Ain't Too Proud To Beg by The Rolling Stones

Album: It's Only Rock 'N' Roll (1974)

Charted: 17

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Songfacts®:

A remake of the Motown classic, this was a hit for The Temptations in 1966. A heavily processed Keith Richards guitar riff sets this version apart from the original. The Stones covered another Temptations song, "Just My Imagination," in 1978.
The Stones originally planned to record Dobie Gray's "Drift Away" as the only cover song on It's Only Rock 'n' Roll, but they bumped it for this.
In this interview with Paul McCartney, McCartney takes credit for introducing Mick Jagger to this song: "There were two songs I turned Mick onto that the Stones have done. One was She Said Yeah and the other was Ain't Too Proud To Beg. Mick would deny it - 'Wot? Never saw him, never met him' - but I distinctly remember having him up into a little music room and playing it to him. He loved it and he went and did it. We've messed around with the track a little bit, but it is sort of like my memory of the original."
That's Billy Preston on the piano this time, Preston being the one that played the funkier tunes. There is no doubt that the piano asserts itself here, an integral piece that brings the song together as more than the sum of its parts. Jagger was also in top form here. As much air play as this song gets, it's surprising that it only made it to #17 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Comments: 9

Jim from Ambler, PaThe Stones also covered "My Girl" on Flowers album.
Ace from Otaki, New ZealandExcellent guitar solo, completely suits the atmosphere of the song. Some people should try listening with their ears instead of their egos
AnonymousOn vinyl there is no pause between end of this song and nxt trck(its only r n r),on cd there is,cd version inferior to vinyl,rushed mastering by cbs to cash in on then new cd market!
Susan from Toronto, CanadaPaul McCartney said, "There were two songs I turned Mick onto that the Stones have done. One was SHE SAID YEAH and the other was AIN'T TOO PROUD TO BEG."
(The full interview is at this link: http://abbeyrd.best.vwh.net/rdr.htm)
Richard from Anniston, AlThe guitar break has got to be one of the worst guitar solos in history, with all due respect to Mr. Richards.
Steve from Culver City, CaThe video for this and just about every Stones promo are on You Tube
Johnny from Los Angeles, Cathis should have been played at the 2006 superbowl.
Robb from Williamstown, Nj 08094, Nj"It is a great R&B song and a decent cover that would've totally rocked with a Sax or Hammond Organ solo instead of that half baked C&W guitar solo. Aside from that, Keith you rock"
Chelsea from Nyc, OrMick Taylor plays synthesizer on this tune. The guitarsolo is by Keith. When performed live in '75/'76 the endjam featured a call and response by Jagger and Billy Preston. The Stones filmed a rarely seen promoclip for this song.

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