Bio: Keith Richards
Love Me Do tells the story of Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones from his early life through his rise to fame to his musical legacy and honours.
Early Life and Education
Keith Richards was born on December 18, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, England. His father, Bert Richards, was a factory worker, and his mother, Doris (née Dupree) Richards, introduced him to jazz music. Keith attended Wentworth Primary School and later Dartford Technical School, where he met his lifelong friend and songwriting partner, Mick Jagger.
Formation of The Rolling Stones
In 1961, Keith and Mick reconnected at Dartford train station, bonding over their shared love for American blues music. This friendship led to the formation of The Rolling Stones in 1962, with Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, and Bill Wyman joining the band. The Rolling Stones quickly gained a reputation for their energetic performances and rebellious attitude, thrilling audiences with their raw sound.
Keith Richards: Rise to Fame
The Rolling Stones’ first single, a cover of Chuck Berry’s Come On, was released in 1963, marking the beginning of their successful career. Their debut album, The Rolling Stones, released in 1964, reached number one on the UK charts.
The band’s big breakthrough came in 1965 with the release of (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, which became their first number-one hit in the United States. Keith’s distinctive guitar playing, with its distinctive opening riff, and Mick’s edgy vocals captured the spirit of rock and roll and led the way for other brilliant opening riffs from Keith Richards. Think Brown Sugar and Jumpin’ Jack Flash.
Keith Richards: Musical Career and Achievements
Keith Richards has co-written most of The Rolling Stones’ songs with Mick Jagger, creating one of the most successful songwriting partnerships outside of Lennon and McCartney.
Seeing the success of Lennon and McCartney’s songwriting partnership, and the extra money to be made from writing your own songs, the Stones’ manager Andrew Loog Oldham allegedly locked Mick and Keith in a room and wouldn’t let them out till they’d completed several songs. This approach apparently worked!
The band’s hits include classics like Paint It Black, Sympathy for the Devil, and Brown Sugar. Keith’s guitar playing style, influenced by musicians ranging from Robert Johnson to Chuck Berry, has been a trademark of the Rolling Stones.
In addition to his work with The Rolling Stones, Keith has released several solo albums and collaborated with other artists. He also co-founded the supergroup SuperHeavy in 2009. Keith’s contributions to music have been widely recognized, and he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004.
Keith’s Other Bands
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The X-Pensive Winos: This is Richards’ solo project, featuring his own songs and collaborations. The band includes drummer Steve Jordan, keyboardist Ivan Neville, and guitarist Waddy Wachtel.
The Dirty Mac: A one-time supergroup formed for a performance on the Rolling Stones’ TV special The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus in 1968. The band included John Lennon, Eric Clapton, and Mitch Mitchell.
The New Barbarians: A short-lived band formed by Richards in 1979, which included Ronnie Wood, Ian McLagan, and others.
Personal Life
Keith Richards has had a colorful personal life, marked by high-profile relationships and marriages. He was married to Patti Hansen from 1983 until her passing in 2023, and he had relationships with Anita Pallenberg and Marianne Faithfull. Keith has five children, including Theodora and Alexandra.
Keith Richards’ Heroin Use
Richards has admitted to using heroin, particularly during the 1970s. He was famously charged with heroin possession and trafficking in Canada in 1977, which led to a highly publicized trial1. He was eventually sentenced to community service.
Legacy and Honors
Keith Richards’s enduring legacy as a rock legend is a testament to his talent, charisma, and dedication to music. His influence on rock music and popular culture continues to be felt, making him an icon for generations to come. Rolling Stone magazine ranked him fourth on its list of 100 best guitarists in 2011 and 15th in 2023.
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