cogbill was a bassist for Muscle Shoals not a guitarist. This song was cut at A1 studios in New York not down in Alabama. Don Covay and one backup session singer has staked claim that Hendrix was at the studio when it was cut in May of 1964. Plus Hendrix showed Steve Cropper how he played the song when Hendrix visited Stax studios in 1965..........

@BrianBuckleyVoice

3y↑11

@michael swanson you’re wrong. It was Hendrix. You are a poor authority. Try a new authority route.

@jayhendricks67

2y↑8

@michael swanson You can't be a Hendrix anything if you can't hear his riffs on this song

@jayhendricks67

@michael swanson
https://youtu.be/ECSzaMJ6YTY

@nylesfrench3568

2y↑2

For Those who don't Know that Beautiful opening Guitar rift and subsequent Groovin is None other than a Young Jimi Hendrix. He's showing early Brilliance and a sign of what's to come.

@ws3423

8y↑19

the opening riff is beautiful..who else could rip it solo until the drum hits..

@BWild82

3y↑7

You can hear the influence of Curtis Mayfield in Jimi’s playing.

@mutleybird

3y↑1

Pretty much most studio guitar players in the '50's & early 60's could easily do it, and do it far better.

@kaspafischer

2y↑1

@mutleybird not much of a Jimi Hendrix fan huh? 😅

@luismogarrulax7203

10y

artista injustamente valorado, creador de muchísimos temas excelentes.

@JLScott3178

13y↑3

down to earth and soulful - plain and simple...

@charliedontsurf70

10y↑14

don gets no airplay on oldies stations,it sickens me,this guy was amazing!

@ladonnasanders6435

9y↑1

Check out kkfi.org (live streaming) on Saturday mornings from 5 to 7am. Rock and Soul Jukebox, a show locally produced in KC and it covers all the old 45 records. Or tune in to 90.1fm in KC.

@glennhfriedman4571

6y↑3

have mercy on us Don ...

@jimmieboone-amos6446

7y↑1

I remember seeing my mom and my cousin Annie Kate dancing off this record....loved it

@Turkeyhome

16y↑2

Still fresh.. love it!

@GrandsonofSoul

9y↑3

It wasn't until I watched the Grammys last night that I find out that he passed. A great unsung talent Mr. Covay was.

@almanacofsleep

16y↑3

This is one of favourite songs, thanks for posting.

@maryboylan9407

9y↑4

Have Mercy on his soul

@freeversejams

10y↑10

thanks for posting this. Jimi Hendrix plays the guitar on this song. He sounds beautiful as always! Hendrix forever!

@92463mike

+Al Mora No, it is NOT Hendrix. Where are you people getting this MIS--information from??

@marks.3303

2y↑1

@michael swanson Steve Cropper. Take it up with him.

@jamesperry2322

@michael swanson Ask Steve Cropper of Booker T & The MGS. He'll be glad to tell you!

@RagggedTrouseredPhilanthropist

2y↑2

@michael swanson 'Room full of Mirrors' by Charles Cross, a detailed biography of Hendrix, also explains Hendrix played on this. And Jimi talked about it. And Steve Cropper. There are tonnes of sources.
Why do you think it's misinformation?

@MrWilkat1

1y↑1

Great stuff!

@59cadcoupe

9y↑4

Great stereo on this recording!

@joycewilliams6472

4y↑3

love that song we use to dabce to it when it came out in 1964 and still dancing to it

@johnkiene

10y↑12

Imagine how the Stones felt when they learned they were in the presence of the original guitar player who'd laid it down years before.

@ivanstax

Love this tune , taught me my apprentice ship

@demonsbutterfly

16y↑3

First time i have heard this original. Have known the stones version for over 30 years. Thanks again youtube

@michaelmuller7605

All the comments are spot on but the coolest part of this song is the guy singing background (Don?), totally BADASS! SOUL!

@SullyDownHereOnEarth

8y↑27

Hendrix Is in guitar damn. Wtf. Out Of Our Heads has so many dope covers you look the originals up and get some soul history through a rock band...wow

@1populist

3y↑1

Exactly

@tajeeliburd4968

3y↑2

@Andy L I don't think Jimi played on this track even though he covered this song. People always point out how Jimi was influenced by Curtis Mayfield but I think it was the other way around ( Freddie's Dead) because Jimi was a couple of years older than Curtis. Don Covay was a innovative guitarist in his own right and it was Jimi who patterned is his playing after Don not so much Curtis even though Jimi loved Curtis Mayfield. Bobby Womack was also friend and a inspiration to Hendrix as well. Curtis never played as many fills on the guitar like Don Covay much less Hendrix!

