Sir Roderick David Stewart is a highly successful British rock and pop singer and songwriter, having sold over 120 million records worldwide. His career started in 1962 with busking and playing harmonica, leading him to join various bands like The Dimensions, Long John Baldry and the All Stars, and the Jeff Beck Group. In 1969, he joined Faces while simultaneously launching his solo career with his debut album "An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down." His music blended rock, folk, soul, and R&B. His breakthrough came with the 1971 album "Every Picture Tells a Story," which topped charts internationally, as did its hit single "Maggie May." He continued his success with the 1972 album "Never a Dull Moment" and its hit single "You Wear It Well."
Rod Stewart's father, Robert Joseph Stewart, was born in 1904.
Rod Stewart's mother, Elsie Rebecca Gilbart, was born in 1905.
Rod Stewart's parents, Robert Joseph Stewart and Elsie Rebecca Gilbart, married in 1928.
Rod Stewart was born in January 1945 in Highgate, London, to Robert Joseph Stewart and Elsie Rebecca Gilbart. His father was Scottish, and his mother was English.
Roderick David Stewart was born in Highgate, north London, in January 1945.
Rod Stewart was introduced to rock and roll in 1956, influenced by Little Richard's hit "The Girl Can't Help It" and Bill Haley & His Comets.
Rod Stewart received his first guitar from his father in January 1959.
In the summer of 1960, Rod Stewart tried out for Brentford Football Club. He ultimately chose music over football.
Stewart joined a skiffle group called the Kool Kats in 1960.
From 1961 to 1963, Stewart actively participated in the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and Aldermaston Marches.
In 1961, Rod Stewart held several jobs, including working at a funeral parlor and as a fence erector. He developed an interest in folk music and artists like Bob Dylan and Woody Guthrie.
In 1962, Rod Stewart began his musical journey by busking in London with folk singer Wizz Jones, playing the harmonica.
Rod Stewart's first serious relationship was with Suzannah Boffey in 1962. They had a child who was given up for adoption, and the relationship ended.
Rod Stewart's music career began in 1962 when he started busking with a harmonica.
In October 1963, Stewart joined The Dimensions as a harmonica player and vocalist, marking his first professional music job. He later joined Jimmy Powell & the Five Dimensions, gaining exposure to the London R&B scene.
In 1963, Stewart adopted the Mod look, creating his signature spiky hairstyle. He also shifted his musical interest to rhythm and blues and soul after seeing Otis Redding perform and listening to Sam Cooke.
In 1963, Stewart joined The Dimensions as a harmonica player and vocalist.
In 1963, Stewart traveled and busked with Jones in Brighton, Paris, and Barcelona, leading to his deportation from Spain for vagrancy. He was also briefly considered as a singer for The Kinks.
Rod Stewart's involvement with the Aldermaston Marches ended in 1963.
In January 1964, Rod Stewart joined Long John Baldry's band after impressing Baldry with his harmonica skills. He began to gain recognition as "Rod the Mod" and started a solo career, making demo recordings.
In June 1964, Stewart made his recording debut with Long John Baldry and the Hoochie Coochie Men, while continuing his solo career.
In August 1964, Stewart signed a solo contract with Decca Records and appeared on several regional television shows.
In September 1964, Stewart recorded and released his first solo single.
In October 1964, Stewart's first solo single, "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl," was released but didn't chart. He also left the Hoochie Coochie Men.
In 1964, Stewart left Jimmy Powell & the Five Dimensions due to disagreements. He is sometimes incorrectly linked to playing harmonica on Millie Small's hit "My Boy Lollipop."
In late 1964 and early 1965, Stewart performed solo gigs. He reconciled with Baldry, and they became lifelong friends.
Rod Stewart first met Ronnie Wood in a London pub in 1964. The two quickly formed a close friendship that would last for years.
Rod Stewart joined Long John Baldry and the All Stars in 1964.
1964 marks the beginning of the period covered by Rod Stewart's compilation album, "Storyteller – The Complete Anthology: 1964–1990".
In July 1965, Stewart joined Steampacket, a white soul revue featuring various vocalists and styles. They toured with The Rolling Stones and The Walker Brothers.
In November 1965, a documentary about the Mod scene featuring Stewart aired. He continued his solo career with releases on EMI's Columbia label.
In March 1966, Stewart left Steampacket.
In April 1966, Stewart released his version of Sam Cooke's "Shake." Cooke was a significant influence on Stewart's musical development.
