Historical Figure
Keith Richards
b. 1943
English guitarist (born 1943)
Talk to Keith Richards
Have a conversation with this historical figure through AI
Biography
Keith Richards is an English musician, songwriter, singer and record producer who is an original member, guitarist, secondary vocalist, and co-principal songwriter of the Rolling Stones. His songwriting partnership with the band's lead vocalist Mick Jagger is one of the most successful in history. His career spans over six decades, and his guitar playing style has been a trademark of the Rolling Stones throughout the band's career. Richards gained press notoriety for his romantic involvements and illicit drug use, and he was often portrayed as a countercultural figure. First professionally known as Keith Richard, in 1978 he fully asserted his family name.
In Their Own Words (5)
I was number one on the Who's Likely To Die list for 10 years. I mean, I was really disappointed when I fell off the list.
NME; reported in "In quotes: Keith Richards", BBC (April 4, 2007). , 2007
I thought rock and roll was an unassailable outlet for some pure and natural expression of rebellion. It used to be one channel you could take without ever havin' to kiss arse, you know?
Rolling Stone; reported in "In quotes: Keith Richards", BBC (April 4, 2007). , 2007
I looked upon myself, in a sort of romantic and silly way, as like a laboratory.
He tells Rolling Stone of his drug-taking past; reported in "In quotes: Keith Richards", BBC (April 4, 2007). , 2007
The idea of retiring is like killing yourself. It's almost like Hari Kari. I intend to live to a 100 and go down in history.
BBC Newsnight 2005; reported in "In quotes: Keith Richards", BBC (April 4, 2007). , 2005
This morning on Dartford station a guy I knew at primary school came up to me. He's got every record Chuck Berry made. He is called Mick Jagger.
From letter to Keith's aunt Keef comes clean, The Times p4, 15 Oct 2010. , 2010
Timeline
The story of Keith Richards, told in moments.
The Rolling Stones formed. Richards and Mick Jagger had reconnected on a train platform at Dartford station. Jagger was carrying Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry records. They started writing songs together. That partnership hasn't stopped.
Let It Bleed was released. Richards pioneered open-G tuning on tracks like "Gimme Shelter" and "Street Fighting Man." His five-string guitar approach, removing the low E, became his signature sound. Spare, raw, unmistakable.
Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Rolling Stones. Rolling Stone later ranked him fourth among the 100 greatest guitarists. He also released Talk Is Cheap with his side project the X-Pensive Winos.
Published his memoir, Life. It sold over a million copies in its first weeks. Richards wrote about heroin, car crashes, falling out of a coconut tree in Fiji, and somehow outliving almost everyone. He'd become rock's most famous survivor.
More from the Interwar & WWII
Explore what happened on the days that shaped Keith Richards's life. Today In History connects historical figures with the events, births, and deaths that defined their era. Browse all historical figures or explore today's events.