The Rolling Stones have established themselves as a formidable force in the music industry, enduring through decades of change and evolution in sound.

With a rich history that spans generations, they have cultivated a remarkable catalog that includes a plethora of cover versions by artists across various genres. This adaptability of Stones songs is one of their greatest strengths, allowing them to be interpreted in countless ways—from high-energy rock ‘n’ roll to soulful ballads. Below, we present a curated list of the 20 Most-Covered Rolling Stones Songs, utilizing data from secondhandsongs.com. Each entry highlights a notable cover version, showcasing the versatility and enduring appeal of their music.

20. “Get Off of My Cloud” and “No Expectations”
From: 1965 Single/Beggars Banquet (1968)
Number of Covers: 60

Sharing the 20th position, both “Get Off of My Cloud” and “No Expectations” have each been covered 60 times. “Get Off of My Cloud,” a vibrant single from 1965, alongside “No Expectations,” featured on the 1968 album Beggars Banquet, demonstrates the broad appeal of their music. Notably, Joan Baez’s rendition of “No Expectations” from her 1970 album The First Ten Years highlights the timeless quality of the Stones’ songwriting, which resonates across diverse musical landscapes.

19. “Dead Flowers”
From: Sticky Fingers (1971)
Number of Covers: 61

In 2011, Scott Weiland released a comprehensive album titled A Compilation of Scott Weiland Cover Songs, featuring tracks by various artists he admired throughout his career. Among them, “Dead Flowers” stood out. Weiland expressed his affinity for Keith Richards over Mick Jagger, citing their distinct roles within the band. “I think I identify more with Keith because I’m more about the music,” he noted in a 2015 interview with Esquire, highlighting the profound impact the Stones have had on his artistic expression.

18. “Brown Sugar”
From: Sticky Fingers (1971)
Number of Covers: 64

The Rolling Stones have long credited Little Richard as a significant inspiration. It was a full-circle moment when Little Richard recorded a funky cover of “Brown Sugar” for his 1971 album The King of Rock and Roll. Jagger paid tribute to Richard after his passing in 2020, reflecting on the raw energy and influence Richard had on their performances. “He taught me how to engage the audience,” Jagger remarked, emphasizing the deep respect the Stones have for the pioneers of rock and roll.

17. “Miss You”
From: Some Girls (1978)
Number of Covers: 66

Ann Peebles is known for her powerful interpretations, and her version of “Miss You” feels like a natural fit for her vocal style. The song’s arrangement complements her unique sound, and fans appreciate the nod to her 1973 cover “I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down” within the lyrics. The blistering harmonica solo by Sugar Ray Norcia adds an extra layer of depth to her rendition, showcasing the song’s adaptability and emotional resonance.

16. “Lady Jane”
From: Aftermath (1966)
Number of Covers: 72

Trini Lopez’s rendition of “Lady Jane” honors the original while infusing it with a subtle Spanish flair, particularly through his smooth guitar work. Included on his 1967 album Trini Lopez in London, this cover exemplifies how the Stones’ music transcends cultural boundaries, appealing to a wide array of audiences and showcasing the song’s inherent beauty.

15. “Under My Thumb”
From: Aftermath (1966)
Number of Covers: 79

While “Under My Thumb” may not resonate well with contemporary audiences due to its outdated themes, Tina Turner managed to reclaim the song in 1975 by reinterpreting it for her Acid Queen album, altering the pronouns to reflect a more empowering perspective. This transformation coincided with her personal liberation from an abusive relationship, making her cover a powerful statement of resilience and change.

14. “Let’s Spend the Night Together”
From: Between the Buttons (1967)
Number of Covers: 80

At first glance, it might seem that the Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead occupy different musical realms; however, Jerry Garcia frequently covered “Let’s Spend the Night Together” with his band. This classic song received a particularly memorable rendition featuring Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band, showcasing how the Stones’ music continues to inspire artists across genres.

13. “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”
From: Let It Bleed (1969)
Number of Covers: 87

Various rock frontmen have looked to Mick Jagger as a source of inspiration, yet Jagger himself admired the legendary Aretha Franklin. She offered her soulful interpretation of “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” on her 1981 album Love All the Hurt Away. Jagger expressed his admiration for Franklin’s ability to uplift audiences, calling her an inspiring force in music, especially after her passing in 2018.

12. “Play With Fire”
From: 1965 Single
Number of Covers: 88

The Rolling Stones paved the way for many bands, including the Heartbreakers. Johnny Thunders once remarked, “Everything comes from somebody,” referencing the lineage of musical influence. Thunders recorded his own version of “Play With Fire” in the ’90s, acknowledging the deep connections between artists and the legacies that inform their work, particularly how Keith Richards drew inspiration from Chuck Berry.

