A 1966 Rolling Stones single in a minor key, with a sitar part by Brian Jones, opening with a tom and acoustic-guitar groove unusual in pop singles of its era.
Composition
Paint It Black was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. The song was developed during recording sessions for the album “Aftermath,” with Brian Jones contributing a sitar part that became one of the song’s defining features.
Recording
The track was recorded at RCA Studios in Hollywood in March 1966. Bill Wyman’s foot pumps a Hammond organ pedal to produce the low drone that underpins the verses.
Reception
Released as a single in May 1966, Paint It Black reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. It became one of the band’s most-recognized recordings and a frequent feature of films set in the Vietnam War era.