On This Day in 1966, The Rolling Stones Release One of the First Rock Records to Use a Sitar—It Would Hit #1 in Both the UK and the US
via Hi Tones Record Store / YouTube
A Bold Move in Rock Music
On May 13, 1966, The Rolling Stones released “Paint It Black,” a single that would change the direction of rock music. What made it stand out wasn’t just the lyrics or the energy—it was the use of a sitar, an instrument most commonly found in Indian classical music. Brian Jones, one of the band’s founding members, played the sitar on the track after being inspired by the instrument’s unique sound. At the time, it was rare to hear anything like it in rock.
The sitar gave the song a dark and hypnotic feel that matched the lyrics. The Rolling Stones were one of the first major rock bands to include a sitar in a hit single. It opened the door for other artists to experiment with sounds from different cultures. This move added something fresh to the rock scene and helped “Paint It Black” stand out from other songs on the radio.
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Climbing the Charts
“Paint It Black” quickly gained attention after its release. The song climbed to number one on both the UK Singles Chart and the US Billboard Hot 100. Its success in both countries showed that fans were ready for new styles and sounds in rock music. The track stayed on the charts for weeks and became one of the band’s most well-known songs.
The song’s popularity wasn’t just a quick phase. Over time, it earned recognition for its lasting impact on music. In 2018, “Paint It Black” was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. This honor is given to recordings that are at least 25 years old and have had a lasting effect on music and culture.
Recognized for Its Influence
In addition to the Grammy Hall of Fame, “Paint It Black” has received praise from critics and music publications. Rolling Stone magazine included it on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time, placing it at number 213. This ranking shows how much the song has continued to matter to listeners and musicians over the years.
The mix of rock and non-Western instruments wasn’t common in 1966. “Paint It Black” helped show that rock could be more than just guitars and drums. The Rolling Stones took a chance, and it paid off. Their choice to try something different helped shape what rock music could become, inspiring others to do the same.
