Rod Stewart: Maggie May Single Chart (1971)

Rod Stewart rules the UK with single and album at #1!

Rod Stewart’s Maggie May and Every Picture Tells a Story, held the number one spot on their respective UK charts as published in New Musical Express magazine, November 6, 1971.

Rod Stewart released "Maggie May" in July 1971 as a single from his album Every Picture Tells a Story on Mercury Records. Co-written by Stewart and Martin Quittenton, the folk-rock ballad tells the story of a young man’s complicated romance with an older woman, inspired by Stewart’s own experiences. Recorded at Morgan Studios in London, it features Stewart’s raspy vocals, Quittenton’s acoustic guitar, and a memorable mandolin outro by Ray Jackson. Produced by Stewart, the track includes Faces members Ron Wood, Ian McLagan, and Ronnie Lane, blending raw rock with introspective lyrics.

Initially a B-side to "Reason to Believe," "Maggie May" became the breakout hit, topping the UK Singles Chart for five weeks and the US Billboard Hot 100 for five weeks simultaneously, a rare feat. It sold over a million copies globally and propelled Every Picture Tells a Story to #1 in both markets. The song’s relatable narrative and loose, soulful vibe made it a defining hit of Stewart’s early solo career.

Rod Stewart released Every Picture Tells a Story in May 1971, his third solo album, on Mercury Records. A career-defining work, it blends rock, folk, blues, and soul, showcasing Stewart’s gravelly voice and storytelling. Recorded at Morgan Studios in London, produced by Stewart, it features Faces members Ron Wood, Ian McLagan, and Ronnie Lane, plus drummer Micky Waller and guitarist Martin Quittenton. Standout tracks include “Maggie May” (#1 UK and US), “Reason to Believe,” and the title track, a rollicking original. The album’s raw, rootsy energy and eclectic covers, like Bob Dylan’s “Tomorrow Is a Long Time,” cemented Stewart’s solo stardom.

It topped the UK Albums Chart for six weeks and the US Billboard 200 for four weeks, a rare simultaneous chart double with “Maggie May.” Selling over 3 million copies worldwide by 2025, it’s considered a classic, praised for its authenticity and versatility.