The beginnings of 'It's All Over Now'

How long did it take the Rolling Stones to recognize that "It's All Over Now" could be a hit for them?

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It was during their first American tour in 1964 that the Stones were handed a copy of the song, which had been written by Bobby Womack and his sister Shirley and recorded by their family band, The Valentinos.

Nine days later -- just as "It's All Over Now" was charting for the Valentinos -- the Stones went into Chess Studio in Chicago and recorded a version of the song that would become their first chart-topper in the UK (it peaked at No. 26 in the U.S.)

Dozens of artists have recorded the stomper, including Waylon Jennings, Ry Cooder, Rod Stewart and Johnny Winter, but nobody kicked it out like the Stones, who put it on their second American LP 12x5 and made it a staple at their live shows.  They were at their explosive best on this track with the raucous guitar playing of Keith Richards and Brian Jones and the vocal attack of Mick Jagger, who said at the time it was the best single the Stones had recorded.

Today, though, it being Bobby Womack's birthday, we decided to share the original version that made it all possible. Listen to this gem while raising a glass to today's Birthday Band:

Paul Mauriat (1925-2006): Conductor
Love Is Blue, Toccata, Penelope

Miriam Makeba (1932-2008): Singer, civil rights activist
Pata Pata, The Click Song

Eric Allandale (1936-2001): Trombone, Foundations
Build Me Up Buttercup, Baby Now That I've Found You

Bobby Womack (1944): R&B singer, musician
It's All Over Now, Lookin' For A Love, If You Think You're Lonely Now

Chris Squire (1948): Bassist, Yes
Owner Of A Lonely Heart

Chris Rea (1951): Songwriter/guitarist
Fool If You Think It's Over

Ron Moss (1952): Bassist, Player
Baby Come Back