Rod Stewart has never been one to shy away from surprises, and his recent revelation about his all-time favorite song has done just that. Despite being the man behind some of the most iconic hits in rock history, such as “Maggie May” and “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?”, Stewart’s number one choice isn’t one of his own classics. Instead, it’s a deep-cut blues track from 1960, “I Feel So Good” by the legendary Muddy Waters. This unexpected pick has left many of Stewart’s fans scratching their heads, yet it speaks volumes about the musician’s true inspirations and the soul behind his timeless sound.

Muddy Waters’ “I Feel So Good” may not have the commercial recognition of some of Stewart’s greatest hits, but its impact on the young Rod Stewart is undeniable. Growing up in London, Stewart was drawn to the raw energy and emotion of the blues, which seeped into his own work and laid the foundation for his gritty vocal style. For Stewart, this track encapsulated everything that blues music represented: the feeling of freedom, the power of soul, and an unmatched swagger that would go on to influence his work with the Faces and his solo career. “I Feel So Good” wasn’t just a song—it was a revelation, one that connected Stewart to the heartbeat of a genre that would become the driving force behind his musical identity.

One of the most intriguing aspects of Stewart’s connection to this track is the way it shaped his stage presence and performance style. Known for his charismatic energy, captivating performances, and unmistakable swagger, Stewart credits much of his on-stage persona to the influence of blues and artists like Muddy Waters. “I Feel So Good” is brimming with swagger, a feeling of confidence that Stewart mirrored as he found his own voice as a performer. The song’s loose, unrestrained rhythm became a model for Stewart’s own approach to music—raw, passionate, and never overly polished. His ability to channel this sense of freedom and self-assuredness into his own music is part of what made him a standout figure in rock and roll.

For many fans, it may come as a surprise that Rod Stewart, known for his work in rock and pop, has such a deep connection to the blues. However, when you look at Stewart’s roots, his admiration for Muddy Waters and the impact of blues music makes perfect sense. As a young man, Stewart immersed himself in the music of black American artists who reshaped the landscape of popular music. Blues, in particular, spoke to him on a visceral level. The music’s honesty, heartache, and fiery passion gave voice to emotions that Stewart often found difficult to express. It was through the blues that Stewart learned the art of storytelling and emotional vulnerability, elements that have remained at the core of his music throughout his career.

Rod Stewart’s deep appreciation for “I Feel So Good” also speaks to a broader trend in music where artists often find their influences in unexpected places. While Stewart’s fanbase may be more accustomed to his polished rock anthems, this love for a gritty blues song highlights his ability to draw from a diverse range of genres. It’s a testament to the versatility and timeless nature of blues music, whose raw energy continues to inspire artists from all walks of life, whether they’re rock icons, pop stars, or jazz musicians. “I Feel So Good” is the kind of track that transcends generations, speaking to the eternal power of music to shape lives and careers.

So why does “I Feel So Good” remain at the top of Rod Stewart’s playlist all these years later? The answer may lie in its authenticity. Muddy Waters was a master of delivering his music with such unbridled passion and soul that it became impossible for listeners to ignore. In a world where so much music is manufactured and polished, the grit and energy of a track like “I Feel So Good” serve as a reminder of the roots of rock and roll. For Stewart, that energy is something that has never lost its allure—it’s the sound of a man who isn’t just performing but living and breathing the music.

As Rod Stewart celebrates his legendary career, his love for Muddy Waters’ “I Feel So Good” serves as a humbling reminder of the musical legacy that continues to shape and inspire him. It’s a reflection of the deep respect he holds for the artists who came before him, those who laid the groundwork for modern rock and roll. Stewart may have created his own iconic songs, but the music that truly speaks to him still comes from the soul of the blues—a genre that, for all its simplicity, remains one of the most powerful and transformative forces in music history