Honky Tonk Women: The Rolling Stones' Chart-Topping Brazilian-Inspired Hit
The Rolling Stones, known as the anti-Beatles, rose to international fame in the 1960s with hits like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.” In 1969, the dynamic duo of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards topped the US singles chart with their collaboration inspired by Brazilian cowboys, Hank Williams, and a Memphis barroom queen.
During a retreat to a ranch in Brazil in December 1968, Keith Richards and Mick Jagger found inspiration for their songwriting. The Caipira people and old country songs influenced the creation of “Honky Tonk Women” as they strummed guitars beside a Brazilian river.
Originally named “Country Honk,” the song took its final form with the contribution of guitarist Mick Taylor, who replaced Brian Jones. Taylor's touch added a funky vibe to the track, which debuted on the UK airwaves a day before his first performance with the Stones.
Keith Richards was confident in the success of “Honky Tonk Women,” calling it a surefire number one hit even before its completion. True to his prediction, the song dominated the U.S. singles chart for four weeks starting on August 23, 1969, becoming the Rolling Stones’ fifth number one hit in the country.