Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Rod Stewart
How Rod Stewart built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Sir Rod Stewart is a highly successful British singer and songwriter, recognized for his raspy voice and significant record sales exceeding 120 million worldwide. He began his music career in 1962 and gained experience with bands like the Dimensions, Long John Baldry and the All Stars, and the Jeff Beck Group. He achieved fame with Faces in 1969 while also starting a solo career. His early albums blended rock, folk, soul, and R&B. His breakthrough album, 'Every Picture Tells a Story' (1971), and the hit single 'Maggie May' topped charts internationally. The following album, 'Never a Dull Moment,' also achieved number one status in the UK and Australia.
1960: Joined The Kool Kats
In 1960, Rod Stewart joined a skiffle group with school friends called the Kool Kats, playing Lonnie Donegan and Chas McDevitt hits.
1961: Singing Audition with Joe Meek
In 1961, Rod Stewart went to Denmark Street with the Raiders and got a singing audition with record producer Joe Meek, but Meek stopped the session abruptly.
1962: Busking with Wizz Jones
In 1962, Rod Stewart began busking with folk singer Wizz Jones at Leicester Square and other London spots, and took up playing the harmonica.
1962: Started Busking
In 1962, Rod Stewart began his music career by busking with a harmonica.
October 1963: Joined The Dimensions
In October 1963, Rod Stewart joined a rhythm and blues group, the Dimensions, as a harmonica player and part-time vocalist, marking his first professional job as a musician.
1963: Joined The Dimensions
In 1963, Rod Stewart joined The Dimensions as a harmonica player and vocalist.
January 1964: Joined Long John Baldry and the All Stars
In January 1964, Rod Stewart joined Long John Baldry and the All Stars after Baldry heard him playing harmonica at Twickenham railway station. He was offered a job for £35 a week.
June 1964: Recording Debut
In June 1964, Rod Stewart made his recording debut (without label credit) on "Up Above My Head", the B-side to a Long John Baldry and the Hoochie Coochie Men single.
August 1964: Signed Solo Contract with Decca Records
In August 1964, Rod Stewart signed a solo contract with Decca Records after being scouted at the Marquee Club.
September 1964: Recorded First Single
In September 1964, Rod Stewart recorded his first single.
October 1964: Released Good Morning Little Schoolgirl and left the Hoochie Coochie Men
In October 1964, Rod Stewart released the single "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl". Stewart also left the Hoochie Coochie Men after a row with Baldry.
1964: Joined Jimmy Powell & the Five Dimensions
A few weeks after joining The Dimensions, Jimmy Powell hired the group, which then became known as Jimmy Powell & the Five Dimensions with Rod Stewart as the harmonica player. Stewart later departed due to disagreements with Powell.
1964: Joined Long John Baldry and the All Stars
In 1964, Rod Stewart joined Long John Baldry and the All Stars.
1964: Compilation Set
In 1990, Stewart had a four-CD compilation set called Storyteller – The Complete Anthology: 1964–1990.
1964: Played Dates Backed by Soul Agents
In late 1964 and early 1965, Rod Stewart played some solo dates, sometimes backed by the Southampton R&B outfit the Soul Agents.
July 1965: First Appearance with Steampacket
In July 1965, Rod Stewart made his first appearance with Steampacket in support of the Rolling Stones. The group was conceived as a white soul revue.
November 1965: Visibility in "An Easter with Rod" and release of "The Day Will Come"
In November 1965, Rod Stewart's 'Rod the Mod' image gained visibility through the Rediffusion, London television documentary 'An Easter with Rod'. Also in November 1965, he released 'The Day Will Come' on EMI's Columbia label, a pop attempt that failed commercially.
March 1966: Departure from Steampacket
In March 1966, Rod Stewart left Steampacket, with conflicting accounts of whether he was sacked or quit.
May 1966: Joining Shotgun Express
In May 1966, Rod Stewart joined Shotgun Express as a co-lead vocalist with Beryl Marsden, featuring Mick Fleetwood, Peter Green, and Peter Bardens.
October 1966: Shotgun Express single release
In October 1966, Shotgun Express released the unsuccessful single 'I Could Feel The Whole World Turn Round' before disbanding.
February 1967: Joining the Jeff Beck Group
In February 1967, Rod Stewart joined the Jeff Beck Group as vocalist and sometime songwriter, marking a significant break in his early career. He reunited with Ronnie Wood, whom he had met in 1964.
1967: Joined Jeff Beck Group
In 1967, Rod Stewart moved to the Jeff Beck Group.
