The untold story of how Gene Pitney paved the way for the Rolling Stones' iconic rise is a fascinating journey. Imagine, if you will, a time before the legendary status of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, when they were just eager teenagers, passionate about the American blues and R&B scene. It's a far cry from the rock royalty we know today, but it's a crucial chapter in their story.
The early days of the Rolling Stones saw them as cover artists, performing songs by their musical heroes. However, the music industry was evolving, and the focus was shifting towards original content. It was then that their manager, Andrew Loog Oldham, made a bold move, locking Jagger and Richards in a room until they created their own material. And thus, a legendary songwriting partnership was born.
But here's where it gets controversial... their first attempt, 'As Tears Go By', was an emotional departure from their usual style and was given to Jagger's girlfriend, Marianne Faithfull, who turned it into a top hit. Despite this success, it wasn't their first song to chart in the UK. That honor goes to 'That Girl Belongs To Yesterday', a song they never intended for the Stones to perform.
'That Girl Belongs To Yesterday' was originally written for George Bean, with a Motown-inspired title, 'My Only Girl'. It was Gene Pitney who rearranged and recorded it, giving the Jagger-Richards duo their first UK top-ten hit. This song, released in 1964, opened doors for the pair, establishing them as formidable songwriters.
And this is the part most people miss... this early composition, though successful, wasn't considered their best work. Within a year, the Rolling Stones had their first original number-one hit, 'The Last Time', solidifying their place in music history.
For Gene Pitney, this collaboration was just another hit, but for Jagger and Richards, it was the beginning of a revolutionary sound that would define rock and roll.
From the rebellious 'Satisfaction' to the politically charged 'Street Fighting Man', the Rolling Stones' journey began with an unlikely partnership. So, let's raise a toast to Gene Pitney, the man who set the stage for one of the greatest songwriting duos in music history.
