Sir Rod Stewart is a highly successful British rock and pop singer-songwriter recognized for his signature raspy voice. With over 120 million records sold, he is one of the best-selling music artists ever. He began his musical journey in 1962, busking with a harmonica. He then played with the Dimensions and Long John Baldry's All Stars before gaining prominence with the Jeff Beck Group in 1967 and Faces in 1969. Simultaneously, he launched a solo career, releasing his debut album in 1969. His early work blended rock, folk, soul, and R&B. His breakthrough came with 1971's 'Every Picture Tells a Story,' featuring the hit "Maggie May," which topped charts in multiple countries. His subsequent album, 'Never a Dull Moment' (1972), achieved similar success, solidifying his status as a major artist.
In 1904, Robert Joseph Stewart, Rod Stewart's father, was born.
In 1905, Elsie Rebecca Gilbart, Rod Stewart's mother, was born.
In 1928, Robert Joseph Stewart and Elsie Rebecca Gilbart married.
In January 1945, Roderick David Stewart was born in Highgate, North London, the youngest of five children to Robert Joseph Stewart and Elsie Rebecca Gilbart.
In 1956, Rod Stewart was introduced to rock and roll, hearing Little Richard's "The Girl Can't Help It" and seeing Bill Haley & His Comets in concert.
In January 1959, Rod Stewart's father bought him a guitar; he learned "It Takes a Worried Man to Sing a Worried Song".
In 1960, Rod Stewart joined a skiffle group with school friends called the Kool Kats.
In the summer of 1960, Rod Stewart went for football trials at Brentford, a Third Division club.
From 1961, Rod Stewart actively supported the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, participating in Aldermaston Marches and sit-ins, leading to arrests.
In 1961, Rod Stewart had a singing audition with record producer Joe Meek, but Meek stopped the session abruptly.
In 1962, Rod Stewart began busking with folk singer Wizz Jones in London.
In 1962, Rod Stewart had his first serious relationship with Suzannah Boffey, which resulted in a pregnancy; the baby girl was given up for adoption, and the relationship ended.
In October 1963, Rod Stewart joined The Dimensions, a rhythm and blues group, as a harmonica player and part-time vocalist.
In 1963, Rod Stewart adopted the Mod lifestyle and began styling his signature spiky rooster hairstyle. He also became fascinated by rhythm and blues and soul music after seeing Otis Redding.
In 1963, Rod Stewart joined The Dimensions as a harmonica player and vocalist.
Until 1963, Rod Stewart actively supported the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, participating in Aldermaston Marches and sit-ins, leading to arrests.
In January 1964, Long John Baldry invited Rod Stewart to join the All Stars after hearing him play harmonica at Twickenham railway station, offering him a job at £35 a week.
In June 1964, Rod Stewart made his recording debut (without label credit) on "Up Above My Head", the B-side to a Baldry and Hoochie Coochie Men single.
In August 1964, Rod Stewart signed a solo contract with Decca Records after being scouted at the Marquee Club.
In September 1964, Rod Stewart recorded his first single.
In October 1964, Rod Stewart released his first single, "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl," and left the Hoochie Coochie Men after a disagreement with Baldry.
In 1964, Jimmy Powell hired The Dimensions, and it became known as Jimmy Powell & the Five Dimensions, with Rod Stewart as harmonica player.
In 1964, Rod Stewart first met Ronnie Wood in a London pub, beginning a long-lasting friendship and musical partnership.
In 1964, Rod Stewart joined Long John Baldry and the All Stars.
In 1990, Rod Stewart released the Complete Anthology that contained his songs since 1964.
In late 1964, Rod Stewart played some dates on his own, sometimes backed by the Soul Agents.
In July 1965, Rod Stewart made his first appearance with Steampacket, supporting the Rolling Stones.
In November 1965, Rod Stewart's image was broadcasted in the "An Easter with Rod" documentary. In November 1965 he also released "The Day Will Come" which was a pop attempt on EMI's Columbia label.
In March 1966, Rod Stewart left Steampacket. The circumstances surrounding his departure are disputed, with Stewart claiming he was sacked and Auger stating that Stewart quit.
