Why 'Ruby Tuesday' was the hit side in the U.S.

Rolling Stones At London Airport in 1966
The Rolling Stones at London Airport on their way to start their U.S. tour in New York, July 24, 1966. From left to right: Charlie Watts, Keith Richards, Bill Wyman, Mick Jagger, Brian Jones and Ian Stewart.
George Stroud | Getty Images 1966

"Ruby Tuesday" by the Rolling Stones was No. 1 on the U.S. pop chart 50 years ago.

The song was actually released as the B-side of the single. The A-side "Let's Spend the Night Together" was a top five hit in Great Britain, but many American radio stations thought the song was too risque to play on the air. So they flipped it over and "Ruby Tuesday" became the hit in this country.

In his autobiography, Keith Richards says he wrote the song about his former girlfriend, model Linda Keith, after she ditched him for Jimi Hendrix.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.