In May 1966, Stewart joined Shotgun Express as co-lead vocalist.
In October 1966, Shotgun Express released the single "I Could Feel The Whole World Turn Round" before disbanding.
In February 1967, Rod Stewart's career took a major turn when he joined the Jeff Beck Group as vocalist and occasional songwriter. This marked a significant step forward in his early career.
In 1967, Stewart became a member of the Jeff Beck Group.
In March 1968, Rod Stewart released the single "Little Miss Understood" on Immediate Records, which unfortunately did not become a hit.
The Jeff Beck Group embarked on their first US tour in June 1968. The tour began with a performance at the Fillmore East in New York, during which Stewart experienced severe stage fright and initially hid behind the amplifiers. He was coaxed out by a shot of brandy. Despite this initial setback, the tour proved to be a resounding success, with the band receiving standing ovations.
The Jeff Beck Group released their first album, "Truth", in August 1968. It reached number 15 on the US album charts in October of the same year. The album showcased Beck's guitar skills and Stewart's distinctive vocals and developing vocal abilities, exploring genres like blues, folk, rock, and proto-heavy metal.
Rod Stewart signed a solo contract with Mercury Records A&R man Lou Reizner on October 8, 1968. However, contractual issues delayed the start of his recordings until July 1969.
In April 1969, Rod Stewart provided guest vocals for the Australian band Python Lee Jackson on the song "In a Broken Dream." He was paid with a set of car seat covers for his work. The song was released in 1970 and became a worldwide hit in 1972.
Guitarist and singer Steve Marriott departed from the English band The Small Faces in May 1969, opening the door for Rod Stewart and Ronnie Wood to join the group later that year.
"Beck-Ola," The Jeff Beck Group's second album, was released in the US in June 1969, around the time the band began dissolving. It reached number 15 on the US album charts.
Rod Stewart finally began recording solo material for Mercury Records in July 1969 after contractual complexities were resolved.
Rod Stewart left The Jeff Beck Group in July 1969, following the departure of his friend, Ronnie Wood. He cited internal conflicts and an unfriendly atmosphere within the group as reasons for his exit.
In September 1969, "Beck-Ola" by The Jeff Beck Group was released in the UK. The album charted at number 39.
On October 18, 1969, Rod Stewart joined The Small Faces, following his friend Ronnie Wood, after the departure of Steve Marriot. The band would soon be renamed The Faces.
Rod Stewart released his debut solo album, "An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down" (known as "The Rod Stewart Album" in the US) in 1969. The album showcased a blend of folk, rock, and country blues, establishing a signature sound for his solo work. It included both original songs and cover versions.
In 1969, Rod Stewart joined the band Faces and also launched his solo career, releasing his debut album, "An Old Raincoat Won't Ever Let You Down".
In 1970, Faces released their debut album, "First Step." Later that year, Stewart released his second solo album, "Gasoline Alley," further refining his unique sound and introducing mandolin to his music.
Faces released their second album, "Long Player," in early 1971, achieving greater chart success than their debut. Later in the year, they released their third album, "A Nod Is as Good as a Wink...To a Blind Horse," which included the US Top 40 hit "Stay With Me."
In 1971, Rod Stewart achieved chart-topping success in both the UK and US with hits like "Maggie May" and "Reasons to Believe".
Rod Stewart achieved widespread recognition with his 1971 solo album, "Every Picture Tells a Story." The album, along with its hit single "Maggie May," topped the charts simultaneously in multiple countries, including the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, in September 1971, a significant chart achievement.
Rod Stewart's third album, "Every Picture Tells a Story", released in 1971, achieved international success, topping the charts in multiple countries.
In 1972, Stewart's album "Never a Dull Moment" also reached number one in the UK and Australia.
In 1972, the song "In a Broken Dream," featuring Rod Stewart's guest vocals, was re-released and became a worldwide hit.
Rod Stewart released "Never a Dull Moment" in 1972. This album reached number two in the US and number one in the UK. The hit single "You Wear It Well" reached number 13 in the US and number one in the UK.
The Faces released their final studio album, Ooh La La, in 1973. It topped the UK charts but only reached number 21 in the US. Tensions between Stewart and the band escalated during recording, with Stewart reportedly contributing minimally and even criticizing the songs.
In 1974, The Faces toured to support Ooh La La, but the rift between Stewart and the band continued to widen. Stewart reportedly distanced himself from the album and undermined its success.
