History of Keith Richards in Timeline
Keith Richards is a renowned English musician, songwriter, singer, and record producer, best known as a founding member, guitarist, and co-principal songwriter of the Rolling Stones. His songwriting partnership with Mick Jagger is legendary. Spanning over six decades, his distinctive guitar playing has become a hallmark of the Rolling Stones' sound. Richards has also been a prominent figure in popular culture, often associated with his romantic relationships and past drug use. He is celebrated as a countercultural icon and a key figure in rock music history.
1941: Eliza Richards becomes mayor
In 1941, Eliza Richards, Keith Richards' paternal grandmother, became mayor of the Municipal Borough of Walthamstow.
December 1943: Keith Richards' Birth
In December 1943, Keith Richards was born at Livingston Hospital in Dartford, Kent, England, to Doris Maud Lydia (née Dupree) and Herbert William Richards.
1954: Moved houses away from Mick Jagger
In 1954, Keith Richards and his family moved away from Mick Jagger, who had been his neighbor.
1955: Attended Dartford Technical High School for Boys
From 1955, Keith Richards attended Dartford Technical High School for Boys.
1959: Expelled from Dartford Tech
In 1959, Keith Richards was expelled from Dartford Tech for truancy and transferred to Sidcup Art College.
1962: Left Sidcup Art College
In 1962, Keith Richards left Sidcup Art College to dedicate himself to music and moved into a London flat with Jagger and Jones.
1962: Guitar Interplay
In 1962, Keith Richards starts his guitar interplay of rhythm and lead with Brian Jones
1963: Began Writing Songs
In 1963, Keith Richards and Mick Jagger began writing songs together, prompted by their manager Andrew Loog Oldham.
1963: Rolling Stones Sign to Decca Records
In 1963, after the Rolling Stones signed to Decca Records, Keith Richards's surname was shortened to "Richard" by the band's manager, Andrew Loog Oldham, for marketing reasons.
1964: Top Ten Hit
In 1964, Marianne Faithfull reached the Top Ten Hit with "As Tears Go By", a song written by Richards and Jagger.
1965: Use of Fuzzbox on "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction"
In 1965, Keith Richards used a Gibson Maestro fuzzbox to create the distinctive tone of his riff on "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," boosting the sales of the device.
1965: First Top-Ten Hit
In early 1965, The Rolling Stones had their first top-ten hit with a Jagger and Richards original, "The Last Time".
1966: Purchases Redlands Estate
In 1966, Keith Richards purchased Redlands, a Sussex estate.
1966: Credited as Producer on Today's Pop Symphony
In 1966, Keith Richards was credited as producer and musical director on the album Today's Pop Symphony.
1966: Most Rolling Stones albums consisted mainly of Jagger and Richards originals
Since 1966, most Rolling Stones albums have consisted mainly of Jagger and Richards originals.
February 1967: Police Raid at Redlands
In February 1967, a police raid occurred at Redlands, Keith Richards's Sussex estate, leading to the arrest of Richards and Mick Jagger.
June 1967: Sentenced to Prison
On 29 June 1967, Keith Richards was found guilty of allowing cannabis to be smoked on his property and sentenced to one year in prison, but was released on bail the next day pending appeal.
1967: Experimentation with Open Tunings
During a break in touring in 1967, Keith Richards began experimenting with open tunings, developing a distinctive style of syncopated chording.
1967: Begins relationship with Anita Pallenberg
In 1967, Keith Richards began dating Anita Pallenberg in Morocco.
1967: Stopped Being a Beatles Fan
In 1967, Keith Richards said he stopped being a Beatles fan when they visited the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
1967: Sang on Beatles Broadcast
In 1967, Keith Richards, along with Mick Jagger and numerous other guests, sang on the Beatles' TV broadcast of "All You Need Is Love".
1967: Producer Credit
In 1967, the entire band was credited as producer of The Rolling Stones' album Their Satanic Majesties Request.
1967: Backing Vocals on Every Album
Since Between the Buttons in 1967, Keith Richards has sung lead or co-lead on at least one track of every Rolling Stones studio album except Their Satanic Majesties Request, Sticky Fingers, It's Only Rock 'n' Roll, and Blue & Lonesome.
December 1968: Plays Bass for The Dirty Mac
In December 1968, Keith Richards played bass in John Lennon's pickup band The Dirty Mac for a performance of the Beatles' song "Yer Blues".
