Keith Richards

Keith Richards (born December 18 1943 in Dartford, Kent), is a British guitarist and songwriter, best known for his work with The Rolling Stones, the band he founded with vocalist Mick Jagger and Brian Jones in 1962. In addition to his work with The Stones, Richards also has worked as a session guitarist with artists as varied as Gram Parsons, Tom Waits, Bono and The Edge of U2, Nona Hendryx, John Phillips and Aretha Franklin.

Career accomplishments

The Rolling Stones began as a cover band in Great Britain playing Blues and early rock'n'roll covers. Their first recordings reflect this. "I Just Want to Make Love to You," "Not Fade Away," "Carol" and "It's All Over Now" are all American cover songs. Andrew Loog Oldham became The Stones first manager and inspired Jagger, Richards and Jones to write songs. Jones was unable to contribute meaningfully, and Jagger and Richards became the primary songwriters. "The Last Time" was the first Jagger/Richards composition released as a single. Nanker Phelge was a pseudonym created by Jagger and Richards to publish songs they wrote and recorded but wanted to sidestep publishing agreements to which they were obliged as Jagger/Richards.

Related Topics:
The Rolling Stones - Cover band - Blues - Rock'n'roll - Andrew Loog Oldham - Nanker Phelge

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Although Brian Jones was a hapless songwriter, he contributed significantly in the studio. He was a multi-instrumentalist and has been cited by Richards and Jagger in interviews as a significant contributor to how songs like "Under My Thumb," "Paint It Black," and "Ruby Tuesday" were recorded.

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Mick Jagger began to attract attention in Britain and the United States. His on-stage persona developed from stiff school boy to a dancing, prancing, ambisexual, burlesque, shotgun Weimar Republic nightclub singer who either immediately attracted or repulsed viewers. Jagger's development made Richards a stronger guitarist and songwriter.

Related Topics:
United States - Weimar Republic

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