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Rolling Stones Songs: ‘Going To A Go Go’ (Live)
It doesn’t matter if you’re black/ It doesn’t matter if you’re white…
More about The Rolling Stones’ Version of Going To A Go-Go
*By Marcelo Sonaglioni
A Soulful Hit Reimagined on Stage
When The Rolling Stones rolled into Louisville, Kentucky on November 3, 1981, they didn’t just play their own hits—they borrowed a page from Motown’s playbook. That night at Freedom Hall, the band was introduced to a groovy classic: Going to a Go Go, originally recorded by Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. Sixteen years after its original release, the Stones transformed the soul tune into a stadium-shaking rock number. Their energized version became the A-side of the first single from Still Life, their 1982 live album. Paired with Beast of Burden as the B-side, the single climbed to number 25 on the Billboard chart in July of that year. The Stones’ interpretation injected new life into the dance-floor favorite, proving the song’s timeless appeal and showcasing the band’s knack for honoring American rhythm and soul traditions while adding their own swagger.
Motown Roots and Go-Go Groove
Going to a Go Go was originally penned by Pete Moore, Bobby Rogers, and Marv Tarplin—key members of the Miracles, alongside Smokey Robinson. Known for his emotionally intense ballads, Robinson also had a lighter side, and this track was pure fun: a call to dance. Recorded in August 1965 by the Reed Tamla Motown Band with Claudette Robinson on backing vocals and the legendary Funk Brothers on instruments, the single was released on December 6 and hit number 11 on the Billboard Pop Charts by February 1966. It also lent its name to the group’s first album, released in November 1965. The song’s title nods to go-go music, a soul-infused dance genre that lit up Washington, D.C. nightclubs in the mid-‘60s, with Chuck Brown as its most iconic figure.
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