The first No. 1 hit to feature a sitar

"Paint it Black" by the Rolling Stones was No. 1 on the Billboard pop chart 50 years ago today.

In the mid-60s, bands like the Stones and the Beatles were looking to expand their musical horizons with new instruments.

For this song Brian Jones learned to play the sitar, an instrument with about 20 strings that is heard primarily in Indian classical music. This is the first song featuring a sitar to top the U.S. pop chart.

Create a More Connected Minnesota

MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.