Yes, The Beatles did write a song that was first recorded and released by The Rolling Stones. The song in question is "I Wanna Be Your Man," penned by the legendary songwriting duo of John Lennon and Paul McCartney.
The Story Behind "I Wanna Be Your Man"
In a unique moment of rock history, Lennon and McCartney famously offered "I Wanna Be Your Man" to The Rolling Stones in 1963. The story goes that The Beatles' manager, Andrew Loog Oldham, ran into Lennon and McCartney on the street and invited them to meet The Rolling Stones, who were struggling to find a single for their next release. Lennon and McCartney reportedly finished writing the song right there in the room, in front of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
This collaboration highlighted the camaraderie and creative cross-pollination among the top British Invasion bands of the era.
| Song Title | Primary Writers | First Recorded By | Also Recorded By | Original Release |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I Wanna Be Your Man | Lennon–McCartney | The Rolling Stones | The Beatles | 1963 |
The Rolling Stones' Version
The Rolling Stones' rendition of "I Wanna Be Your Man" was released as their second single in November 1963. Featuring Brian Jones' distinctive slide guitar, their version was a raw, blues-infused track that showcased their developing style. It proved to be a significant success for the band, reaching number 12 on the UK charts and solidifying their presence in the burgeoning music scene.
The Beatles' Own Recording
Shortly after The Rolling Stones' release, The Beatles also recorded "I Wanna Be Your Man" for their second studio album, With the Beatles, released in November 1963. Ringo Starr took lead vocals on The Beatles' version, giving it a more straightforward rock and roll feel. While both versions showcase the song's catchy melody and energetic rhythm, they distinctly reflect the individual styles of the two iconic bands.
This instance remains one of the most notable examples of a song written by members of one major band being given to and recorded by another contemporary group.
