History of Rod Stewart in Timeline

Sir Rod Stewart is a highly successful British singer and songwriter with a distinctive raspy voice. He began his musical journey in the early 1960s, busking and joining various bands like the Dimensions, Long John Baldry and the All Stars, and the Jeff Beck Group. He gained prominence as a member of Faces in 1969 while simultaneously launching his solo career with his debut album. His music blended rock, folk, soul, and R&B. His breakthrough came with the 1971 album 'Every Picture Tells a Story,' featuring the hit ballad 'Maggie May,' which topped charts in multiple countries. His subsequent album, 'Never a Dull Moment,' also achieved significant success, solidifying his position as a major musical artist. He has sold over 120 million records worldwide.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1904: Robert Joseph Stewart's Birth Year

In 1904, Robert Joseph Stewart, Rod Stewart's father, was born. He was a Scottish master builder.

1905: Elsie Rebecca Gilbart's Birth Year

In 1905, Elsie Rebecca Gilbart, Rod Stewart's mother, was born. She was English and grew up in Upper Holloway, north London.

1928: Marriage of Robert Joseph Stewart and Elsie Rebecca Gilbart

In 1928, Robert Joseph Stewart and Elsie Rebecca Gilbart married and had two sons and two daughters while living in Scotland before moving to Highgate.

January 1945: Roderick David Stewart's Birth

In January 1945, Roderick David Stewart was born at 507 Archway Road, Highgate, north London.

January 1945: Birth of Rod Stewart

On 10 January 1945, Roderick David Stewart was born in Highgate, north London, to Robert Joseph Stewart and Elsie Rebecca Gilbart.

1956: Introduction to Rock and Roll

In 1956, Rod Stewart's introduction to rock and roll was hearing Little Richard's hit "The Girl Can't Help It" and seeing Bill Haley & His Comets in concert.

January 1959: Received Guitar

In January 1959, Rod Stewart's father bought him a guitar; the first song he learned was the folk tune "It Takes a Worried Man to Sing a Worried Song"; the first record he bought was Eddie Cochran's "C'mon Everybody".

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.

1960: Trials at Brentford

In the summer of 1960, Rod Stewart went for trials at Brentford, a Third Division football club, with the ambition of becoming a professional footballer.

1961: Joined Aldermaston Marches

In 1961, Rod Stewart became an active supporter of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, joining the annual Aldermaston Marches from 1961 to 1963.

1961: Audition with Joe Meek

In 1961, Rod Stewart went to Denmark Street with the Raiders and had a singing audition with record producer Joe Meek, but Meek ended the session abruptly. He also began listening to folk artists and the debut album of Bob Dylan.

1962: Busking with Wizz Jones

In 1962, Rod Stewart began busking with folk singer Wizz Jones in London and took up playing the harmonica.

1962: First Serious Relationship and Pregnancy

In 1962, Rod Stewart had his first serious relationship with art student Suzannah Boffey. She became pregnant, and the baby girl was given up for adoption, ending their relationship.

1962: Began Busking

In 1962, Rod Stewart's music career began when he took up 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, his first professional job as a musician.

1963: Continued Participation in Aldermaston Marches

From 1961 to 1963, Rod Stewart continued to participate in the Aldermaston Marches and was arrested on three occasions for sit-ins.

1963: Adopted Mod Lifestyle

In 1963, Rod Stewart adopted the Mod lifestyle and look, fashioning his trademark spiky rooster hairstyle. He became fascinated by rhythm and blues and soul music, influenced by artists like Otis Redding and Sam Cooke.

1963: Joined The Dimensions

In 1963, Rod Stewart joined the band The Dimensions as a harmonica player and vocalist.

1963: Deported from Spain

Over 18 months, Wizz Jones and Rod Stewart took their act to Brighton, Paris, and Barcelona, from where Rod Stewart was deported from Spain for vagrancy in 1963.

January 1964: Joined Long John Baldry and the All Stars

In January 1964, Long John Baldry heard Rod Stewart playing harmonica at Twickenham railway station and invited him to join Long John Baldry and the All Stars, offering him 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 Baldry and Hoochie Coochie Men single.

August 1964: Signed Solo Contract with Decca Records

In August 1964, Rod Stewart signed to a solo contract with Decca Records after being scouted at the Marquee Club.

September 1964: First Single Recorded

In September 1964, Rod Stewart recorded his first single after appearing on regional television shows.