In April 1966, Rod Stewart released his version of Sam Cooke's "Shake", featuring the Brian Auger Trinity. This release did not achieve commercial success and received negative reviews.
In May 1966, Rod Stewart joined Shotgun Express as co-lead vocalist alongside Beryl Marsden. The band also included future Fleetwood Mac members Mick Fleetwood and Peter Green.
In October 1966, Shotgun Express released their first and unsuccessful single, "I Could Feel The Whole World Turn Round", which was heavily orchestrated. The band disbanded shortly after.
In February 1967, Rod Stewart joined the Jeff Beck Group as the vocalist and sometime songwriter, marking a significant turning point in his early career.
In 1967, Rod Stewart moved to the Jeff Beck Group.
In March 1968, Rod Stewart continued his solo efforts by releasing the non-hit song "Little Miss Understood" on Immediate Records.
In June 1968, Rod Stewart embarked on his first tour of the United States with the Jeff Beck Group, starting at the Fillmore East in New York. Stewart experienced severe stage fright, but the tour proved to be a major success.
In August 1968, The Jeff Beck Group released their first album, Truth. This album rose to number 15 on the US charts but did not chart in the UK.
On October 8, 1968, Rod Stewart signed a solo contract with Mercury Records after Lou Reizner saw him perform with Jeff Beck.
In April 1969, Rod Stewart recorded guest vocals for the Australian group Python Lee Jackson on "In a Broken Dream", receiving seat covers for his car as payment.
In May 1969, guitarist and singer Steve Marriott left the English band the Small Faces, leading to changes in the band's lineup.
In June 1969, the Jeff Beck Group released their second album, "Beck-Ola", in the United States, reaching number 15 on the album charts.
In July 1969, Rod Stewart left the Jeff Beck Group following Ronnie Wood's departure, citing aggravation and unfriendliness within the band.
In July 1969, contractual complexities delayed Rod Stewart's recording for Mercury Records.
In September 1969, the Jeff Beck Group released their second album, "Beck-Ola", in the UK, reaching number 39 on the album charts.
On October 18, 1969, Rod Stewart joined the Small Faces, along with Ron Wood. The new lineup decided to call themselves Faces.
In 1969, Rod Stewart joined Faces and also launched a solo career, releasing his debut album, An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down, that year.
In 1969, Rod Stewart released his first solo album, "An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down" (titled "The Rod Stewart Album" in the US), establishing his signature blend of folk, rock, and country blues.
In 1970, Faces released their debut album, First Step, Rod Stewart also released his second album, Gasoline Alley in the autumn.
In 1971, The Faces released 'Long Player', which was more successful than their first album. They also released their third album 'A Nod Is as Good as a Wink...To a Blind Horse', which contained their only US Top 40 hit, "Stay With Me".
In 1972, "In a Broken Dream", the song Rod Stewart recorded guest vocals for in 1969, was re-released and became a worldwide hit.
In 1972, Rod Stewart released his solo album 'Never a Dull Moment', which reached number two in the US and number one in the UK. Tensions grew within the band Faces due to Stewart's solo success.
In 1973, Faces released their final album 'Ooh La La', which reached number one in the UK and number 21 in the US. The rift between Rod Stewart and the rest of the band grew during the recording.
In 1974, Faces toured Australasia, Japan, Europe, and the UK to support their album "Ooh La La" and the single "Pool Hall Richard".
In late 1974, Rod Stewart released his album 'Smiler'. It reached number one in Britain and the single "Farewell" number seven.
In 1975, Faces broke up, and Rod Stewart's "Sailing," from the album Atlantic Crossing, became a hit in the UK and the Netherlands, but had limited success in North America.
In 1975, Rod Stewart moved to Los Angeles and released the 'Atlantic Crossing' album for his new record company, using producer Tom Dowd and a different sound based on the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section.
In 1975, it became impossible to maintain the Faces as a viable band due to Ronnie Wood joining The Rolling Stones and Rod Stewart's successful solo career, so the Faces broke up at the end of the year.
Later in 1976, Rod Stewart topped the US Billboard Hot 100 for eight weeks and the Australian ARIA chart with the ballad "Tonight's the Night". He also released the album "A Night on the Town" which went to number two on the Billboard album charts.