@jamesperry2322

2y↑1

Jimi made some classic sessions even without even having his name mentioned. The intro here is reminiscent of the intro on "Little Wing".

@RagggedTrouseredPhilanthropist

@Tajee Liburd It is Hendrix. Well documented in lots of sources. He was a session man before he was famous.

@jonathanweiss7716

Much better than the Stones version.

@rollerchickable

9y↑2

SING DON COVAY I LOVE IT .

@rollerchickable

8y↑2

I PLAY THIS SONG ALL THE TIME, MERCY, MERCY.FOR SURE.

@fuzzy123238

5y↑2

One of the few remaining tracks with Hendrix left free to the public. Shame, but rock on.

@cheyenneshawnee1466

10y

I met one of his young cousins when I taught at a school in Maryland. The young man, one of my students, was surprised when he asked me if i'd ever heard of Don Covey; and I said, "Yes".

@Welshbluesman

16y↑3

James Marshall Hendrixs is the guitarist featured on this song! That intro lick is Jimi's first known commercially recorded lick!

@Anrheiner111

His first recording was the Isley Bros Testify!!

@Anrheiner111

His first recording was the Isley Bros Testify!!

@kevinhaley

17w

Jeff Lynne brought me here. Glad to hear this. Jeff did a good job covering it.

@rileybowman5988

6y↑5

Doing a research project on Jimi Hendrix right now and this song came up during my reading...so here I am

@Bwahzehdezooner

10y↑12

Take it from none other than Steve Cropper…It's definitely Jimi on guitar.

@djdavemick

13y↑1

Waht a winner. #1 Cashbox R & B hit.

@dwaynewladyka577

10y↑2

That does sound like Jimi Hendrix on guitar here. Is there any studio work of the Isley Brothers with Jimi Hendrix on guitar? I'm curious about that. Great tune!

@shaunphillips9693

9y↑2

Dwayne Wladyka - Yes, several songs w/ Isley's including some with Jimi experimenting w/ feedback and Ronald Isley shouting Jimi out on live recordings.

@Honey-vz1qq

6y↑4

I remember this song when I was a little kid. Lois Jean, my teenage neighbor, had every popular song on the black circuit. And what she didn't have, Miss (Mrs.) Edna had.

@nola305

9y↑3

R.I.P. Don Covay

@mistagunn

11y

It is Jimi man. Definitely...right around the time he was doing backing gigs for soul cats like Little Richard, Ike and Tina, The Isley brothers(he also taught and influenced Ernie Isley's style) It is Jimi Hendrix on this joint...read his biography...

@prophetsbourne1136

4y↑1

Jimi’s first session work to break the Top 40..

@rael6168

50w

Jeff Lynne did a perfect cover!

@oppapea

3y↑3

Bernard Purdie on drums!!

@firetopman

I love the drums. The whole song sucks you in because everyone is doing their job well.

@will89687

9y↑14

RIP Don...

@eightinches6094

8y↑2

+will89687
He just died in 2015.

@clarkewi

13y↑4

@mobegone I love that "soul" sound too. Another great that Jimi loved was Curtis Mayfield. Much the same guitar style.

@jamesperry2322

Yes...Curtis style can be heard on this tune.

@NatZingg

🙌🙌🙌

@deeeightsch7022

Simpel und einfach gut.

@josebegui

Now I know where Three Dog Night got the 'Joy to the World' melody!

@bossfan49

*Hoyt Axton

@bribbripnairbnab7301

4y↑2

Wow! For a few seconds I thought it sounded like "Hey Joe" in the very beginning! Or maybe "Little Wing". Love Hendrix.

@BWild82

It also sounds like Curtis Mayfield, (The Impressions, “People Get Ready”), who influenced Jimi *

@the1ali

16y

Yeah he recorded it during his days on the chitlin' circuit, before Chas found him in NYC.