October 1964: Release of 'Good Morning Little Schoolgirl'

In October 1964, Rod Stewart's single "Good Morning Little Schoolgirl" was recorded and released after Stewart insisted on recording Sonny Boy Williamson songs. He also performed it on Ready Steady Go!, but it did not chart. Stewart also left the Hoochie Coochie Men after a dispute with Baldry.

1964: Joined Jimmy Powell & the Five Dimensions

In 1964, Jimmy Powell hired The Dimensions, and they became known as Jimmy Powell & the Five Dimensions, with Rod Stewart as harmonica player. Stewart then departed due to role disagreements.

1964: First Meeting with Ronnie Wood

In 1964, Rod Stewart first met Ronnie Wood in a London pub, and the two soon became fast friends.

1964: Joined Long John Baldry and the All Stars

In 1964, Rod Stewart joined Long John Baldry and the All Stars.

1964: Played with Soul Agents

In late 1964, Rod Stewart played some dates on his own, sometimes backed by the Southampton R&B outfit the Soul Agents.

July 1965: First Appearance with Steampacket

In July 1965, Rod Stewart, upon Baldry's insistence, had his first appearance with Steampacket in support of the Rolling Stones. Steampacket was conceived as a white soul revue.

November 1965: Rediffusion, London television documentary

In November 1965, Stewart's "Rod the Mod" image was showcased in a 30-minute Rediffusion, London television documentary titled "An Easter with Rod", highlighting the Mod scene. Also in November 1965, he released "The Day Will Come" on EMI's Columbia label, which was a pop attempt that failed commercially.

March 1966: Stewart Leaves Steampacket

In March 1966, Rod Stewart left Steampacket. Accounts differ, with Stewart claiming he was sacked and Auger stating that Stewart quit.

May 1966: Joins Shotgun Express

In May 1966, Rod Stewart joined Shotgun Express as co-lead vocalist with Beryl Marsden. The band included future Fleetwood Mac members Mick Fleetwood and Peter Green.

October 1966: Shotgun Express Single Release

In October 1966, Shotgun Express released one unsuccessful single, "I Could Feel The Whole World Turn Round", before disbanding.

February 1967: Joins 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 began playing with Ronnie Wood, whom he had met in 1964.

1967: Joined the Jeff Beck Group

In 1967, Rod Stewart moved to the Jeff Beck Group.

March 1968: Solo Release 'Little Miss Understood'

In March 1968, Rod Stewart continued his sputtering solo career with the release of the non-hit "Little Miss Understood" on Immediate Records.

June 1968: Jeff Beck Group's U.S. Tour Begins

In June 1968, The Jeff Beck Group started a six-week tour of the United States, beginning at the Fillmore East in New York. This marked Stewart's first trip to America, where he experienced stage fright but found success after a shot of brandy.

August 1968: Release of 'Truth'

In August 1968, The Jeff Beck Group released their first album, 'Truth'.

October 1968: Signs Solo Contract with Mercury Records

On October 8, 1968, Rod Stewart signed a solo contract with Mercury Records after being scouted performing with Beck, but contractual complexities delayed his recording until July 1969.

April 1969: Guest Vocals on 'In a Broken Dream'

In April 1969, Rod Stewart recorded guest vocals for the Australian group Python Lee Jackson on "In a Broken Dream".

May 1969: Steve Marriott Leaves Small Faces

In May 1969, 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.

July 1969: Stewart Leaves Jeff Beck Group

In July 1969, Rod Stewart left the Jeff Beck Group following Ronnie Wood's departure, citing aggravation and unfriendliness.

July 1969: Recording for Mercury Records

In July 1969, Rod Stewart started recording for Mercury Records, after signing a solo contract 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, around the same time the group was dissolving.

October 1969: Joins Faces

On October 18, 1969, Rod Stewart joined the band Small Faces, following Ron Wood, who had joined in June. The new lineup was soon renamed Faces.

1969: Joined Faces and Launched Solo Career

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.

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 was known as 'The Rod Stewart Album' in the US. The album established his solo sound, mixing folk, rock, and country blues, and included both original songs and covers.

1970: Faces Debut and Second Solo Album

In early 1970, Faces released their debut album, 'First Step'. In the autumn of 1970, Stewart released his second album, 'Gasoline Alley', and launched a US tour with the Faces. Also in 1970, "In a Broken Dream" was released.

