Mountain, Mississippi Queen | Throwback Vibez

In the 71^st edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “Mississippi Queen” by American rock band Mountain.

[otw_shortcode_dropcap label=”C” size=”large” border_color_class=”otw-no-border-color” shadow=”shadow” square=”square”]an you feel those vibes, those surefire Throwback Vibez?! Throwback Vibez is a recurring column devoted to celebrating incredible songs from the past. There is truly nothing like a classic oldie to get you energized and in a great mood! The selections featured in this column highlight musical gems from the 20th century, though there are occasional exceptions. All music genres are welcome, ensuring something for every musical taste. In the 71st edition of Throwback Vibez (2026), we reflect on “Mississippi Queen” performed by Mountain.[/otw_shortcode_dropcap]

[nx_pullquote]“Mississippi queen / If you know what I mean / Mississippi queen / She taught me everything.”[/nx_pullquote] Noted, Leslie West (1945 – 2020). When the rock band Mountain comes to mind, the first song associated with them is “Mississippi Queen”. The opener from their 1970 album, Climbing!, is their biggest and most successful song.  “Mississippi Queen” reached number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving the band their sole top 40 hit. The song was written by Leslie West (guitar/vocals), Corky Laing (b. 1948, drums/percussion), Felix Pappalardi (1939 – 1983, bass/piano), and David Rea (1946 – 2011).  Pappalardi also produced it.  

“Mississippi Queen” is relatively short at two-and-a-half minutes long, but packs a sizable punch, nonetheless.  Perhaps the punch is an understatement! The groove is ELECTRIFYING, keeping the queen locked in.  The guitars are boisterous, filled with attitude and spunk.  The bass line provides a firm foundation, holding down the low end.  The piano amplifies the bluesy rock vibes, providing even more color to the gritty, vibrant production.  The star of the show, Leslie West, brings the grit to his high-flying vocals.  He ate and left not a damn crumb! In the first verse, West gives us geography. Picture it, 📍Vicksburg, near 📍 Louisiana.  Of course, more important is the Mississippi Queen herself, a “Cajun lady.” In the second verse, she wants him to be her man, to which he agrees (“You know that I told her / I’d do what I can”). Well, that sounds easy as one, two, three! Beyond the verses, there are choruses, varied each time. 

“You know she was a dancer
She moved better on wine
While the rest of them dudes were getting their kicks
Boy, I beg your pardon, I was getting mine.”

There is also the post-chorus, excerpted earlier, that also served as the intro.  Between the second and third choruses, there is a mean guitar solo, performed by West 🤘.  What more needs to be said? “Mississippi Queen” is a rock classic that frankly kicks ass and takes names 🤘. Will it never not kick ass and take names? Nope 🤘🤘🤘!