Childhood and Education Journey of Keith Richards in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Keith Richards. From birth to education, explore key events.

Keith Richards is an iconic English musician, best known as a founding member, guitarist, and co-songwriter of the Rolling Stones. His songwriting partnership with Mick Jagger is one of history's most successful. Richards' distinctive guitar playing has defined the band's sound for over six decades. He gained notoriety for his countercultural image, romantic relationships, and admitted drug use. Originally known as Keith Richard, he later formally adopted his family name, Richards.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1941: Eliza Richards became mayor

In 1941, Eliza Richards, Keith Richards' paternal grandmother, became mayor of the Municipal Borough of Walthamstow in Essex.

December 1943: Keith Richards was born

In December 1943, Keith Richards was born at Livingston Hospital, in Dartford, Kent, England.

1954: Richards and Jagger Families Move

In 1954, both the Richards and Jagger families moved, ending Keith Richards' time as Mick Jagger's neighbor after attending Wentworth Primary School together.

1955: Richards attends Dartford Technical High School

From 1955 to 1959, Keith Richards attended Dartford Technical High School for Boys.

1959: Expulsion from Dartford Tech and Transfer to Sidcup Art College

In 1959, Keith Richards was expelled from Dartford Tech for truancy and then transferred to Sidcup Art College where he met Dick Taylor.

1967: Stopped Being a Beatles Fan

In 1967, Keith Richards stated he stopped being a Beatles fan when they visited the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

1978: Keith Richards asserts his family name

In 1978, Keith Richards fully asserted his family name after being known professionally as Keith Richard, dropping the 's' in Richard, due to his manager believing that "Keith Richard, looked more pop".

1978: Richards switches back to his legal name

In 1978, Keith Richards switched back to using his legal name in all public and private contexts, after having been known as Keith Richard.

1982: Reconciliation with Father

By 1982, Keith Richards, after his parents divorced, remained estranged from his father until this year.

1986: Guitar World Interview

In a 1986 Guitar World interview, Keith Richards joked that no matter what guitar model he plays, he can make them all sound the same within five minutes.

1987: Formation of the X-Pensive Winos

In 1987, after Jagger pursued a solo career, Keith Richards formed the 'X-Pensive Winos' with Steve Jordan, whom Richards assembled for his Chuck Berry documentary Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll.

April 2007: Death of Doris Richards

In April 2007, Keith Richards' mother, Doris Richards, passed away from cancer at the age of 91 in England. Keith Richards was reportedly by her bedside during her final days.

April 2007: Controversial Interview with NME

In an April 2007 interview for NME magazine, Keith Richards was quoted saying he had snorted his father's ashes mixed with cocaine. His manager later stated that the anecdote was meant as a joke.

August 2007: Signed Publishing Deal for Autobiography

In August 2007, Keith Richards signed a publishing deal for his autobiography, Life.

2015: Comments on Rap, Metallica, and Rock

In 2015, Keith Richards shared his opinions on various music genres in an interview with the New York Daily News. He criticized rap and hip hop, calling them for "tone deaf" people. He also described Metallica and Black Sabbath as "great jokes" and expressed his disappointment with the lack of syncopation in modern rock and roll.