In 1977, Rod Stewart's cover of "The First Cut Is the Deepest" reached number one in the UK, and "The Killing of Georgie (Part 1 and 2)" became a Top 40 hit.
In 1978, Rod Stewart released "Blondes Have More Fun", which went to number one on the Billboard album charts and sold three million albums. The lead single, "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?", was a crossover hit.
In 1978, Rod Stewart released "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?", a disco hit that became a subject of criticism due to its departure from his earlier style.
In 1979, Rod Stewart donated his royalties from "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" to UNICEF and performed the song at the Music for UNICEF Concert at the United Nations General Assembly.
In 1980, Rod Stewart shifted to a more new wave direction, releasing the album "Foolish Behaviour", which produced the hit single "Passion."
In 1980, Rod Stewart's early solo work was praised in Rolling Stone's Illustrated History of Rock & Roll.
In August 1981, MTV was launched in the US, with several of Rod Stewart's videos in heavy rotation, exposing his music to a new audience.
On December 18, 1981, Rod Stewart, along with Kim Carnes and Tina Turner, played the Los Angeles Forum, in a concert broadcast worldwide via satellite.
In 1981, Rod Stewart released "Young Turks" from the Tonight I'm Yours album, which reached the Top 5.
In 1981, Rod Stewart's solo releases in the UK appeared on the Riva label until this year.
In 1982, Rod Stewart was car-jacked on Los Angeles' Sunset Boulevard while parking his Porsche, which was later recovered.
In 1982, Rod Stewart's "Young Turks", which had been released in 1981, continued its success, becoming a top 10 single in the US.
In 1983, Rod Stewart was criticized for breaking the cultural boycott of apartheid South Africa by performing at the Sun City resort complex.
In 1983, Rod Stewart's "Baby Jane" reached No. 1 in the UK, marking his final chart-topping single there to date.
In 1984, Rod Stewart continued performing at the Sun City resort complex in South Africa, drawing further criticism for violating the cultural boycott.
In 1984, Rod Stewart had two US Top 10 singles: "Some Guys Have All the Luck" (No. 10) and "Infatuation" (No. 6), solidifying his success in the mid-1980s.
In January 1985, Rod Stewart performed to a large audience at the Rock in Rio festival in Rio de Janeiro, marking a significant performance in his career.
In 1986, Rod Stewart released "Love Touch", a collaboration with Holly Knight and Mike Chapman, which reached No. 6 in the US.
In 1986, Rod Stewart's "Every Beat of My Heart" reached number two in the UK charts, showcasing his continued success in the region.
In September 1988, Rod Stewart performed "Forever Young" at the MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles.
Between 1982 and 1988, Rod Stewart had four US Top 10 singles, showcasing his continued popularity during this period.
In January 1989, Rod Stewart embarked on the South American leg of his Out of Order Tour, playing to sold-out audiences throughout the Americas.
In 1989, Rod Stewart received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for the song "Forever Young".
In 1990, Robert Joseph Stewart, Rod Stewart's father, passed away.
In 1990, Rod Stewart released the lead single "It Takes Two", featuring Tina Turner, in advance of the full album's release, and reached number five on the UK charts.
In 1990, Rod Stewart's version of Tom Waits' song "Downtown Train" reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100.
In 1991, Rod Stewart released the "Vagabond Heart" album, which featured the singles "Rhythm of My Heart" and "The Motown Song", both reaching the Billboard Hot 100.
In 1993, Rod Stewart collaborated with Bryan Adams and Sting on the power ballad "All for Love", which reached number one in many countries.
In 1993, Rod Stewart received the prize for Outstanding Contribution to Music at the Brit Awards in London and reunited with the Faces on stage for an impromptu performance.
On December 31, 1994, Rod Stewart played in front of 3.5 million people on Copacabana beach in Rio, earning him a place in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest free rock concert attendance in history.
In 1994, Rod Stewart was inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist.
In 1996, Elsie Rebecca Gilbart, Rod Stewart's mother, passed away.
In 1996, Rod Stewart's album "If We Fall in Love Tonight" reached number 8 in the UK and went gold, also hitting No. 19 on the Billboard album chart.
