Keith Richards's Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 20, 2026

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Keith Richards. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1989: Received the Living Legend Award

In 1989, Keith Richards received the Living Legend Award.

1989: Induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 1989, Keith Richards was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Rolling Stones.

1993: Induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame

In 1993, Keith Richards was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

2004: Induction into the UK Music Hall of Fame

In 2004, Keith Richards was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame with the Rolling Stones.

March 2007: Inducted the Ronettes into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

On March 12, 2007, Keith Richards inducted the Ronettes into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and played guitar during the ceremony's all-star jam session.

August 2009: Ranked in Time's Top Guitarists List

In August 2009, Keith Richards was ranked No. 4 in Time magazine's list of the 10 best electric guitar players of all time.

October 2009: Received Rock Immortal Award

On October 17, 2009, Keith Richards received the Rock Immortal Award at Spike TV's Scream 2009 awards ceremony in Los Angeles, presented by Johnny Depp.

2010: Recognized as Creator of "Rock's Greatest Riffs"

In 2010, David Fricke of Rolling Stone magazine recognized Keith Richards as the creator of "rock's greatest single body of riffs" on guitar, and the magazine ranked him fourth on its list of the 100 greatest guitarists of all time. Rolling Stone also listed fourteen songs he co-wrote with Jagger on its "500 Greatest Songs of All Time" list.

2011: Rolling Stone Magazine Top 100 Guitarists Ranking

In 2011, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Keith Richards fourth on its list of 100 best guitarists.

2023: Rolling Stone Magazine Top 100 Guitarists Ranking

In 2023, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Keith Richards fifteenth on its list of best guitarists.

2023: Tom Waits Honored Keith Richards with a Poem, Statue in Dartford

In 2023, Tom Waits honored his friend Keith Richards with a poem titled, "Burnt Toast To Keith". Also in 2023, Keith Richards was honoured in Dartford with a statue.