Rod Stewart has a knack for picking songs that fit his raspy, gin-soaked vocals like a tailored suit. But his relationship with the Motown staple Rod Stewart This Old Heart of Mine is actually a bit more complicated than just a simple cover. Most people remember the slick, 1989 duet with Ronald Isley. You know the one—the music video with the neon lights and the big hair.
But that wasn't Rod’s first go at the song. Not even close.
Honestly, the story of how this track became a staple of his career is a lesson in persistence. It’s about a white British soul singer obsessed with American R&B and a legendary Motown family that didn't always get the credit they deserved. When you look at the charts, the 1989 version is the "big" hit, but the 1975 version is where the soul really lives.
The 1975 Gamble on Atlantic Crossing
In 1975, Rod Stewart was at a crossroads. He was leaving The Faces. He was leaving England, too, mostly to avoid the massive 83% tax rate for top earners. He headed to the U.S. and recorded Atlantic Crossing.
This album was a huge deal. It was split into a "Fast Side" and a "Slow Side," a suggestion famously made by his then-girlfriend Britt Ekland. Rod Stewart This Old Heart of Mine landed on the "slow" side, though it’s more of a mid-tempo burner.
The production was handled by Tom Dowd. If you don't know the name, Dowd was the genius behind records for Aretha Franklin and Otis Redding. Rod wasn't messing around. He brought in the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and three-quarters of Booker T. & the M.G.'s.
It sounds expensive. It sounds polished.
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Yet, in 1975, the song didn't ignite the U.S. charts. It stalled at number 83 on the Billboard Hot 100. Over in the UK, it was a different story—it hit number 4. British audiences always had a deeper appetite for Rod’s soulful reinterpretations.
Why the 1989 Version Changed Everything
Fast forward fourteen years. Rod is a global superstar, but the music industry has changed. Synthesizers are everywhere. Big production is the law of the land.
Rod decides to revisit the song for his Storyteller anthology. This time, he doesn’t just cover it. He calls up the man who sang the original 1966 version: Ronald Isley.
A Tale of Two Singers
The chemistry between Rod and Ronald is what makes this version work. You’ve got Rod’s sandpaper grit rubbing up against Ronald Isley’s silk-smooth tenor. It was a bridge between eras.
- The Production: Produced by Trevor Horn and Bernard Edwards (of Chic fame). It has that late-80s "thump."
- The Chart Success: This version actually cracked the U.S. Top 10, peaking at number 10.
- The Video: It was played on heavy rotation on MTV, cementing Rod’s status as a legacy act that could still compete with the young guns.
There’s a common misconception that Rod "stole" the song or made it better. He didn't. He modernized it. The original Isley Brothers version, written by the powerhouse team of Holland-Dozier-Holland and Sylvia Moy, is a masterclass in "unhappy lyrics over happy music."
Lamont Dozier once said the song was inspired by a girl who kept dumping him. He just couldn't give her up. That "necessary evil" vibe is exactly what Rod taps into. He sounds like a guy who has actually had his heart broken a thousand times.
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What Most People Get Wrong About the Lyrics
People often hum along to Rod Stewart This Old Heart of Mine without realizing how desperate the lyrics actually are. It's not a "woo-hoo" love song.
"Each time you break away, I fear you've gone to stay."
That’s dark.
It’s about a cycle of emotional abuse or, at the very least, a very toxic attachment. Rod’s voice is perfect for that because he sounds world-weary. When he sings the line about "lonely nights that come," you believe him. You believe he’s spent those nights in a bar in Portobello Road or a mansion in Beverly Hills, feeling exactly the same way.
Isley Brothers vs. Rod Stewart: The Real Difference
If you listen to the original 1966 Isley Brothers track, it’s all about the "Motown Sound." The Funk Brothers are driving the bus. The snare hits like a gunshot.
Rod’s 1975 version is more "Southern Soul." It’s relaxed. The guitars have a bit more swampy grease on them.
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The 1989 version? That’s pure pop-rock. It’s designed for car stereos and stadiums.
Does the 1989 version hold up? Mostly. The drums are a bit dated, sure. But the vocal performance is undeniable. Bringing Ronald Isley into the fold wasn't just a marketing gimmick; it was a sign of respect. It gave the cover a level of authenticity that most white artists in the 80s weren't providing to the original creators of the songs they covered.
Why You Should Care Today
Music changes, but heartbreak stays the same. Rod Stewart This Old Heart of Mine remains one of the best examples of how a cover can evolve over decades.
If you’re a vinyl collector, hunt down the Atlantic Crossing version. It’s the "purest" take Rod ever did. If you’re just looking for a nostalgia trip, the 1989 duet is your best bet.
Actionable Listening Guide
- Listen to the 1966 original: Pay attention to the bassline. It's James Jamerson at his peak.
- Check the 1975 version: Look for the "Alternate Version" with Booker T. & the M.G.'s. It’s raw and less polished than the album cut.
- Watch the 1989 video: Notice the fashion. It’s a perfect time capsule of Rod’s "Out of Order" era.
You can really hear the evolution of soul music just by tracking this one song through Rod's discography. It’s a blueprint for how to respect the past while moving toward the future.
Next time you hear that opening "I love you... yes I do," remember that you're listening to a song that traveled from Detroit to Alabama to Los Angeles over the span of twenty-five years. It took two versions and a legendary duet for Rod to finally get the American hit he wanted with this song. But man, he eventually got there.