In late 1974, Stewart released his album Smiler, which topped the UK charts but had limited success in the US. This marked his last album for Mercury Records before switching to Warner Bros.
After touring the US twice in 1975, The Faces disbanded due to the diverging solo careers of its members, notably Stewart and Ronnie Wood's involvement with the Rolling Stones.
Faces disbanded in 1975. The same year, Stewart released "Atlantic Crossing", which included the hit single "Sailing".
Stewart relocated to Los Angeles and released Atlantic Crossing in 1975, marking a shift in his sound with the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section and producer Tom Dowd.
In 1976, "Sailing" became a major hit for Stewart, topping the UK charts and achieving international success. "This Old Heart of Mine" also charted well, and Stewart covered The Beatles' "Get Back" for the documentary All This and World War II.
In late 1976, Stewart achieved a US number-one hit with "Tonight's the Night", accompanied by a music video featuring Britt Ekland. The album A Night on the Town also went platinum and solidified his chart success.
Rod Stewart released "A Night on the Town" in 1976, which featured the hit single "Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)".
In 1977, Stewart released the album "Foot Loose & Fancy Free".
In 1977, "The First Cut Is the Deepest" topped the UK charts, and "The Killing of Georgie" became a Top 40 hit, addressing the murder of a gay man.
In 1977, Stewart released Foot Loose & Fancy Free, featuring his band, the Rod Stewart Group. The album reached number two on the charts, and "You're in My Heart" became a hit single.
"Blondes Have More Fun", featuring the disco-influenced hit "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy", was released in 1978.
In 1978, Stewart embraced a glam rock image and released Blondes Have More Fun, featuring the disco-infused number-one hit "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?". This marked a crossover success, reaching the Billboard black charts.
Stewart faced criticism for his disco hit "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?", which deviated from his previous style. He defended the song as a third-person narrative and donated the royalties to UNICEF.
In 1979, Stewart performed "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" at the Music for UNICEF Concert at the United Nations General Assembly.
In 1980, Rod Stewart's early solo work received critical acclaim, earning him a spot in Rolling Stone's Illustrated History of Rock & Roll.
Stewart shifted towards a new wave sound in 1980 with the album Foolish Behaviour, which featured the hit single "Passion".
In August 1981, Stewart's videos gained significant airplay on the newly launched MTV. He continued to incorporate new wave and synthpop elements into his music.
On December 18, 1981, Stewart performed at the Los Angeles Forum in a concert broadcast globally via satellite.
Rod Stewart remained with Warner Bros. Records through 1981 and for a significant portion of his career, following his switch from Mercury Records.
Between 1982 and 1988, Stewart had several US Top 10 singles, including "Young Turks", which carried over its success from 1981.
In 1982, Rod Stewart's Porsche was carjacked on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles.
"Baby Jane" became Stewart's last UK number-one single to date in 1983, although it only reached number 14 in the US.
Stewart faced criticism for performing at the Sun City resort in Bophuthatswana, South Africa, in 1983, violating the cultural boycott against apartheid.
In 1984, the Camouflage album and its singles, "Infatuation" and "Some Guys Have All the Luck", gained popularity, including significant MTV airplay.
Stewart continued to perform at Sun City in 1984, despite ongoing criticism related to the cultural boycott of apartheid South Africa.
In January 1985, Stewart performed at the Rock in Rio festival in Rio de Janeiro.
A collaboration with Jeff Beck resulted in a successful cover of "People Get Ready", but their planned tour was cut short.
In 1986, "Love Touch", a collaboration with Holly Knight and Mike Chapman, reached the US Top 10, while "Every Beat of My Heart" became a number-two hit in the UK.
In September 1988, Rod Stewart performed "Forever Young" at the MTV Video Music Awards held at the Universal Amphitheatre in Los Angeles.
Stewart's string of US Top 10 singles continued through 1988.
Rod Stewart embarked on the South American leg of his Out of Order Tour in January 1989, performing to sold-out crowds across the Americas. Notably, he performed for large audiences at stadiums in Querétaro and Guadalajara, Mexico, and an even larger audience in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where firehoses were used to cool down the crowd.
Rod Stewart received a Grammy Award nomination for Best Male Rock Vocal Performance for his song "Forever Young" in 1989.
In 1990, "It Takes Two," a duet by Rod Stewart and Tina Turner, was released. It peaked at number five on the UK charts.