11. “Gimme Shelter”
From: Let It Bleed (1969)
Number of Covers: 118

Merry Clayton’s iconic vocal on “Gimme Shelter” set an exceptionally high standard, delivering an electrifying performance that has resonated through the years. Patti Smith reimagined this classic in 2007 on her album Twelve, infusing it with her distinct artistic flair while also covering songs by Jimi Hendrix, Neil Young, and the Doors, showcasing the wide-ranging influence of the Stones on artists across multiple generations.

10. “Angie”
From: Goats Head Soup (1973)
Number of Covers: 120

Tori Amos’s haunting rendition of “Angie” stands out as one of the most beautifully delicate covers of a Stones song. Stripped down to just piano and her ethereal vocals, this version has captivated audiences and has been a staple in her live performances for over a decade, proving the timelessness of the Stones’ songwriting.

9. “Ruby Tuesday”
From: Between the Buttons (1967)
Number of Covers: 126

The original “Ruby Tuesday” carries a whimsical and airy quality, which was starkly contrasted by Nazareth’s 1984 cover. Known for their ability to infuse their unique sound into covers, Nazareth fans may also appreciate their takes on tracks like “The Weight” by the Band and Joni Mitchell’s “This Flight Tonight,” highlighting the diverse interpretations of Stones classics.

8. “Sympathy for the Devil”
From: Beggars Banquet (1968)
Number of Covers: 127

Axl Rose’s powerful and emotive voice is perfectly suited for “Sympathy for the Devil.” Guns N’ Roses’ cover appeared in the 1994 film Interview With the Vampire, further solidifying its place in rock history. Rose acknowledged the profound influence of the Stones on his band, stating in a 1989 interview, “We keep learning more and more from them, especially about musical freedom.”

7. “Wild Horses”
From: Sticky Fingers (1971)
Number of Covers: 132

The Rolling Stones owe much of their sound to the blues, which is evident in “Wild Horses.” It’s fitting that Otis Clay, a Blues Hall of Famer, chose to pay tribute to their music with a soulful rendition on the 2002 tribute album All Blues’d Up: Songs of the Rolling Stones. This cover exemplifies how the Stones’ influence extends deeply into the roots of American music.

6. “Jumpin’ Jack Flash”
From: 1968 Single
Number of Covers: 132

Interestingly, there was a time when the Rolling Stones considered adding Peter Frampton to their lineup after Mick Taylor left. Before that happened, Frampton included a cover of “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” on his album Wind of Change. Although he didn’t join the band, Frampton achieved tremendous success with his 1976 album Frampton Comes Alive!, proving that his talent shone brightly regardless of band affiliations.

5. “As Tears Go By”
From: 1965 Single
Number of Covers: 161

Even before the Stones recorded “As Tears Go By,” it became a hit for Marianne Faithfull. Another notable cover by singer-songwriter Melanie further illustrates the song’s emotional depth and appeal. This track continues to resonate with both artists and audiences, demonstrating the enduring power of the Stones’ songwriting.

4. “The Last Time”
From: 1965 Single
Number of Covers: 166

The Who offered a fresh take on “The Last Time” just two years after the Stones released it. Pete Townshend expressed the profound impact the Stones had on him, particularly their wild stage presence and nonconformity. “They were the first to embody a punk image,” he noted, highlighting the Stones’ revolutionary influence in the music world.

3. “Country Honk”
From: 1969 Single
Number of Covers: 169

“Country Honk” has garnered more cover versions than expected, with a standout rendition by Waylon Jennings, who highlighted the song’s country roots. This unexpected popularity showcases the diverse interpretations of the Stones’ work and how their music transcends genres, inviting artists from all backgrounds to make it their own.

2. “Paint It, Black”
From: Aftermath (1966)
Number of Covers: 285

Imagine if “Paint It, Black” was transformed into a heavy metal anthem; look no further than W.A.S.P.‘s cover, released on a 1998 CD reissue of their debut album. This version exemplifies the song’s adaptability and highlights how the Stones’ music continues to inspire reinterpretation across various genres.

1. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction”
From: Out of Our Heads (1965)
Number of Covers: 380

One of the most memorable covers comes from Devo, who delivered a unique take on “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” while dressed in their iconic attire. Their performance in front of Jagger in 1978 left a lasting impression, with Jagger dancing enthusiastically, as recalled by Mark Mothersbaugh. This moment serves as a testament to the song’s enduring legacy and the profound impact it has had on generations of musicians.