March 1968: Release of 'Little Miss Understood'
In March 1968, Rod Stewart's solo career continued with the release of the non-hit 'Little Miss Understood' on Immediate Records.
June 1968: Jeff Beck Group's U.S. Tour Debut
In June 1968, the Jeff Beck Group, including Rod Stewart, embarked on a six-week tour of the United States, starting at the Fillmore East in New York. Stewart experienced severe stage fright but the show was a success, garnering positive reviews.
August 1968: Release of Truth
In August 1968, the Jeff Beck Group released their first album, Truth, which reached number 15 on the US albums chart by October. The album featured Stewart's dramatic vocals and his co-writing contributions.
October 1968: Signing to Mercury Records
On October 8, 1968, Lou Reizner from Mercury Records signed Rod Stewart to a solo contract after seeing him perform with Jeff Beck.
April 1969: Guest vocals on 'In a Broken Dream'
In April 1969, Rod Stewart sang guest vocals for the Australian group Python Lee Jackson on 'In a Broken Dream', receiving seat covers for his car as payment.
May 1969: Steve Marriott leaves Small Faces
In May 1969, guitarist and singer Steve Marriott left the English band the Small Faces.
June 1969: Release of Beck-Ola in the US
In June 1969, the Jeff Beck Group's second album, Beck-Ola, was released in the US, reaching number 15 on the US albums chart. The album's release occurred around the time the group was dissolving.
July 1969: Departure from the Jeff Beck Group
In July 1969, Rod Stewart left the Jeff Beck Group following Ronnie Wood's departure, citing aggravation and unfriendliness within the band.
July 1969: Delayed recording for Mercury Records
Rod Stewart's recording for Mercury Records was delayed until July 1969 due to contractual complexities, despite being signed in October 1968.
September 1969: Release of Beck-Ola in the UK
In September 1969, the Jeff Beck Group's second album, Beck-Ola, was released in the UK, reaching number 39 on the UK albums chart. The album's release occurred around the time the group was dissolving.
October 1969: Joining Faces
On October 18, 1969, Rod Stewart joined the Small Faces, becoming the band's new singer. The band was renamed Faces.
1969: Joined Faces and Launched Solo Career
In 1969, Rod Stewart joined Faces and launched his solo career, releasing his debut album, An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down.
1969: Release of An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down
In 1969, Rod Stewart released his first solo album, An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down, which established his signature folk, rock, and country blues sound.
1970: Faces debut album and Gasoline Alley release
In early 1970, Faces released their debut album, First Step. In the autumn of 1970, Rod Stewart released his second album, Gasoline Alley.
1971: Success of Every Picture Tells a Story and Maggie May
In 1971, Rod Stewart's solo album Every Picture Tells a Story made him a household name, with the single 'Maggie May' achieving number one chart positions in multiple countries.
1971: Long Player and A Nod Is as Good as a Wink...To a Blind Horse releases
In early 1971, the second Faces album, Long Player, was released. In late 1971, the Faces released their third album A Nod Is as Good as a Wink...To a Blind Horse, which included their only US Top 40 hit with 'Stay With Me'.
1972: Re-release of In a Broken Dream
In 1972, 'In a Broken Dream', featuring guest vocals by Rod Stewart and originally recorded in April 1969, was re-released and became a worldwide hit.
1972: Release of Never a Dull Moment and tension in Faces
In 1972, Rod Stewart released Never a Dull Moment, and also in 1972, the Faces toured extensively with growing tension due to Stewart's solo success.
1973: Release of Ooh La La and growing rift with Faces
In 1973, Faces released their final album, Ooh La La, which reached number one in the UK. The rift between Rod Stewart and the rest of the Faces grew during the recording of the album.
1974: Faces tour and support for "Pool Hall Richard"
In 1974, The Faces toured Australasia, Japan, Europe and the UK to support their album Ooh La La and the single 'Pool Hall Richard'.
1974: Release of Smiler and switch to Warner Bros. Records
In late 1974, Rod Stewart released his Smiler album, his last original album for Mercury Records. After the release of The Best of Rod Stewart compilation, he switched to Warner Bros. Records.
1975: Faces Broke Up and Atlantic Crossing Released
In 1975, Faces broke up. Rod Stewart's album Atlantic Crossing was released, becoming a number-one hit in the UK and Australia. The single "Sailing" became a hit in several countries.
1975: Faces US tours and eventual breakup
In 1975, Faces toured the US twice. Due to Rod Stewart's solo career and Ronnie Wood's involvement with the Rolling Stones, the Faces broke up at the end of the year.
