Around And Around

Album: 12 x 5 (1964)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • Chuck Berry wrote this and was the first to record it. Keith Richards thought Chuck Berry was "The epitome of rock and roll playing."
  • This was the first song Mick Jagger sang when he and Keith Richards sat in with the group Blues Inc. in 1962. It was also the first song The Rolling Stones ever recorded. They cut it in March of 1962, although this version was never released. They re-recorded it in 1964 for the 12 x 5 album. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France
  • The Stones performed this on their first Ed Sullivan show, which took place October 25, 1964. At the time, they were little known in America, but the show helped push their single "Time Is On My Side," which they also played, up to #6, giving them their first US Top 10. The group made a total of six appearances on Sullivan.
  • The likely lineup on this track:

    Drums: Charlie Watts
    Bass: Bill Wyman
    Rhythm electric guitar: Brian Jones
    Lead electric guitar: Keith Richards
    Vocal: Mick Jagger
    Piano: Ian Stewart >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France

Comments: 9

  • Barry from Sauquoit, NyOn October 25th 1964, the Rolling Stones performed "Around and Around" and "Time Is On My Side" on the CBS-TV program 'The Ed Sullivan Show'...
    As stated above, Mr. Sullivan promised that the quintet would never be invited back, due to screaming fans ripping up the studio’s seats...
    But the group made five more appearances on the show between 1965 and 1969.
  • Steve Dotstar from Los Angeles, Caa very good performance by the stones...epitome of their early sound, which I like very much.
  • Jon from Great Yarmouth, United KingdomWhen the whole band is playing flat out towards the end, to me, this IS the Rolling Stones. I would love them to record another album of R&B and R&R classics, played like they played in'64.
  • Josh from TorontoOf course Chuck Berry's version is completely amazing, but Rolling Stones do it better than anyone 'cept him.

    HAIL HAIL ROCK AND ROLL!
  • R from Montreal, Qc, CanadaCover up of Chuck Berry.
    Sounds really good. I don't think that any other bands can play Chuck Berry like the Stones.
    The reason is simple: Keith was sleeping with Chuck Berry records ...
    Listen to the Animals version of this one and you will understand the difference between the Stones and the other.
  • Alan from Grande Prairie, Alberta, CanadaFirst cut, first side Stones 12X5 album release.
  • Barry from New York, NcThe Grateful Dead was another band that covered this tune. Bob Weir sang lead, and it was usually a second set closer. My favorite version of AROUND AND AROUND is from Spartan Stadium on April 22, 1979.
  • Mr. Chimp from Brno, Czech RepublicIan Stewart played the piano on this.
  • Chelsea from Nyc, OrWas played at the famous El Mocambo show in 1977 and ended up on the "Club" side of the Love You Live album.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

James Bond Theme Songs

James Bond Theme SongsMusic Quiz

How well do you know the 007 theme songs?

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.

Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum

Dave Pirner of Soul AsylumSongwriter Interviews

Dave explains how the video appropriated the meaning of "Runaway Train," and what he thought of getting parodied by Weird Al.

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

John Kay of Steppenwolf

John Kay of SteppenwolfSongwriter Interviews

Steppenwolf frontman John Kay talks about "Magic Carpet Ride," "Born To Be Wild," and what he values more than awards and accolades.

Brenda Russell

Brenda RussellSongwriter Interviews

Brenda talks about the inspiration that drove her to write hit songs like "Get Here" and "Piano in the Dark," and why a lack of formal music training can be a songwriter's best asset.