Keith Richards, the legendary guitarist and songwriter of The Rolling Stones, has carved his name into the annals of rock 'n' roll history with his gritty guitar riffs, rebellious spirit, and enduring influence. Born on December 18, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, England, Richards embarked on his musical journey that would span decades and shape the landscape of rock music.
Often called the human cockroach for his impressive survival of a lifetime of hard drug taking Keith is the archetypal Rock 'n' Roll star.
Timeline of Career Highlights:
1960s Richards, along with Mick Jagger, Brian Jones, Ian Stewart, Charlie Watts, and Bill Wyman, formed The Rolling Stones in 1962. The band quickly rose to fame with their raw energy and blues-inspired sound.
1970s The Rolling Stones became synonymous with the rock 'n' roll lifestyle, releasing iconic albums such as Sticky Fingers (1971) and Exile on Main St. (1972). Richards' songwriting contributions, including classics like Brown Sugar and Happy, solidified his status as a rock icon.
1980s-1990s Despite personal struggles with substance abuse and legal issues, Richards continued to rock with The Rolling Stones, releasing successful albums like Tattoo You (1981) and Steel Wheels (1989). The band's electrifying live performances captivated audiences worldwide.
2000s-Present Richards and The Rolling Stones embarked on numerous tours, proving that age is no barrier to rock 'n' roll. Their enduring legacy and influence continue to inspire generations of musicians.
Discography:
- Beggars Banquet (1968)
- Let It Bleed (1969)
- Sticky Fingers (1971)
- Exile on Main St. (1972)
- Some Girls (1978)
- Tattoo You (1981)
- Voodoo Lounge (1994)
- Bridges to Babylon (1997)
- A Bigger Bang (2005)
And many more...
Famous Songs and Compositions:
- (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction
- Paint It Black
- Sympathy for the Devil
- Gimme Shelter
- Jumpin' Jack Flash
- Start Me Up
Collaborations:
Richards collaborated with fellow Rolling Stone Mick Jagger on numerous songwriting ventures, creating some of rock's most enduring classics.
He also worked with artists like Chuck Berry, Eric Clapton, and Tom Waits, showcasing his versatility and musical prowess.
Personal Life and Quotes:
Richards' wild lifestyle and rebellious antics have become the stuff of legend, earning him the nickname Keef and immortalizing him as a rock 'n' roll icon.
His candid and often humorous quotes reflect his devil-may-care attitude towards life and music. One of his famous quips is,
I've never had a problem with drugs. I've had problems with the police.
Despite his rock star image, Richards is a devoted family man and has been married to his wife, Patti Hansen, since 1983. He is also a proud father and grandfather.
Bands and Projects:
The Rolling Stones Richards' primary musical outlet and the band that catapulted him to fame.
The X-Pensive Winos Richards' solo project, showcasing his songwriting and vocal talents outside of The Rolling Stones.
Summary
Keith Richards' journey through the highs and lows of rock 'n' roll exemplifies the enduring spirit of a true rock legend. His indelible mark on music and culture ensures that his legacy will continue to rock on for generations to come.
How good is Keith Richards?
Richards' iconic riffs, gritty tone, and rebellious attitude have made him a cultural icon, influencing generations of musicians and earning him a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Keith Richards may not be the most technically gifted of guitarists. He probably wasn't even the best guitarist in the Stones, but he leveraged what ability he had with musical literacy. He was in the right place and the right time to change the course of music.
Check out the video below and note the best lead guitarists the Stones had, Mick Taylor
Songs: Paint it Black, Brown Sugar, Honky Tonk Woman
Gear: Fender Stratocaster Marshall Amplifier