58 Years Ago Today: Legendary Rock Band Released No. 1 Hit Song

Sunday marks 58 years since an iconic rock band released one of its signature songs that quickly emerged as a No. 1 hit in the United Kingdom.

There are several special anniversaries for the Rolling Stones this week. Wednesday was the 61-year anniversary of "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" airing on American television for the first time; the band performed the future No. 1 hit on ABC's popular program, Shindig.

Additionally, Friday marked 55 years since their album, Sticky Fingers, topped the Billboard 200. Sticky Fingers featured top hits like "Wild Horses" and "Brown Sugar." It held the top spot on the Billboard 200 for four straight weeks.

Today is also the anniversary of another significant moment for Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones. On May 24, 1968, the band released a future timeless classic and standalone single, "Jumpin' Jack Flash."

The Rolling Stones' newest hit song peaked at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart for the weeks of June 18-24 and June 25-July 1.

In their 2024 list of the 500 greatest songs ever, Rolling Stone magazine ranked "Jumpin' Jack Flash" 144th. Seven of the band's songs reached the list, with "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" (44th) and "Gimme Shelter" (13th) reaching the top 50.

How 'Jumpin' Jack Flash' Was Born

If not for a casual visit to guitarist Keith Richards' country home and a random encounter with his gardener, "Jumpin' Jack Flash" may have never come to fruition.

Richards recalled the seemingly harmless event that would lead to the creation of a classic hit. According to Richards, it all came together after he and Jagger woke up to the former's gardener, Jack Dyer, stomping around outside:

"The lyrics came from a grey dawn at Redlands," Richards said. "Mick and I had been up all night, it was raining outside and there was the sound of these heavy stomping rubber boots near the window, belonging to my gardener, Jack Dyer…it woke Mick up.

"He said, ‘What's that?' I said, ‘Oh that's Jack. That's jumping Jack.' … Mick said, ‘Flash', and suddenly we had this phrase with a great rhythm and ring to it. So we got to work on it and wrote it."

And the rest is history.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 24, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

2026 The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. All rights reserved.

This story was originally published May 24, 2026 at 6:00 AM.