1968: Experimentation with Open Tunings
During a break in touring in 1968, Keith Richards continued experimenting with open tunings, developing a distinctive style of syncopated chording.
1968: Dirty Mac Performance
In 1968, Keith Richards played bass with John Lennon, Eric Clapton, Mitch Mitchell, Ivry Gitlis, and Yoko Ono as the Dirty Mac for The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus TV special.
August 1969: Birth of Marlon Richards
In August 1969, Keith Richards and Anita Pallenberg's first child, Marlon Leon Sundeep Richards, was born.
1969: Guitar Interplay
In 1969, Keith Richards continues his guitar interplay of rhythm and lead with Mick Taylor
1969: You Got the Silver
In 1969, Keith Richards sang "You Got the Silver" which was a Rolling Stones song.
1969: Mick Taylor Joins Rolling Stones
In 1969, Mick Taylor replaced Brian Jones in the Rolling Stones, leading to a separation of guitar roles due to Taylor's virtuosity on lead guitar.
1971: Rarities Released spanning 1971-2003
In 2005, the Rolling Stones released Rarities 1971–2003, which includes some rare and limited-issue recordings dating back to 1971.
April 1972: Birth of Dandelion Angela Richards
In April 1972, Keith Richards and Anita Pallenberg's second child, Dandelion Angela Richards, was born.
1972: Happy
During the Rolling Stones' 1972 tour, Keith Richards-sung "Happy" entered into their concert repertoire.
1972: Single "Happy" Release
In 1972, The Rolling Stones released the single "Happy" in which Keith Richards sings lead vocals.
1973: Drug Related Charges
In 1973, Keith Richards faced drug related charges twice.
1973: Coming Down Again
In 1973, Keith Richards wrote and recorded slow torchy ballads, such as "Coming Down Again"
1973: Interest in Kracker
In early 1973, Jagger and Richards developed an interest in the band Kracker, resulting in a deal whereby the band's second album was licensed for distribution outside the United States by Rolling Stones Records.
July 1974: Concerts
In July 1974, Keith Richards contributed guitar, piano, and vocals to Ronnie Wood's first two solo albums and joining him on stage for two concerts to promote I've Got My Own Album to Do.
December 1974: Guest Appearance
In December 1974, Keith Richards also made a guest appearance at a Faces concert.
1974: Mick Taylor leaves Rolling Stones
In 1974, Mick Taylor leaves the Rolling Stones
1974: Co-Production as 'the Glimmer Twins'
Since 1974, Keith Richards and Mick Jagger have frequently co-produced Rolling Stones records and those by other artists under the name "the Glimmer Twins".
1975: Guitar Interplay
In 1975, Keith Richards continues his guitar interplay of rhythm and lead with Ronnie Wood
1975: Ronnie Wood joins Rolling Stones
In 1975, Ronnie Wood replaced Mick Taylor in the Rolling Stones, marking a return to the guitar interplay Richards called "the ancient art of weaving".
1975: Reckless Driving Citation
In August 2006, Keith Richards was granted a pardon by Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee for a 1975 reckless driving citation.
March 1976: Birth of Tara Jo Jo Gunne Richards
In March 1976, Keith Richards and Anita Pallenberg's third child, Tara Jo Jo Gunne Richards, was born.
June 1976: Death of Tara Jo Jo Gunne Richards
In June 1976, Keith Richards and Anita Pallenberg's daughter, Tara Jo Jo Gunne Richards, died from SIDS.
1976: Phillips's solo recording
During 1976, Richards co-produced and played on John Phillips's solo recording.
February 1977: Arrested in Toronto for Heroin Possession
On 27 February 1977, Keith Richards was arrested in Toronto for "possession of heroin for the purpose of trafficking".
1977: Phillips's solo recording
During 1977, Richards co-produced and played on John Phillips's solo recording.
1977: Drug Related Charges
In 1977, Keith Richards faced drug related charges.
1977: Toronto Studio Sessions
In 1977, Keith Richards had Toronto studio sessions that were widely bootlegged.
October 1978: Pleads Guilty to Heroin Possession
In October 1978, Keith Richards pleaded guilty to possession of heroin, receiving a suspended sentence and probation.
1978: Drug Related Charges
In 1978, Keith Richards faced drug related charges.
1978: First Solo Single
In 1978, Keith Richards released his first solo single, a cover of Chuck Berry's "Run Rudolph Run".
