58 Years Ago Today: Classic Hit By Iconic Rock Band Reached No. 1 in the UK

On June 19, 1968, one of the most influential bands of all time saw a classic hit song reach No. 1 in the United Kingdom.

Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones were among the most prominent music groups that headlined the "British Invasion" during the '60s. The band quickly burst onto the scene in the UK after forming in 1962, and they made their first trip to the United States on June 1, 1964.

But it was 1965 that marked a real turning point for the Rolling Stones. That year, they released "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" and "Get Off of My Cloud", both No. 1 hits in the United States and the United Kingdom. A year later, "Paint It Black" topped the Billboard Hot 100 in the US, holding the spot for two weeks.

Three years later, the Rolling Stones released another legendary song that reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart. That song, "Jumpin' Jack Flash," began a two-week stretch atop the charts on this day, 58 years ago.

The song was recorded at the Olympic Studios in London on April 20, 1968, and released in the United Kingdom on May 24. Less than a month later, it was already a No. 1 hit in the UK.

Keith Richards' Gardener Inspired the Song

According to Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards, the song was actually inspired by his personal gardener while Mick Jagger visited him at his Redlands home in West Wittering, West Sussex, England.

Jagger asked Richards about a stomping noise outside the house during a rainy day, to which the guitarist mentioned it was his gardener, Jack Dyer (nicknamed "Jumping Jack"). Jagger uttered "Flash," and they quickly got to work on the song. Just like that, another Rolling Stones classic was born.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 20, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 19, 2026 at 7:22 PM.