Ain’t Too Proud to Beg

The Zoo Crew is spinning the classic track "Ain’t Too Proud to Beg" by The Rolling Stones from their 1974 album It's Only Rock 'n Roll, and the Zoo Freaks are surely grooving along. This song, a cover of The Temptations’ 1966 Motown hit, carries a fascinating backstory. Originally, the Stones planned to include a cover of Dobie Gray’s "Drift Away" on the album, but they swapped it out for this high-energy rendition of "Ain’t Too Proud to Beg," which became the only cover to make the final cut. Paul McCartney claimed credit for introducing Mick Jagger to the song, recalling in an interview that he played it for Jagger in a music room, sparking Jagger’s enthusiasm to record it. Keith Richards’ gritty, heavily processed guitar riff gives the Stones’ version its distinctive edge, while Billy Preston’s piano work adds a funky layer that ties the track together. The song’s live performance history is equally notable—after a nearly 15-year absence from their setlists, the Stones brought it back for a 2021 Detroit show, with Jagger paying homage to the city’s Motown legacy, saying, “Ever since we were really young, we always loved Motown.” A rarely seen promotional video for the song was also filmed, adding to its legacy.

Another layer of trivia comes from the song’s production context. It's Only Rock 'n Roll marked the first time Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, under their pseudonym "The Glimmer Twins," took on production duties since Their Satanic Majesties Request. Richards explained in a 1974 interview that they stepped in after feeling their long-time producer Jimmy Miller’s contributions had waned. The album’s recording sessions were vibrant, with Belgian painter Guy Peellaert present, crafting the iconic cover art depicting the band as rock deities descending a temple staircase. Fans on Reddit’s Rolling Stones community have praised the track’s rocked-out vibe, with some calling it a precursor to later covers like "Just My Imagination," and others lauding Richards’ guitar solo for its raw, atmospheric fit. The song’s enduring appeal is evident in its frequent play on classic rock stations, as noted by a fan reminiscing about their teenage years in Philadelphia.

The Rolling Stones began their journey in London in 1962, emerging as pioneers of the gritty, rhythm-driven sound that defined hard rock. Formed by vocalist Mick Jagger, multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones, guitarist Keith Richards, bassist Bill Wyman, and drummer Charlie Watts, the band was initially led by Jones, who named the group, secured gigs, and shaped their early image. Their name was inspired by Muddy Waters’ song "Rollin’ Stone," reflecting their deep roots in blues and R&B. The Stones honed their craft covering American blues artists like Howlin’ Wolf and Chuck Berry, with their early gigs at London’s Crawdaddy Club building a loyal following. Their 1963 debut single, a cover of Berry’s "Come On," marked their entry into the charts, and by the mid-1960s, they were crafting original hits like "(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction," cementing their status as cultural icons. Over six decades, the band evolved through lineup changes, with Ronnie Wood joining in 1975, and maintained their rebellious edge while becoming one of rock’s most enduring acts.

For Zoo Freaks wanting to dive deeper into the Stones’ world, the band’s official website offers tour dates, exclusive merchandise, and archival content. You can follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates, throwback photos, and tour announcements. Fans can also connect through It’s Only Rock’n Roll, a fan-run site by The Rolling Stones Fan Club of Europe, offering news and show reports since 1980. The r/rollingstones subreddit is a lively hub for discussions, with fans debating tracks like "Ain’t Too Proud to Beg" and sharing rare bootlegs. For community vibes, check out the Rolling Stones Fans Facebook group, where enthusiasts swap stories, memorabilia, and concert experiences, keeping the Stones’ legacy alive.