Rolling Stones’ Shortlist of Band Names Included Thing, It

by Liz Colville

“They came up with the name ‘Rolling Stones’ on the fly. Richards, Brian Jones, and Mick Jagger were on the phone with Jazz News, ‘a kind of “who’s playing where” rag,’ and were asked what they call themselves. ‘We stared at one another. “It?” Then “Thing?” This call is costing. Muddy waters to the rescue! First track on The Best of Muddy Waters is “Rollin’ Stone.” The cover is on the floor. Desperate, Brian, Mick and I take the dive. “The Rolling Stones.” Phew!! That saved sixpence.’” — The Daily Beast runs down some memorable bits of Keith Richards’ autobiography, Life, which is out now.