@wilbertkendal2524

40w↑2

Definitely Hendrix on guitar. LOL!....We all know where Mick Jagger got his vocal style from. RIP Don Covay / Jimi Hendrix

@jessewolf7649

22w

Yes. And as great as Don was I think Mick took it to the next level. Not just on the Stones’ covers. Jumpin’ Jack, Stray Cat, Street Fighting, Shelter, Sugar…

@TheW.Slayer-nw5ih

22w

@@jessewolf7649 Yeah......Poor old Mick took it to the next level down 🤣🤣🤣. Mick, couldn't sing for 'Toffee!'

@aquilescaigo2714

4y↑1

The original version is awsome, but i prefer the Mick Jagger's cover

@lazur1

9y↑11

The Rolling Stones covered this tune before they'd ever heard of Hendrix. Their version isn't bad at all, but they didn't get it right. Between the unusual chord progression and Jimi's virtuosity, it was too tough.

@2009framat

9y↑2

It used to be an unconfirmed rumour (not the only one) that Hendrix played on this & almost 40 years later it becomes via www. a "fact" or at least "accepted" :-)
wikipedia:
________Beginning in 2002, it has become generally accepted that Jimi Hendrix contributed a guitar part to "Mercy, Mercy".According to backup singer Clemons:
Curtis Knight, Jimmy [Jimi Hendrix], and I all used to live in the same apartment building — around 81st Street [near the A1 Studio] ... Don Covay came around shopping for a record deal. He used to go down to the Harlem clubs looking for somebody to use ... on songs he was looking to sell to Atlantic [Records]. He'd say, 'I got this tune I want you to help me with ... come on down to the studio ... Can you sing this part? Can you play this part?'
Covay has sometimes identified Hendrix as a participant and on others does not mention him.According to biographer Roby, Hendrix "arrived at A1 Studio [and] was asked to play a simple Curtis Mayfield-like R&B riff and not overstep his boundaries at the song's dramatic pause". However, to author Shadwick, the song's guitarist "certainly enjoys a prominent role — and perhaps this does suggest a regular band-member performing a well-learned routine rather than a last minute substitution"___
Covay was by 1964 a recording veteran with a lot of contacts - it could have been possible that Hendrix played on the session but why took it so long to find out and why does nobody know for sure who were the other musicians on the recording. I mean that was ATLANTIC REcords and not an unknown or obscure label without a staff of regular studio musicians. I really doubt it.

@lazur1

9y↑2

2009framat This isn't a conspiracy theory. No ones afraid of being killed if they tell the truth. The guitar part is legendary, the guy who played it would want the glory. Curtis-like yes, but never heard on any other record from that studio, from Covay, or from any of the other guitarists credited as also being on the record. It sounds like Jimi. No other guitarist has claimed it. No producer, engineer, musician has contradicted it. The closest thing to a conflict is Covay "sometimes, but not always" mentioning Jimi. Is this really any more unlikely than a very-young, non-music-reading Duane Allman playing on a Wilson Pickett session before he was famous? The difference: Duane's documented, (so, better book-keeping), but the only reason I believe it's Duane is because it sounds like Duane. It sounds like Jimi.

@2009framat

9y↑1

"This isn't a conspiracy theory!?!?!!!" Don't talk to me like to an idiot. I do not know how long you are into that kind of music but I know people who are into it since the 60's and they agree with me that a lot is made up - proably this "fact",too. Nobody ever mentioned that Hendrix played on it for years- I own a vinyl LP from 1984 with liner notes by Clive Anderson and while Hendrix is mentioned once (..."All the while he (D-C.) kept abreast of contempory singer songwriters like JOE TEX and picked up the guitar style of people like BOBBY WOMACK and the fledging JIMI HENDRIX" - the personell is also mentioned: Horace Ott and Bassplayer Ronnie Miller but nobody else. 5 days earlier the B-side was recorded with Bernard Purdie on drums. No mentioning from J.Hendrix in 1984 again (20 years after the session).
Believe it or not there were guitarplayers before Hendrix who could play like this (I mean on "mercy mercy"). I read interviews by Sun Rockabilly musician BILLY LEE RILEY where he said that all the time people made up stories but in the 70's and 80's you still needed something in print to make people believe (even if it was not confirmed or even wrong) - but in the 21st century people do their recherche in the www. and then write articles and books and rumours begin to become "facts". RILEY also mentioned that a lot of well-known musicians confirmed often rumours because they do not want to dissappoint fans and journalists.