In 1990, Rod Stewart's cover of Tom Waits' song "Downtown Train" reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100. This track was part of a compilation album, "Storyteller – The Complete Anthology: 1964–1990".
Rod Stewart's father, Robert Joseph Stewart, passed away in 1990.
The album "Vagabond Heart" by Rod Stewart was released in 1991, containing the successful singles "Rhythm of My Heart" and "The Motown Song".
Stewart released the album "Vagabond Heart" in 1991, featuring the hit single "Rhythm of My Heart".
In 1993, Rod Stewart received the Outstanding Contribution to Music award at the Brit Awards and reunited with the Faces for a performance. He also collaborated with Sting and Bryan Adams on "All For Love" for "The Three Musketeers" soundtrack, and with Ronnie Wood for an MTV Unplugged special, featuring a hit version of Van Morrison's "Have I Told You Lately".
In 1993, Stewart collaborated with Bryan Adams and Sting on the hit song "All for Love".
In December 1994, Rod Stewart achieved a Guinness World Record for performing in front of an estimated 3.5 million people on Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro. He was also inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, presented by Jeff Beck.
Rod Stewart was inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
In 1995, Rod Stewart released "A Spanner in the Works", an album featuring the single "Leave Virginia Alone" written by Tom Petty.
Rod Stewart released the album "If We Fall in Love Tonight" in 1996.
Rod Stewart's mother, Elsie Rebecca Gilbart, passed away in 1996.
In 1998, Rod Stewart released "When We Were the New Boys", featuring covers of Britpop songs, and recorded "Faith of the Heart" for the film "Patch Adams".
In May 2000, Rod Stewart underwent surgery for thyroid cancer, which threatened his voice and led him to re-learn how to sing.
Rod Stewart moved from Warner Bros. to Atlantic Records in 2000.
In 2001, Rod Stewart released the album "Human" and the compilation album "The Story So Far: The Very Best of Rod Stewart", after signing with J Records.
Rod Stewart performed "Handbags and Gladrags" at the Party at the Palace concert in June 2002, celebrating Queen Elizabeth II's Golden Jubilee.
In September 2002, Rod Stewart's son, Sean, was sentenced to three months in jail for assault.
"It Had to Be You: The Great American Songbook" was released in late 2002, marking Rod Stewart's entry into recording classic pop standards.
By 2002, Rod Stewart had sold over 100 million records. He began to focus on recording classic American pop standards from the 1930s and 1940s.
"Tonight's the Night", a musical featuring Rod Stewart's music, opened in London's Victoria Palace Theatre in November 2003.
In 2004, Rod Stewart reunited with Ronnie Wood for Faces concerts and released "Stardust: the Great American Songbook 3", his first US number one album in 25 years, which also earned him his first Grammy Award.
Rod Stewart released his fourth album in the Great American Songbook series, "Thanks for the Memory", in 2005. The album featured collaborations with Diana Ross and Elton John and quickly reached number two on the Top 200 chart.
In November 2006, Rod Stewart was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame.
In December 2006, Rod Stewart performed at the Royal Variety Performance for the first time, singing "Father and Son" and "It's a Heartache". He also hosted the 8th Annual A Home for the Holidays special on CBS.
In 2006, Rod Stewart was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame.
Rod Stewart performed at the Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium in July 2007, marking the 10th anniversary of Princess Diana's death. He sang "Sailing", "Baby Jane", and "Maggie May".
Rod Stewart was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in July 2007.
Rod Stewart's model railroad layout was featured on the cover of Model Railroader magazine in December 2007.
Billboard magazine ranked Rod Stewart as the 17th most successful artist on the "Billboard Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists" list in 2008.
Rod Stewart performed "Maggie May" on the season 8 finale of American Idol in May 2009.
Rod Stewart performed his only UK concert of the year at Home Park, Plymouth in July 2009.
A 4-CD compilation album, "Rod Stewart Sessions 1971–1998", was released in September 2009, featuring unreleased tracks and outtakes.
Rod Stewart released "Soulbook", an album of soul and Motown covers, in October 2009.
Rod Stewart recorded a TV program for ITV in November 2009, which aired on December 5th, featuring songs from "Soulbook" and other favorites.
Rod Stewart's TV program recorded in November was broadcasted on ITV.
Rhino Records released "Once in a Blue Moon", a previously unreleased album recorded by Rod Stewart in 1992, in January 2010.