1971: Release of 'Every Picture Tells a Story'

In 1971, Rod Stewart's solo album 'Every Picture Tells a Story' was released. It made him a household name, especially after "Maggie May" gained radio play. The album and single topped charts in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia simultaneously in September.

1971: Breakthrough Album: Every Picture Tells a Story

In 1971, Rod Stewart's third album, Every Picture Tells a Story, became his breakthrough, topping the charts in the UK, US, Canada, and Australia, as did its ballad "Maggie May".

1971: Faces Album Releases and Success

In early 1971, Faces released their second album, 'Long Player', which achieved greater chart success than their debut. Later in 1971, they 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".

1972: Re-release of 'In a Broken Dream'

In 1972, "In a Broken Dream", which was recorded in April 1969, was re-released and became a worldwide hit.

1972: Tours and 'Never a Dull Moment' Release

In 1972, Faces toured extensively amidst growing tension due to Stewart's solo success. Stewart released 'Never a Dull Moment' in 1972, which was similar to 'Every Picture' and reached number two in the US and number one in the UK.

1972: Release of "Never a Dull Moment"

In 1972, Rod Stewart released his album, Never a Dull Moment, which reached number one in the UK and Australia and top three in the US and Canada. Its single, "You Wear It Well", topped the charts in the UK.

1973: 'Ooh La La' Release

In 1973, Faces released their final album 'Ooh La La', which reached number one in the UK and number 21 in the US.

1974: Australasia, Japan, Europe and UK Tour

In 1974, The Faces toured Australasia, Japan, Europe and the UK to support the album 'Ooh La La'.

1974: 'Smiler' Album Release

In late 1974, Rod Stewart released his 'Smiler' album, which reached number one in Britain but had less success in the US. This was his last original album for Mercury Records.

1975: Faces Breakup

In 1975, Faces toured the US twice, and with Ronnie Wood joining the Rolling Stones and Stewart's solo career growing, it became impossible to maintain the band. The Faces broke up at the end of the year.

1975: Moves to Los Angeles and Releases 'Atlantic Crossing'

In 1975, Rod Stewart moved to Los Angeles and released the 'Atlantic Crossing' album with his new record company. This album marked a return to form and the Top 10 of the Billboard album charts.

1976: Covered 'Get Back'

In 1976, Rod Stewart covered the Beatles' song "Get Back" for the musical documentary All This and World War II.

1976: Release of 'A Night on the Town'

In 1976, Rod Stewart's album A Night on the Town was released, becoming his fifth straight chart-topper in the UK. The album's hit song, "Tonight's the Night (Gonna Be Alright)" spent almost two months at number one in the US and Canada.

1977: Release of 'Foot Loose & Fancy Free'

In 1977, Rod Stewart released the album Foot Loose & Fancy Free, which included the hit songs "You're in My Heart (The Final Acclaim)" and "Hot Legs".

1978: Release of 'Blondes Have More Fun'

In 1978, Rod Stewart's album Blondes Have More Fun and its disco-tinged single "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" both went to number one in Canada, Australia, and the US, with "Da Ya Think I'm Sexy?" also hitting number one in the UK.

1982: Car-jacking on Sunset Boulevard

In 1982, Rod Stewart's $50,000 Porsche was car-jacked on Los Angeles' Sunset Boulevard. The car was later recovered.

1990: Death of Robert Joseph Stewart

In 1990, Robert Joseph Stewart, Rod Stewart's father, passed away.

1991: Release of 'Vagabond Heart'

In 1991, Rod Stewart released the album 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.

1993: Collaboration 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.

1994: Induction into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

In 1994, Rod Stewart was inducted into the US Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist.

1996: Death of Elsie Rebecca Gilbart

In 1996, Elsie Rebecca Gilbart, Rod Stewart's mother, passed away.

May 2000: Diagnosis and Surgery for Thyroid Cancer

In May 2000, Rod Stewart was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and underwent surgery the same month. The surgery threatened his voice, and he had to relearn how to sing.

September 2002: Son's Sentencing

In September 2002, Rod Stewart's son, Sean, was sentenced to three months in jail, required to pay compensation, and ordered to attend anger management, drug, and alcohol treatment courses for attacking a man outside a restaurant in Los Angeles.

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', his fourth songbook album, featuring duets with Diana Ross and Elton John. The album quickly reached number two on the Top 200 list.

