Rolling Stones – It’s All Over Now

“It’s All Over Now” is a song written by Bobby Womack and his sister-in-law Shirley Womack. It was first released by The Valentinos, featuring Bobby Womack, in 1964. Like many songs by black artists The Stones covered, this had been overlooked by white audiences until they released their version.

The Rolling Stones’ version of “It’s All Over Now” is the most famous version of the song. It was first released as a single in the UK, where it peaked at number 1 on the UK Singles Chart, giving the Rolling Stones their first number one hit. It was the band’s third single released in America, and stayed in the Billboard Hot 100 for ten weeks, peaking at number 26. Months later it appeared on their second American album 12 X 5. The song was a big hit in Europe and was part of the band’s live set in the 1960s. Cash Box described it as a “contagious cover of the Valentinos’ click” and “an infectious thumper that should head right for chartsville.

Bobby Womack, who wrote the song, hated what the Stones did with it, but when he got his royalty checks, he lightened up and tried to get the Stones to do more of his songs. 20 years later, he was a guest musician on their Dirty Work album.

“It’s All Over Now” – Single by the Rolling Stones
Released 26 June 1964
Recorded 10 June 1964
Label Decca
Songwriters Bobby Womack, Shirley Womack
Producer Andrew Loog Oldham
Charted No.26 in US; No.1 in UK; No.1 in Netherlands; No.9 in Australia; No.26 in Canada; No.14 in West Germany; No.3 in Sweden.

Musicians:
Mick Jagger – lead vocals
Keith Richards – electric lead guitar, backing vocals
Brian Jones – 12-string electric rhythm guitar, backing vocals
Bill Wyman – bass
Charlie Watts – drums
Ian Stewart – piano