In 1998, Rod Stewart released "When We Were the New Boys", his final album on the Warner Bros. label, which included versions of songs by Britpop acts.
In May 2000, Rod Stewart was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and underwent surgery the same month, which threatened his voice.
In 2000, Rod Stewart left Warner Bros. and moved to Atlantic Records, another division of Warner Music Group.
In 2001, Rod Stewart released the album "Human" under Atlantic Records, featuring the single "I Can't Deny It".
In June 2002, Rod Stewart performed "Handbags and Gladrags" at the Party at the Palace, a concert celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Elizabeth II.
In September 2002, Rod Stewart's son Sean was sentenced to three months in jail for attacking a man outside a restaurant in Los Angeles.
By 2002, having sold over 100 million records, Rod Stewart began concentrating on singing 1930s and 1940s pop standards from the Great American Songbook.
In late 2002, Rod Stewart released "It Had to Be You: the Great American Songbook", which reached number four on the US album chart.
On November 7, 2003, a musical called "Tonight's The Night", featuring many of Rod Stewart's songs, opened at London's Victoria Palace Theatre.
In late 2004, Rod Stewart released "Stardust: the Great American Songbook 3", which became his first US number one album in 25 years and earned him his first Grammy Award.
In 2005, Rod Stewart released "Thanks for the Memory: The Great American Songbook 4", which included duets with Diana Ross and Elton John.
In November 2006, Rod Stewart was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame, recognizing his significant contributions to music.
On December 12, 2006, Rod Stewart performed for the first time at the Royal Variety Performance at the London Coliseum.
In 2006, Rod Stewart was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame.
In July 2007, Rod Stewart was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to music at Buckingham Palace.
On July 1, 2007, Rod Stewart performed at the Concert for Diana held at Wembley Stadium in London, celebrating the life of Princess Diana.
In December 2007, Rod Stewart's model railway layout was featured in the cover story of Model Railroader magazine, highlighting his passion for the hobby.
In 2008, Billboard magazine ranked Rod Stewart as the 17th most successful artist on the "Billboard Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists".
In May 2009, Rod Stewart performed "Maggie May" on the grand finale of American Idol season 8, marking a notable appearance on a popular television program.
In July 2009, Rod Stewart performed his only UK date of the year at Home Park in Plymouth, offering a unique concert experience for his British fans.
In September 2009, the compilation 'Rod Stewart Sessions 1971–1998' was released, featuring previously unreleased tracks and outtakes from his career.
In October 2009, Rod Stewart released the studio album 'Soulbook', which was composed of covers of soul and Motown songs.
In November 2009, Rod Stewart recorded a TV program in the UK for ITV, featuring tracks from his new album and old favorites.
On December 5, 2009, Rod Stewart's TV program recorded in November was screened in the UK on ITV.
In January 2010, Rhino Records released Rod Stewart's 'Once in a Blue Moon,' a 'lost album' originally recorded in 1992 featuring cover songs.
In October 2010, Rod Stewart released another edition of his Great American Songbook series, titled 'Fly Me to the Moon...The Great American Songbook Volume V'.
In December 2010, Rod Stewart's model railway layout was again featured in Model Railroader magazine, continuing to showcase his dedication to the hobby.
In 2011, Rod Stewart headlined the Hard Rock Calling Festival in London's Hyde Park and commenced a two-year residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.
In 2011, Rod Stewart performed with Stevie Nicks on their Heart & Soul Tour, visiting arena concerts across North America.
In June 2012, Rod Stewart signed a recording agreement with Universal Music Group, marking a new chapter in his recording career.
In October 2012, Rod Stewart released his first Christmas album, 'Merry Christmas, Baby', and his autobiography, titled 'Rod: The Autobiography'.
In November 2012, Rod Stewart performed at the Royal Albert Hall for the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance and the Royal Variety Performance; his recording of "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart.
In 2012, Rod Stewart was inducted a second time into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Faces.
In Rod Stewart's 2012 autobiography, he clarified that he was never signed to Brentford and they did not call him back after the trials.
In his 2012 autobiography, Rod Stewart clarified his football team allegiance, mentioning his connection to Manchester United in the 1970s due to their Scottish players.
