The Rolling Stones Cover James Brown’s ‘Try Me’ (1965)

By Marcelo Sonaglioni on December 11, 2025

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Rolling Stones unreleased: Try Me

Written by: James Brown
Recorded: Chess Studios, Chicago, USA, May 10-11 1965 (Out of Our Heads sessions)

*From Martin Elliott’s book THE ROLLING STONES COMPLETE RECORDING SESSIONS 1962-2012
Try Me was the title track from James Brown’s first 1959 album. It was re-released in 1964 under the brash title The Unbeatable James Brown – 16 Hits. A 10″ RCA Victor acetate of the Stones playing an Everly Brothers song (title unknown) was also recorded at these sessions. There are no vocals. It was auctioned in 1990.

*Click for MORE STONES UNRELEASED TRACKS

More about The Rolling Stones covering Try Me

*By Marcelo Sonaglioni

James Brown’s Early Spark

Try Me wasn’t just another song—it was the track that helped James Brown and His Famous Flames break through in a big way. Originally released in 1959 as the title track of his first album, it showcased a sound that still leaned on doo-wop, hinting at the gritty, powerhouse R&B style Brown would later define. When King Records saw the potential in his second hit, they compiled a 16-track LP featuring Try Me and several follow-up singles, capturing Brown’s early experimentation and raw promise. These tracks didn’t all hit the mark, but they revealed the foundation of his future greatness.

By 1964, the album had been reissued as The Unbeatable James Brown: 16 Hits, solidifying his growing reputation. Even the songs considered minor flops demonstrated the singer’s relentless energy and budding mastery, hinting that something revolutionary was just around the corner. It’s fascinating to imagine these early recordings as the seeds of the Brown we celebrate today.

The Rolling Stones Connection

During the same period, The Rolling Stones were experimenting in their own way. A 10” RCA Victor acetate recorded during these sessions captured the Stones covering an Everly Brothers track, though the title remains unknown and there are no vocals. This rare artifact surfaced at auction in 1990, offering a glimpse into the band’s formative years. Just like Brown’s early material, these sessions highlight the experimentation, influences, and raw energy that would eventually shape the iconic sound we now associate with the band. Both Brown and the Stones were building their legacies, one gritty track at a time.

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