@lazur1

9y↑2

2009framat No need to get angry. You can add me to that list of those people you know from the 60s. I stand by everything in my previous post. (I doubt protecting "disappointed fans" competes w/being known as the guy who played so well on such a great record. For all parties involved to get on that same line of reasoning does indeed become a conspiracy theory.) As a player since '63, pro since '67, & someone who made a concerted effort to 'get' Jimi's style as soon as "Are You Experienced" came out, I have an ear for the subtle differences between similar players. Many are similar, (mostly those who copied Jimi later), but I haven't heard anyone quite play exactly this way besides Jimi himself, & that includes Curtis Mayfield himself. I'd love to hear an earlier recording that proves me wrong.

@2009framat

9y↑1

Im Yu Be not surprised if people get "angry" when you try to belittle their comments with your no-conspiracy-bla-la :-)
I met too often those "experts" and "pros" here on youtube without any proof of their playing abilties (videos etc.) or . Maybe you are right - maybe I am right - but it seemes strange that nobody claimed Hendrix played on the the tune from 1964 to at least 1984 - and over 40 years later it is written in the internet that he was the guitarist for sure. I quoted the BL Riley statement and referred to HIS experience with his fans when he told them the one or the other positive "fact" about HIS musical career is not true. Yes - I think some Hendrix fans would be less interested in Covay's song if they would find out that an unknown session player who never recorded in his own right is the guitarist. I think this is not too hard to understand - (some) fans are usually biased.

10 More Replies...

@chrisedwards3214

6y↑1

I heard this year's ago I was listening to Hendrix but didn't know he played this

@Knifymoloko

Lucky Dragons does an insane glitch-pop 'cover' of this track called 'Mercy' highly recommended

@SKY-jv9ue

1965 I love it! Going into the ARMY! Then VIETNAM!

@TruthHides34

10y

you can hear at least 2 guitars, is the other one also played by hendrix?

@laopan888

5y↑1

Stones version has more bottom on all insts (incl Mick), chunky and big where everything on this is discrete and clear...and the bg singing is way better.

@boobieneedham8873

10y

Happy 76th B-day Mr Covay... Luv' Ya!!!

@sportsmediaamerica

6y↑4

Don't knock what Keith Richards did with this song. He copped the guitar feel and made it his own. The Stones version is way more driving and sexier.This version is good and historically interesting but the Stones improved on it, Hendrix or whoever is playing the ax.

@sportsmediaamerica

Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNiCRzduz_s

@astropastel

6y↑2

Apples and oranges depends on what you like. Both versions are great.

@rd350c

This song's on the Stone's setlist for 2019 https://scontent.fagc3-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/66475985_10157274237964061_2714693453064699904_n.jpg?_nc_cat=106&_nc_oc=AQk3f9Juj7xqXf_CuCLNs90qT-ZIaewIZtTesKSzXhGWOMvYfH4uuEsbtq3cYOIf0lk&_nc_ht=scontent.fagc3-2.fna&oh=759f7974703cb0f5900e1fe9e6ed91a2&oe=5DC1A2D9

@raveon09

11y

it takes one to know one

@tuxguys

8y↑3

(7 years ago)
If Jagger could actually SING (actually, that's unfair, he did SING once, on "Under My thumb," but to continue)...
...THIS is what he would sound like.
(A preponderance of commenters below aver that that is a very young Jimi Hendrix on guitar.)

@bobbyg.200

5y↑1

Urine air soul.

@Serrato94

11y↑1

He did, I just read it in the book I'm reading Room Full Of Mirrors

@YYCkike

3y↑2

Jimi Hendrix on the guitar

@user-hu5in6ut4n

20w

This is who Van Morrison was trying to sound like

@mikehiers

This so perfect that it defies comment.

@RushPfeifferMusic

10y↑7

The main guitar (the guitar that plays the intro) is Jimi Hendrix.

@ritchierhoads1

9y↑1

most likely, I agree.

@lazur1

9y↑2

ritchierhoads1 Beyond most likely. A matter of record. Excuse the pun, but really.

@_JakeRoth_

Actually its Kieth Richards from the Stones, if your asking about the original track.