Rod Stewart released the fifth installment of his Great American Songbook series, "Fly Me to the Moon", in October 2010.
Rod Stewart's model railroad layout was again featured on the cover of Model Railroader magazine in December 2010.
In 2011, Rod Stewart headlined the Hard Rock Calling Festival in London's Hyde Park and began a two-year residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas.
Rod Stewart embarked on the Heart & Soul Tour with Stevie Nicks in 2011, performing in various North American cities.
Rod Stewart signed a recording agreement with Universal Music Group in June 2012.
Rod Stewart released his first Christmas album, "Merry Christmas, Baby", and his autobiography, "Rod: The Autobiography", in October 2012.
Rod Stewart performed at the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance and the 100th Royal Variety Performance, both in November 2012.
Rod Stewart's "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" topped the Billboard Adult Contemporary Chart for five weeks in December 2012. He also appeared on Michael Bublé's Home for the Holidays Christmas special.
Rod Stewart published his autobiography in 2012.
Rod Stewart published his autobiography, "Rod: The Autobiography," in 2012, clarifying his football allegiances.
Stewart was inducted a second time into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2012, this time as a member of the band Faces.
Rod Stewart was nominated for a Juno Award for International Album of the Year for "Merry Christmas, Baby" in February 2013.
Rod Stewart released "Time", an album of original material, in May 2013. It debuted at number 1 in the UK, setting a record for the longest gap between chart-topping albums by an artist.
Rod Stewart presented Elton John with the first Brits Icon award at the London Palladium in September 2013.
In February 2014, Rod Stewart's model railroad was featured in Model Railroader magazine, where he also revealed his color-blindness.
Rod Stewart released the studio album "Another Country" in October 2015.
In 2015, Rod Stewart presented the trophy at the Scottish League Cup Final.
Rod Stewart contributed vocals to Frankie Miller's album "Double Take", released in September 2016.
Rod Stewart covered "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" for the Netflix show Beat Bugs in November 2016. He also addressed John Lennon's plagiarism accusations regarding "The Killing of Georgie".
Rod Stewart was knighted in 2016 for his services to music and charity.
Rod Stewart received a knighthood in the 2016 Birthday Honours for services to music and charity.
Rod Stewart's model railroad layout was featured in the June 2017 issue of Model Railroader magazine.
Rod Stewart was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017.
In September 2018, Rod Stewart released his 30th studio album, "Blood Red Roses," under Republic Records.
In September 2019, Rod Stewart revealed his 2017 prostate cancer diagnosis and successful treatment.
In November 2019, Rod Stewart released 'You're in My Heart: Rod Stewart with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra', which topped the UK Albums Chart for three weeks. This coincided with his biggest UK stadium tour in November and December 2019.
Rod Stewart collaborated with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for the release of "You're in My Heart" in November 2019, featuring new versions of his hit songs and a duet with Robbie Williams.
Rod Stewart's UK stadium tour continued through December 2019, following the release of his album "You're In My Heart".
In 2019, Rod Stewart discussed his "addictive" model railroad hobby in an interview with Railway Modeller magazine.
In January 2020, Rod Stewart and his son, Sean, were arrested following an alleged assault at a Florida hotel. Rod Stewart was charged with assault.
In October 2020, Rod Stewart's lawyer informed the judge that the assault case was unlikely to proceed to trial.
In November 2021, Rod Stewart released his 31st studio album, "The Tears of Hercules."
In 2021, Rod Stewart and his son pleaded guilty to simple battery in a plea agreement, avoiding jail time, probation, and fines.
In 2021, Rod Stewart was ranked 12th wealthiest person in the British music industry on the Sunday Times Rich List.
In March 2022, Rod Stewart personally filled potholes near his Essex home, citing accessibility issues for ambulances and his Ferrari.
Rod Stewart performed at the Platinum Party at the Palace in June 2022.
In November 2022, Rod Stewart revealed he refused a $1 million offer to perform in Qatar due to human rights concerns.
During February 2023, Rod Stewart paid for a day's worth of MRI scans for patients at Princess Alexandra Hospital.
In May 2023, Rod Stewart performed at the Jeff Beck tribute concerts at the Royal Albert Hall.
In late 2023, Warner Music announced Rod Stewart's new album, "Swing Fever," recorded with Jools Holland's Rhythm And Blues Orchestra.
Rod Stewart's model railroad layout was featured in the December 2024 issue of Model Railroader magazine.