April 1979: Performs Benefit Concerts for the Blind
On 22 April 1979, Keith Richards performed two CNIB benefit concerts, featuring the Rolling Stones and the New Barbarians, as part of his sentence for heroin possession.
September 1979: Original Sentence Upheld
In September 1979, the Ontario Court of Appeal upheld Keith Richards' original sentence.
1979: Breaks up with Anita Pallenberg
In 1979, Keith Richards and Anita Pallenberg broke up.
1979: New Barbarians Tour
In 1979, Keith Richards toured the US with the New Barbarians.
1980: All About You
In 1980, Keith Richards wrote and recorded slow torchy ballads, such as "All About You"
1981: Bootlegged Studio Sessions
In 1981, Keith Richards had studio sessions that were widely bootlegged.
1981: Plays on Max Romeo's album
In 1981, Keith Richards played on reggae singer Max Romeo's album Holding Out My Love to You.
1982: Reconnected with his father
In 1982, Keith Richards reconnected with his father after a period of estrangement following his parents' divorce.
December 1983: Marries Patti Hansen
On December 18, 1983, Keith Richards married Patti Hansen on his 40th birthday.
1983: Mexico Wedding Trip Tapes
In 1983, tapes made during Keith Richards' wedding trip to Mexico were widely bootlegged.
March 1985: Birth of Theodora Dupree Richards
In March 1985, Keith Richards and Patti Hansen's daughter, Theodora Dupree Richards, was born.
1985: Works with Tom Waits on Rain Dogs
In 1985, Richards collaborated with Tom Waits, adding guitar and backing vocals to Waits's album Rain Dogs.
July 1986: Birth of Alexandra Nicole Richards
In July 1986, Keith Richards and Patti Hansen's daughter, Alexandra Nicole Richards, was born.
1986: Produces Aretha Franklin and Chuck Berry
In 1986, Keith Richards produced and played on Aretha Franklin's rendition of "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and served as musical producer for the Chuck Berry film Hail! Hail! Rock 'n' Roll.
1986: Guitar World Interview
In a 1986 interview with Guitar World, Keith Richards joked about his ability to make any guitar sound the same.
1987: Formation of the X-Pensive Winos
In 1987, Keith Richards formed the "X-Pensive Winos" after Jagger pursued a solo career.
December 1988: Live at the Hollywood Palladium
December 15, 1988 documents the first of the two US tours Richards has done as a solo artist.
1989: Award Received in 1989
In 1989, Keith Richards received the Living Legend Award.
1989: Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1989, Keith Richards was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Rolling Stones, marking a significant career milestone.
1989: Slipping Away
In 1989, Keith Richards wrote and recorded slow torchy ballads, such as "Slipping Away"
1991: Co-produces and plays on Johnnie B. Bad
In 1991, Keith Richards co-produced and played guitar and vocals on Johnnie Johnson's release Johnnie B. Bad.
1992: Collaborates with Tom Waits on Bone Machine
In 1992, Keith Richards co-wrote, played on, and shared the lead vocal on "That Feel" on Tom Waits's album Bone Machine.
1992: Performs on Charles Mingus tribute album
In 1992, Keith Richards sang lead vocals and played guitar on "Oh Lord, Don't Let Them Drop That Atomic Bomb on Me" on the Charles Mingus tribute album Weird Nightmare.
1992: Main Offender Release
In 1992, the Winos' second studio record, Main Offender, was released, also followed by a tour.
1993: Inducted into Songwriters Hall of Fame
In 1993, Keith Richards was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to music.
1994: Duets with George Jones
In 1994, Keith Richards duetted with George Jones on "Say It's Not You" on the Bradley Barn Sessions.
1994: Speaks on Drug Image
In 1994, Keith Richards said his image was "like a long shadow ... Even though that was nearly twenty years ago, you cannot convince some people that I'm not a mad drug addict."
1997: Partners with Levon Helm on "Deuce and a Quarter"
In 1997, Keith Richards partnered with Levon Helm on "Deuce and a Quarter" for Scotty Moore's album All the King's Men.
1997: Released Wingless Angels
In 1997, Richards co-produced and added guitar and vocals to "Wingless Angels", a recording of nyabinghi Rastafarian chanting and drumming, released on his Mindless Records label.
1998: Discusses Relationship with Mick Jagger
In a 1998 interview, Keith Richards described his relationship with Mick Jagger as a "family squabble".
