255. Bernard Fowler: The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger & Keith Richards | Part 4
2 November 2026
About This Episode
How do you end up singing with The Rolling Stones when you don't even know who you're flying to London to meet?
In Episode 255 of The Ireland Podcast, Fender Jackson concludes his four-part conversation with Bernard Fowler, one of rock music's most remarkable vocalists and collaborators.
Bernard recounts how producer Bill Laswell unexpectedly sent him to London, where he found Mick Jagger sitting on the floor with a guitar. He remembers meeting Paul McCartney, working with the Stones during the tensions between Mick and Keith Richards, and the extraordinary moment Keith admitted: "I didn't wanna like you."
Bernard explains how he arranged backing vocals for Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood, and why the Rolling Stones' distinctive sound is rooted in loose, soulful, blues-inspired performances rather than technical perfection.
The conversation explores Merry Clayton's unforgettable vocal on Gimme Shelter, including the emotional power of the crack in her voice, and the musical magic of Keith Richards' How Can I Stop, featuring Wayne Shorter.
Bernard also reflects on his collaborations with Bill Laswell, Public Image Ltd, John Lydon, Steve Vai and Philip Glass, the recordings of which he is proudest, and his forthcoming tango project.
From Mick Jagger's living room to the Steel Wheels sessions, this is a rare musician's-eye view of The Rolling Stones and the creative relationships behind some extraordinary recordings.
Bernard Fowler - Part 4 of 4.
Presented by Fender Jackson.
The Ireland Podcast - Recording The Island.
Bernard Fowler
Bernard Fowler is an American singer, songwriter and recording artist best known for his decades-long association with The Rolling Stones as a backing vocalist. His extensive career includes collaborations with Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Ronnie Wood, Bill Laswell, Philip Glass, Public Image Ltd and numerous other influential artists. He has also released solo work, including Inside Out, which reinterprets Rolling Stones songs through spoken-word performance.