album · May 28, 1971

Every Picture Tells a Story

Rod Stewart

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Mercury RecordsSee this day

classic rockfolk rock

Every Picture Tells a Story was a transitional album for Stewart, marking a move towards a more personal and eclectic sound that would define his solo career. It was a massive commercial success, topping charts on both sides of the Atlantic.

• The album was recorded at Morgan Studios in London, with Rod Stewart and Lou Reizner producing.
• "Maggie May," a track initially intended as a B-side, became Stewart's first number-one single in the United States.
• The album artwork, a collage of photos from Stewart's life, was conceived and executed by artist George Hardie.

Rod Stewart is a British singer-songwriter known for his raspy voice and blend of rock, folk, and blues. In 1971, he was striking out on his own after successful stints with the Jeff Beck Group and the Faces.