On This Day in 1966, The Rolling Stones Top US Charts with the First #1 Single to Feature a Sitar
via Hi Tones Record Store / YouTube
A Bold New Sound Hits the Charts
On June 11, 1966, Paint It Black by The Rolling Stones topped the Billboard Hot 100, marking the first time a sitar appeared on a U.S. #1 rock single. Released in early May, it stands out for its blend of rock and raga rock, driven by Brian Jones’ sitar riff. The song opened the American edition of Aftermath and quickly grew in popularity. It reached number one in the UK too, staying at the top of the Record Retailer chart during a ten‑week run and becoming the band’s sixth UK chart‑topper.
The track showed a shift for The Stones. Known for straightforward blues‑inspired rock, they now embraced global sounds and darker themes. Drawing on emotion and loss, Paint It Black pushed their style into new territory. This shift influenced the wider psychedelic movement. As one of the first major hits with a sitar, it brought Indian influence into mainstream rock.
View this post on Instagram
How the Sitar Came to Center Stage
Brian Jones picked up the sitar after hearing George Harrison’s use of the instrument on the Beatles’ Norwegian Wood in December 1965. That inspiration led to Jones adding sitar to The Stones’ studio sessions in early March 1966. This unconventional riff became the signature intro and infused the song with its haunting tone.
Alongside Brian’s sitar, the song featured a driving drumbeat from Charlie Watts, a Hammond organ, and castanets. The combination created a layered sound, matching the dark lyrics sung by Mick Jagger. The dense production made the track stand apart from the band’s earlier singles. Its minor key and Eastern tone helped expand the audience for raga rock in Western pop.
Chart Triumph and Cultural Impact
Paint It Black remained at number one in the U.S. for two weeks and topped the UK chart for one week. It also reached number one in Canada and the Netherlands, earning platinum certification in the UK and Italy. The track became emblematic of the era’s experimental spirit and was later inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. Rolling Stone magazine ranked it among the 500 greatest songs of all time.
Beyond its chart success, the song left a lasting mark in films and other media. It has appeared in movies and television series that explore darker themes, reinforcing its connection to grief and unrest. But its main legacy remains: Paint It Black changed rock music forever by opening the door to global influences in mainstream hits.
Legacy of the First Sitar Hit
The song remains one of The Rolling Stones’ most played and beloved tracks. Its use of sitar signaled a new era in rock, bringing Eastern sounds into the West. Brian Jones’ pioneering riff showed that rock bands could successfully integrate diverse instruments. Today, Paint It Black still feels fresh and relevant, showing that bold musical risks can leave a lasting mark on culture.