2001: Release of Pay Pack & Follow
In 2001, John Phillips's solo recording Pay Pack & Follow, on which Richards played, was released.
2001: Featured on Hank Williams tribute album
In 2001, Keith Richards's guitar and lead vocals were featured on the Hank Williams tribute album Timeless.
2003: Records Reggae Song with Toots Hibbert
In 2003, Keith Richards recorded a version of the reggae song "Pressure Drop" featuring Toots Hibbert.
2003: Rarities Released spanning 1971-2003
In 2005, the Rolling Stones released Rarities 1971–2003, which includes some rare and limited-issue recordings up to 2003.
2004: Contributes to Toots & the Maytals' Album
In 2004, Keith Richards added guitar and vocals to Toots & the Maytals' recording of "Careless Ethiopians" for their album True Love.
2004: Induction into UK Music Hall of Fame
In 2004, Keith Richards was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame with the Rolling Stones.
2005: Re-release of Trouble Maker
In 2005, Ian McLagan's 1979 album Troublemaker (re-released in 2005 as Here Comes Trouble)
2005: Appearance in 'Make It Funky!' documentary
In 2005, Keith Richards appeared in the documentary film 'Make It Funky!', discussing New Orleans music and performing "I'm Ready."
2005: Performs on Hubert Sumlin's Album
In 2005, Keith Richards' guitar and lead vocals are featured on veteran blues guitarist Hubert Sumlin's album About Them Shoes.
2005: Rolling Stones Release Rarities
In 2005, the Rolling Stones released Rarities 1971–2003, which includes some rare and limited-issue recordings.
April 2006: Suffers Head Injury in Fiji
In April 2006, Keith Richards slipped off a tree branch in Fiji and suffered a head injury, requiring cranial surgery.
August 2006: Granted Pardon by Arkansas Governor
In August 2006, Keith Richards was granted a pardon by Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee for a 1975 reckless driving citation.
2006: You Got the Silver
During the 2006 Rolling Stones' tours, Keith Richards sang "You Got the Silver" without playing any instrument.
2006: Tribute concert for Gram Parsons
In 2006, Keith Richards appeared with Norah Jones in a tribute concert for Gram Parsons, playing guitar and singing a duet, "Love Hurts."
March 2007: Induction of the Ronettes into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
On 12 March 2007, Keith Richards attended the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame ceremony to induct the Ronettes and played guitar during the all-star jam session.
April 2007: NME Interview Controversy
In April 2007, Keith Richards gave an interview to NME magazine, where he allegedly joked about snorting his father's ashes, sparking media controversy.
April 2007: Death of Doris Richards
On 21 April 2007, Keith Richards's mother, Doris Richards, died of cancer at the age of 91 in England. Richards was present at her bedside during her final days.
May 2007: Cameo in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
In May 2007, Keith Richards made a cameo appearance as Captain Teague in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End' and later won the Best Celebrity Cameo award for the role.
August 2007: Publishing Deal for Autobiography
In August 2007, Keith Richards signed a publishing deal for his autobiography, 'Life'.
December 2007: Releases Christmas Single
In December 2007, Keith Richards released a download-only Christmas single via iTunes of "Run Rudolph Run."
2007: You Got the Silver
During the 2007 Rolling Stones' tours, Keith Richards sang "You Got the Silver" without playing any instrument.
2007: Reschedules European Tour
In 2007, The Rolling Stones toured Europe to make up the remainder of the shows that had been postponed because of Keith Richards's injury.
March 2008: Louis Vuitton Advertising Campaign
In March 2008, Keith Richards was featured in a Louis Vuitton advertising campaign, donating his fee to the Climate Project.
October 2008: Performance at Musicians' Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony
On 28 October 2008, Keith Richards appeared at the Musicians' Hall of Fame induction ceremony in Nashville, Tennessee, performing with the Crickets.
2008: Unreleased Duet Appears on Jones's album
In 2008, a second duet from the Bradley Barn Sessions, "Burn Your Playhouse Down", featuring Keith Richards, appeared on George Jones's release Burn Your Playhouse Down – The Unreleased Duets.
August 2009: Ranked Among Top Electric Guitar Players
In August 2009, Keith Richards was ranked No. 4 in Time magazine's list of the 10 best electric guitar players of all time.
