What year was the song "Gimme Shelter" released?

The Rolling Stones released "Gimme Shelter" in 1969. It became the opening track of their album Let It Bleed, which was released that same year.

Written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the song emerged during a period of political unrest, war and social upheaval. Its ominous guitar introduction and lyrics about violence, fear and instability gave it a darker atmosphere than many earlier Stones hits. The recording features powerful guest vocals from Merry Clayton, whose performance near the song's climax is one of its defining moments.

The song was recorded between February and November 1969 and released in the United Kingdom on November 28. It is often associated with the Stones' disastrous Altamont concert because the 1970 documentary about that event was titled Gimme Shelter, but the song itself predates the film. That connection can cause some listeners to remember 1970 instead of its actual release year, 1969.