In February 2013, Rod Stewart was nominated for a Canadian Juno Award in the International Album of the Year category for his album 'Merry Christmas, Baby'.
In May 2013, Rod Stewart released 'Time', his first rock album of original material in two decades, which entered the UK Albums Chart at number 1, setting a new record.
In September 2013, Rod Stewart presented Elton John with the first Brits Icon award at the London Palladium, recognizing John's impact on UK culture, before performing a duet together.
In February 2014, Rod Stewart's model railway layout was featured again in Model Railroader magazine, and in a sidebar article he confirmed he is color-blind.
In October 2015, Rod Stewart released a new studio album, 'Another Country', marking another addition to his extensive discography.
In 2015, Rod Stewart presented Celtic with the trophy after they won the Scottish League Cup Final, showcasing his support for the team.
In September 2016, Rod Stewart recorded vocals with Joe Walsh for the Frankie Miller album 'Frankie Miller's Double Take'.
In November 2016, Rod Stewart sang his cover of the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" as Sgt. Pepper for Beat Bugs episode 17b, which debuted on Netflix.
In 2016, Rod Stewart was knighted for "services to music and charity", a high honor recognizing his contributions.
In 2016, Rod Stewart was knighted in the Birthday Honours for services to music and charity.
In June 2017, Rod Stewart's model railway layout was featured again in Model Railroader magazine, continuing to showcase his dedication to the hobby.
In 2017, Rod Stewart was diagnosed with prostate cancer, later revealing the diagnosis and his successful treatment in September 2019.
In September 2018, Rod Stewart released his 30th studio album, 'Blood Red Roses', on Republic Records, marking another significant addition to his discography.
In September 2019, Rod Stewart revealed that he was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017, but has since been given the all-clear after treatment.
In November 2019, Rod Stewart collaborated with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for the release of 'You're in My Heart', which included new versions of his hit songs.
In November 2019, Rod Stewart released 'You're in My Heart: Rod Stewart with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra' and commenced his biggest-ever UK stadium tour.
In December 2019, Rod Stewart concluded his successful summer stadium tour in the UK, which was his biggest to date.
In 2019, Rod Stewart discussed his model railway hobby in an interview with Railway Modeller magazine, describing it as "addictive".
In January 2020, Rod Stewart and his son Sean were arrested and charged with battery following an incident at a Florida hotel.
In November 2021, Rod Stewart released his 31st studio album, 'The Tears of Hercules', marking another milestone in his career.
In 2021, Rod Stewart and his son Sean resolved their battery case by pleading guilty to simple battery, resulting in no jail time, probation, or fines.
In 2021, Rod Stewart's fortune was estimated to be £215 million in the Sunday Times Rich List, making him one of the wealthiest individuals in the British music industry.
In March 2022, Rod Stewart and others personally filled in potholes on the country lane near his Essex residence, citing safety concerns and damage to vehicles.
In June 2022, Rod Stewart performed at the Platinum Party at the Palace, celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's Platinum Jubilee.
In November 2022, Rod Stewart revealed that he had refused to perform in Qatar the year before, despite a lucrative offer, citing the country's human rights record.
During February 2023, it was announced that Rod Stewart paid for a day's worth of MRI scans for patients at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, contributing to reducing waiting lists.
In May 2023, Rod Stewart performed at the Jeff Beck tribute concerts held at the Royal Albert Hall, sharing the stage with notable musicians.
In late 2023, Warner Music announced a new album, 'Swing Fever', recorded by Rod Stewart with Jools Holland's Rhythm And Blues Orchestra, set for release in February 2024.
In February 2024, Irving Azoff's Iconic Artists Group acquired Rod Stewart's music catalogue for close to $100 million, marking a significant business move.
The album Swing Fever, recorded with Jools Holland's Rhythm And Blues Orchestra, is scheduled for release during February 2024.
In November 2024, it was confirmed that Rod Stewart will play the Glastonbury Legends slot in 2025, marking his return to the festival after 23 years.
In December 2024, Rod Stewart's model railway layout was featured in the cover story of Model Railroader magazine, highlighting his passion for the hobby.
In January 2025, Rod Stewart's model railway layout was featured in the cover story of Model Railroader magazine, highlighting his passion for the hobby.