1975: Move to Los Angeles and release of Atlantic Crossing
In 1975, Rod Stewart moved to Los Angeles and released the Atlantic Crossing album for his new record company, using producer Tom Dowd and the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section.
1976: US Billboard Hot 100 Topping
In 1976, Rod Stewart's ballad "Tonight's the Night" topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks and the Australian ARIA chart. The song included a music video featuring actress Britt Ekland and was from the album A Night on the Town, which reached number two on the Billboard album charts and became Stewart's first platinum album. The album was explicitly divided into a "fast side" and a "slow side", continuing a trend Stewart started with Atlantic Crossing.
1977: UK Number One Hit
In 1977, Rod Stewart's cover of Cat Stevens' "The First Cut Is the Deepest" reached number one in the UK and also became a Top 30 hit in the US. Additionally, "The Killing of Georgie (Part 1 and 2)", a song about the murder of a gay man, was a Top 40 hit for Stewart during 1977.
1978: Criticism of "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?"
In 1978, Rod Stewart faced criticism for his biggest-selling disco hit "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?", which was considered atypical of his earlier work and disparaged by critics. Stewart defended the lyrics, stating the song is a third-person narrative, not about him.
1978: Release and Success of Blondes Have More Fun
In 1978, Rod Stewart's look had evolved to include a glam element, including make-up and spandex clothes. Stewart scored another UK and US number one single with "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?", a crossover hit that reached number five on the Billboard black charts due to its disco sound. This was the lead single from 1978's Blondes Have More Fun album, which reached number one on the Billboard album charts and sold three million albums.
1979: Donation of Royalties to UNICEF
In 1979, following a lawsuit regarding the refrain of "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?", Rod Stewart donated his royalties from the song to UNICEF. He also performed the song with his band at the Music for UNICEF Concert at the United Nations General Assembly.
1980: Release of Foolish Behaviour Album
In 1980, Rod Stewart moved to a more new wave direction by releasing the album Foolish Behaviour. The album produced one hit single, "Passion", which reached No. 5 on the US Billboard Charts.
August 1981: MTV Launch
In August 1981, MTV was launched in the US with several of Rod Stewart's videos in heavy rotation.
1981: "Young Turks" Reached Top 5
In 1981, "Young Turks" reached the Top 5 with the album going platinum.
1981: End of Riva label releases in the UK
In 1981, Rod Stewarts solo releases in the UK which had appeared on the Riva label until 1981 ended. Before, Rod Stewart's solo releases in the UK appeared on the Riva label.
1982: "Young Turks" Success
In 1982, Rod Stewart's single "Young Turks", which had gained momentum from 1981, continued its success, reaching the US Top 10.
1983: "Baby Jane" Success
In 1983, Rod Stewart's single "Baby Jane" reached number 14 in the US, but went to number 1 in the UK, his final chart-topping single there to date.
1984: Top 10 Singles
In 1984, Rod Stewart had two US Top 10 singles: "Some Guys Have All the Luck" which reached number 10, and "Infatuation" which reached number 6.
1986: "Every Beat of My Heart" Success
In 1986, Rod Stewart's single "Every Beat of My Heart" reached number two in the UK.
1986: US Top 10 Single
In 1986, Rod Stewart's single "Love Touch", a Holly Knight/Mike Chapman collaboration, reached number 6 in the US.
1988: Chart Success
In 1988, Rod Stewart had four US Top 10 singles between 1982 and 1988; "Young Turks" (No. 5, carrying over from 1981 into 1982), "Some Guys Have All the Luck" (No. 10, 1984), "Infatuation" (No. 6, 1984) and "Love Touch" (No. 6, 1986, a Holly Knight/Mike Chapman collaboration).
1990: "It Takes Two" Release
In 1990, Rod Stewart released "It Takes Two" with Tina Turner in advance of the full album's release, and reached number five on the UK charts, but did not chart in the US.
1990: "Downtown Train" Success
In 1990, Rod Stewart's version of the Tom Waits song "Downtown Train" reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100.
1991: Released Vagabond Heart
In 1991, Rod Stewart released Vagabond Heart, which became his highest-charting album in a decade, reaching number ten in the US and number two in the UK. The single "Rhythm of My Heart" was a top five hit in the UK, US and other countries.
1991: Vagabond Heart Chart Performance
In 1991, Rod Stewart's album Vagabond Heart led to two songs reaching the Billboard Hot 100: "Rhythm of My Heart" peaking at No. 5 and "The Motown Song" peaking at No. 10.
