46 Years Ago Today: Legendary Rock Band Released Hit Song That Reached No. 3 in the US
- The Rolling Stones released the hit song "Emotional Rescue" 46 years ago today, marking the start of a successful new decade for the band.
Saturday marks 46 years since one of the most decorated rock bands of all time released another hit that reached the top 10 in the United States and the United Kingdom.
June 20 is a special day across the music industry. The great Lionel Richie celebrates his 77th birthday. Fifty-seven years ago today, David Bowie recorded "Space Oddity," his first No. 1 hit in the UK, at Trident Studios in London.
Today is also a significant day for Mick Jagger and The Rolling Stones, as they released another hit on June 20, 1980.
The Rolling Stones sustained their success in the '70s thanks to hit songs like "Brown Sugar," "Wild Horses," "Angie" and "Beast of Burden." However, they didn't need long to leave their stamp at the start of the next decade.
Forty-six years ago today, The Rolling Stones released "Emotional Rescue," a song about a man helping a woman through her personal struggles.
The group worked on the song during a tense feud between Jagger and Keith Richards, as detailed by Far Out Magazine . Nonetheless, Jagger and Richards managed to put their differences aside to work on "Emotional Rescue," their first big hit of the new decade.
The song was released as part of the album by the same name. The album included other notable songs like "Send It to Me" and "She's So Cold." The latter was a top-40 hit in Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom.
'Emotional Rescue' Was a Top Ten Hit in the US and the UK
Mick Jagger at the Rolling Stones' press party for 'Emotional Rescue' album release in New York, 1980.
(Photo by Gary Gershoff/Getty Images)
Fifteen days after its release, "Emotional Rescue" debuted on the US Billboard Hot 100 , peaking at No. 3 after two months. On the UK Singles Chart , "Emotional Rescue" peaked at No. 9 for the week of July 19-25.
The Rolling Stones classics like "Start Me Up," "Waiting on a Friend," "Hang Fire" and "Undercover of the Night" would follow "Emotional Rescue."
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.