@lazur1

8y↑3

All you have to do is look at the songwriting credit listed on the Stones' recording's liner notes: "D.Covay". The Covay/Hendrix track is the original.The Stones covered it soon after. Keith never played like this. Jimi did. If you compare the Covay original with the Stones' cover, you'll notice that the original has a sophisticated chord progression that Keith had to simplify.

@_JakeRoth_

8y↑1

Im Yu my bad lol

@careyrose00

9y↑1

Nice :)

@TheNealQ

Is Jimi doing backing vocals too, there's a voice in there sounds like him.

@superpapets

Sandro, the Jam, Don Covay y Los Beatles.. hablame de influencias...

@sactifiedmission4097

👌

@harryh8536

Gonna work 2 jobs 7 days a week & bring my money home to you— have mercy baby

@MANDALAMUSICNYC

9y↑111

Hendrix on guitar

@rayjr62

8y↑2

+MandalaMusic Huey Lewis' favorite artist.

@syourke3

6y↑6

He must have been a baby 👶 when he played on this number.

@nanjemoyal-kursi3078

5y↑2

Hu? IAM a bass player from back in the day and didn't know that. Wow/ THANKS

@carlosarturosousagarridole9361

5y↑1

Right!

@thevideosinc

5y↑1

he was in his early 20's at this point.

10 More Replies...

@realfuckinggas

15y↑1

Jimi's intro man!!!.......wat kul song!!

@tonyfreeman1339

27w

Hal Blaine on drums.

@plectroman

11y↑2

No way is that John Hammond playing guitar. Sounds like Jimi to me.

@bossfan49

I'm here from the Jeff Lynne documentary: Mr. Blue Sky (2012). He performs a solo version. Had to hear the original of this fine tune.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wb8MvqLUy_0

@thresher4

10y↑4

I found this one looking up Jimi Hendrix, this is an early one.

@keeponrollin7922

6y↑45

Sounds like Mick got his influence from mr covay

@cultfilmfreakreviews

5y↑3

the stones version is more grungy. better.

@keeponrollin7922

Saw them play this other nite in DC..fkn spectacular

@misst.e.a.187

4y↑5

@Fred Derry If you want grungy, yes. But this is the original and the best imo

@benjaminmyles5886

3y↑2

100% your on to it

@ladyinabag1

Heard Jimi Hendrix played guitar on this.

@keeponrollin7922

5y↑1

Jagger bought and made him a custom van for his handicap in his later yrs and paid for his funeral

@MrCosmicWanderer

11y↑1

These comments are ridiculous. The Stones and Don Covay were very close and still are. I am family friends of Don Covay's daughter and she has only warm stories about The Stones! (including Mick.)

@rd350c

@RIP3ooo

#DonCovay

@mistagunn

11y

a pseudonym is who he is..it is Jimi Hendrix...who was under contract with somebody and well.....became John Hammond

@cliefclinton

11y

you right jimi is the guitar player

@rollerchickable

10y↑1

Don you know that you song this song Mercy Mercy Baby.

@dreamwell2020

Ever wonder why Jagger sings falsetto sometimes?

@JRR951

16y↑1

hendrix is playing guitar on this recording but then he was going as jimmy james...

@the1ali

13y↑1

@Gotsnerv Jimi actually played this song during his first tour with the Experience.

@FrancisMorfran

12y

i was wondering the same thing!

@eliortegajr9710

Thanks yosh95wilde for this one.

@vanhallnorway

6y↑1

a dancehall filler, is it Hendrix on guitar ?

@rumeos3133

10y

5/5

@mrstanbmw

11y

you know he was

@the1ali

16y

i think jimi hendrix played guitar on this record.

@aeroair4724

7y↑5

36 people don't have Mercy

@devetone

16y

yosh95wilde Long time I did not hear this song. Do you have Somebody by Don Covay..will love to hear that ..

@skullduggery3377

8y↑10

damn, sounds like mick listened to this.

@G8GT364CI

The Stones covered this tune in 1965 forget which album.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Slm1D2bGRs

@mavjimbo

You think

@2009framat

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9W13-Hwui-4 JIMI HENDRIX's live version from 1967 live in the UK (poor sound quality) - I really doubt he recorded with Don Covay on the original recording (typical www.-myth imho)