1993: Collaborated on All for Love
In 1993, Rod Stewart collaborated with Bryan Adams and Sting on the power ballad "All for Love", which reached number one in many countries.
1993: Brit Award and Faces Reunion
In 1993, Rod Stewart received the prize for Outstanding Contribution to Music at the Brit Awards in London. He also reunited the Faces on stage for an impromptu performance.
1993: "All For Love" Release
In 1993, Rod Stewart recorded "All For Love" with Sting and Bryan Adams for the soundtrack to the movie The Three Musketeers, which reached number one in the US and number two in the UK.
1993: MTV Unplugged Special
In 1993, Rod Stewart reunited with Ronnie Wood to record an MTV Unplugged special that included "Handbags and Gladrags", "Cut Across Shorty", and four selections from Every Picture Tells a Story. The show featured an acoustic version of Van Morrison's "Have I Told You Lately", which topped the Billboard adult contemporary chart and No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100. The resulting Unplugged...and Seated album reached number two on the Billboard 200 album charts.
1996: Release of If We Fall in Love Tonight
In 1996, Rod Stewart's album If We Fall in Love Tonight reached number 8 in the UK and went gold, hitting No. 19 on the Billboard album chart. The title track, written and produced by Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, reached the Top 5 in the US and Canadian AC charts.
1998: Release of When We Were the New Boys
In 1998, Rod Stewart's final album on the Warner Bros. label, When We Were the New Boys, was released. It contained versions of songs by Britpop acts such as Oasis and Primal Scream, and reached number two on the UK album charts. Stewart also recorded "Faith of the Heart" for the film Patch Adams.
2000: Move to Atlantic Records
In 2000, Rod Stewart left Warner Bros. and moved to Atlantic Records, another division of Warner Music Group.
2001: Release of Human and Greatest Hits Album
In 2001, Rod Stewart released the album Human and signed to Clive Davis' new J Records label. The single "I Can't Deny It" from Human went Top 40 in the UK and Top 20 in the adult contemporary charts. The Story So Far: The Very Best of Rod Stewart, a greatest hits album compiled from his time at Warner Bros., reached number one in Belgium and France and is certified four times platinum in the UK.
2002: Over 100 Million Records Sold
By 2002, Rod Stewart had sold over 100 million records during his career. He concentrated on singing 1930s and 1940s pop standards from the Great American Songbook with great popular success, releasing these albums on Clive Davis's J Records label. His album sales were comparable to those of the 1970s.
2002: Release of It Had to Be You: The Great American Songbook
In late 2002, Rod Stewart released the first album from the songbook series, It Had to Be You: the Great American Songbook, which reached number four on the US album chart, number eight in the UK and number ten in Canada. The track "These Foolish Things" reached number 13 on the Billboard adult contemporary chart, and "They Can't Take That Away From Me" went Top 20.
November 2003: Tonight's The Night Musical Opens
In November 2003, a musical called Tonight's The Night, featuring many of Rod Stewart's songs, opened at London's Victoria Palace Theatre. It was written and directed by Ben Elton and tells a story about a pact between a mechanic and Satan.
2004: Faces Reunion Concerts
In 2004, Rod Stewart reunited with Ronnie Wood for concerts of Faces material. A Rod Stewart and the Faces best of album, Changing Faces, reached the Top 20 of the UK album charts. Five Guys Walk into a Bar..., a Faces box set compilation, was released.
2004: Stardust: The Great American Songbook 3 Release and Grammy Win
In late 2004, Rod Stewart released Stardust: the Great American Songbook 3, the third album in his songbook series. It was his first US number one album in 25 years and also debuted at number one in Canada and number three in the UK. He won his first Grammy Award for this album.
2005: Release of 'Thanks for the Memory: The Great American Songbook 4'
In 2005, Rod Stewart released 'Thanks for the Memory: The Great American Songbook 4', which featured duets with Diana Ross and Elton John. The album reached number two on the Top 200 list shortly after its release.
December 2006: Hosting the 8th Annual A Home for the Holidays special
On December 22, 2006, Rod Stewart hosted the 8th Annual A Home for the Holidays special on CBS.
July 2009: UK Performance at Home Park, Plymouth
On July 2, 2009, Rod Stewart performed his only UK date of the year at Home Park, Plymouth.
September 2009: Release of 'Rod Stewart Sessions 1971–1998'
On September 29, 2009, the compilation album 'Rod Stewart Sessions 1971–1998', featuring previously unreleased tracks and outtakes, was released.