September 2009: Recording with Jack White
In September 2009, Keith Richards told Rolling Stone magazine that he had recorded tracks with Jack White.
October 2009: Rock Immortal Award
On 17 October 2009, Keith Richards received the Rock Immortal Award at Spike TV's Scream 2009 awards ceremony in Los Angeles, presented by Johnny Depp.
2009: Publication of Quotations Book
In 2009, a book of Keith Richards's quotations was published, titled 'What Would Keith Richards Do?: Daily Affirmations from a Rock 'n' Roll Survivor'.
April 2010: Yearns to be a Librarian
An April 2010 article revealed that Keith Richards yearns to be a librarian.
October 2010: Release of Autobiography 'Life'
On 26 October 2010, Keith Richards's autobiography, 'Life', was released.
October 2010: Publishes Autobiography
On 26 October 2010, Keith Richards's autobiography, Life, was published.
2010: Recognition as a Guitar Riff Creator
In 2010, David Fricke of Rolling Stone magazine referred to Keith Richards as the creator of "rock's greatest single body of riffs" on guitar. He was also ranked fourth on its list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time.
May 2011: Reprising Role in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides
In May 2011, Keith Richards reprised his role as Captain Teague in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides'.
2011: Appearance in Reggae Got Soul Documentary
In 2011, Keith Richards appeared in the documentary 'Toots and the Maytals: Reggae Got Soul'.
2011: Reprises Role in Pirates of the Caribbean
In 2011, Keith Richards reprised his role as Captain Edward Teague in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
2011: Contributes to Tom Waits's Bad As Me
In 2011, Richards added guitar and vocals to Tom Waits's album Bad As Me.
2011: Ranked Fourth Best Guitarist by Rolling Stone
In 2011, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Keith Richards fourth on its list of the 100 best guitarists, acknowledging his significant impact on music.
February 2012: Tribute to Chuck Berry and Leonard Cohen
On 26 February 2012, Keith Richards paid tribute to Chuck Berry and Leonard Cohen, who received the first annual PEN Awards for songwriting excellence at the JFK Presidential Library in Boston, Massachusetts.
2012: Joins Independent Music Awards Judging Panel
In 2012, Keith Richards joined the 11th annual Independent Music Awards judging panel.
June 2013: Considers Retirement Location
In June 2013, Keith Richards said that he would retire with his family to Parrot Cay or Jamaica if he knew his death was coming.
2013: Remarks on Brain Surgery
In late 2013, Keith Richards gave his thanks to the surgeons in New Zealand who treated him in a video message, remarking, "I left half my brain there."
September 2014: Publishes Children's Book
In September 2014, Keith Richards published a children's book with Theodora, Gus and Me: The Story of My Granddad and My First Guitar, based on Richards's grandfather.
September 2015: Crosseyed Heart Release
In September 2015, Keith Richards released his third album, Crosseyed Heart.
2015: Softens Opinion on Jagger
By 2015, Keith Richards softened his opinion on Mick Jagger, saying Jagger could come off as a "snob" but added, "I still love him dearly ... your friends don't have to be perfect."
2015: Interview on coping with loss
In 2015, Keith Richards discussed his decision to perform after the death of his daughter in an interview with The Guardian, explaining that performing was the only way he could cope.
2015: Expresses Dislike for Rap and Hip Hop
In a 2015 interview, Keith Richards expressed his dislike for rap and hip hop, deeming them for "tone deaf" people.
September 2016: Hosts BBC Four Programme
For the weekend of 23 September 2016, Keith Richards curated and hosted a three-night programme on BBC Four titled Lost Weekend.
November 2016: Wants to Croak Onstage
In November 2016, Keith Richards said, "I'd like to croak magnificently, onstage."
2016: Statement on Substance Use
In 2016, Keith Richards stated that he still occasionally drinks alcohol and consumes hashish and cannabis.
2017: Reference in "Mr Charisma"
In 2017, the band "The Waterboys" referenced Keith Richards's ash-snorting incident in their song, "Mr. Charisma".
2022: Reveals He Quit Smoking
In 2022, Keith Richards revealed that he quit smoking in 2020.
2023: Rolling Stone's ranking
In 2023, Rolling Stone's ranking of Keith Richards was 15th.
2023: Recognition and Honors in 2023
In 2023, Tom Waits honored Keith Richards with a poem, "Burnt Toast To Keith" and Richards was honored with a statue in Dartford.