October 2009: Release of 'Soulbook'
On October 17, 2009, Rod Stewart released the studio album 'Soulbook', consisting of covers of soul and Motown songs.
November 2009: Recording of UK TV program
On November 14, 2009, Rod Stewart recorded a TV program in the UK for ITV, which featured tracks from his new album and some old favorites; it was screened on December 5, 2009.
December 2009: Screening of UK TV program
On December 5, 2009, a UK TV program that Rod Stewart recorded on November 14, 2009 was screened on ITV, featuring tracks from his new album and some old favorites.
January 2010: Release of 'Once in a Blue Moon'
On January 14, 2010, Rhino Records released Rod Stewart's 'Once in a Blue Moon', a "lost album" originally recorded in 1992, featuring ten cover songs.
October 2010: Release of 'Fly Me to the Moon...The Great American Songbook Volume V'
On October 19, 2010, Rod Stewart released another edition of his Great American Songbook series titled 'Fly Me to the Moon...The Great American Songbook Volume V' on J Records.
2011: Heart & Soul Tour with Stevie Nicks
In 2011, Rod Stewart and Stevie Nicks embarked on the Heart & Soul Tour, performing arena concerts in North America.
2011: Hard Rock Calling Festival & Caesars Palace Residency
In 2011, Rod Stewart headlined the Hard Rock Calling Festival in London and began a two-year residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas.
June 2012: Signing with Universal Music Group
In June 2012, Rod Stewart signed a recording agreement with Universal Music Group.
October 2012: Release of 'Merry Christmas, Baby' and 'Rod: The Autobiography'
In October 2012, Rod Stewart released his first Christmas album, 'Merry Christmas, Baby', and his autobiography, 'Rod: The Autobiography'.
December 2012: 'Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!' tops Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart
On 26 November, Rod Stewart's recording of "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" reached the top of the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart and on December 10, 2012, Stewart was a guest singer on Michael Bublé's television Home for the Holidays Christmas special.
May 2013: Release of 'Time'
In May 2013, Rod Stewart released 'Time', a rock album of his own original material, marking a return to songwriting after two decades. The album reached number 1 in the UK Albums Chart.
October 2015: Release of 'Another Country'
On October 23, 2015, Rod Stewart released his studio album 'Another Country'.
September 2016: Recording vocals for Frankie Miller album
In September 2016, Rod Stewart recorded vocals with Joe Walsh on the Frankie Miller album 'Frankie Miller's Double Take'.
November 2016: Appearance on Beat Bugs
On November 18, 2016, Rod Stewart sang his cover of The Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" as Sgt. Pepper for Beat Bugs episode 17b on Netflix.
September 2018: Release of 'Blood Red Roses'
On September 28, 2018, Rod Stewart released his 30th studio album, 'Blood Red Roses', on Republic Records.
November 2019: Collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
In November 2019, Rod Stewart collaborated with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for the release of 'You're in My Heart'.
November 2019: Release of 'You're in My Heart' and UK Stadium Tour
On November 22, 2019, Rod Stewart released 'You're in My Heart: Rod Stewart with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra' and began his biggest-ever UK stadium tour throughout November and December 2019.
December 2019: UK Stadium Tour Continuation
Throughout December 2019, Rod Stewart continued his biggest-ever UK stadium tour that began in November, coinciding with the release of 'You're in My Heart'.
November 2021: Release of 'The Tears of Hercules'
In November 2021, Rod Stewart released his 31st studio album, 'The Tears of Hercules'.
February 2023: MRI Scans Donation
In February 2023, Rod Stewart paid for a day's worth of MRI scans for patients at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow to help reduce waiting lists.
2023: New album announced
In late 2023, Warner Music announced a new album, Swing Fever, recorded with Jools Holland's Rhythm And Blues Orchestra.
February 2024: Acquisition of Rod Stewart's catalogue by Iconic Artists Group
In February 2024, Irving Azoff's Iconic Artists Group acquired Rod Stewart's catalogue for close to $100 million.
February 2024: Release date for 'Swing Fever' announced
Warner Music announced a release date of February 23, 2024 for the new album Swing Fever, recorded with Jools Holland's Rhythm And Blues Orchestra. A single from the album, "Almost Like Being in Love", was released on 5 December.
November 2024: Confirmation to play the Glastonbury Legends slot in 2025
In November 2024 Stewart was confirmed to play the Glastonbury Legends slot in 2025, 23 years after his last appearance at the festival.
June 2025: Cancellation of US concerts due to illness
In June 2025, Rod Stewart cancelled a string of US concerts as he recovered from flu.
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