November 2006: Induction into UK Music Hall of Fame

In November 2006, Rod Stewart was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame, marking a significant recognition of his contributions to music.

December 2006: Hosting A Home for the Holidays special on CBS

On 22 December 2006, Rod Stewart hosted the 8th Annual A Home for the Holidays special on CBS.

2006: Induction into the UK Music Hall of Fame

In 2006, Rod Stewart was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame.

July 2007: Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)

In July 2007, Rod Stewart was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to music and commented at his investiture at Buckingham Palace.

July 2007: Performance at Concert for Diana

On 1 July 2007, Rod Stewart performed at the Concert for Diana at Wembley Stadium in London. The event commemorated the life of Princess Diana. Stewart performed "Sailing", "Baby Jane", and "Maggie May".

December 2007: Model Railroader Cover Story

In December 2007, Rod Stewart's HO scale model railway layout, Three Rivers City, was featured on the cover of Model Railroader magazine. Stewart expressed that being in the model railroad magazine was more significant to him than being in a music magazine.

2008: Billboard Ranking

In 2008, Billboard magazine ranked Rod Stewart as the 17th most successful artist on the "Billboard Hot 100 All-Time Top Artists" list.

May 2009: Performance on American Idol

On 20 May 2009, Rod Stewart performed "Maggie May" on the grand finale of American Idol season 8.

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July 2009: UK Performance at Home Park, Plymouth

On 2 July 2009, Rod Stewart performed his only UK date of that year at Home Park, Plymouth.

September 2009: Release of 'Rod Stewart Sessions 1971–1998'

On 29 September 2009, the compilation album 'Rod Stewart Sessions 1971–1998' was released. It contained 65 tracks across 4-CDs, featuring previously unreleased tracks and outtakes from throughout his career.

October 2009: Release of Soulbook

On 17 October 2009, Rod Stewart released his studio album Soulbook, which was composed of covers of soul and Motown songs.

November 2009: UK TV Program Recording

On 14 November 2009, Rod Stewart recorded a TV program in the UK for ITV, which was later screened on 5 December 2009. The program featured tracks from his new album and some old favorites.

December 2009: Screening of UK TV Program on ITV

On 5 December 2009, a TV program recorded by Rod Stewart on 14 November 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 14 January 2010, Rhino Records released Rod Stewart's 'Once in a Blue Moon', a "lost album" originally recorded in 1992 featuring cover songs.

October 2010: Release of 'Fly Me to the Moon...The Great American Songbook Volume V'

On 19 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 on J Records.

December 2010: Model Railroader Cover Story

In December 2010, Rod Stewart's HO scale model railway layout, Three Rivers City, was featured on the cover of Model Railroader magazine.

2011: Heart & Soul Tour with Stevie Nicks

In 2011, Rod Stewart and Stevie Nicks embarked on the Heart & Soul Tour, which began on 20 March in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and included arena concerts across North America.

2011: Hard Rock Calling Festival Headliner and Caesars Palace Residency

In 2011, Rod Stewart headlined the Sunday show at the Hard Rock Calling Festival on 26 June in London's Hyde Park. He also signed on for a two-year residency at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, commencing on 24 August, where he performed his greatest hits and selected tracks from his upcoming blues album.

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 Autobiography

In October 2012, Rod Stewart released his first Christmas album, titled Merry Christmas, Baby, on the Verve Music Group label. His autobiography, titled Rod: The Autobiography, was also released in October 2012.

Rod: The Autobiography

Check it on Amazon

November 2012: Performances at Royal Albert Hall

In November 2012, Rod Stewart performed at the Royal Albert Hall for the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance, attended by Queen Elizabeth II. He also performed at the Royal Albert Hall during the 100th Royal Variety Performance, again in front of the Queen.

December 2012: "Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!" Tops Billboard 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 10 December 2012, Stewart was a guest singer on Michael Bublé's television Home for the Holidays Christmas special.

2012: Second Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction

In 2012, Rod Stewart was inducted a second time into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Faces.

2012: Autobiography Release

In his 2012 autobiography, Rod Stewart stated that he was never signed to Brentford and that the club never called him back after his trials in 1960. He concluded that music was easier than football.

February 2013: Juno Award Nomination

In February 2013, Rod Stewart received a nomination for a Canadian Juno Award in the International Album of the Year category for his album, Merry Christmas, Baby.

May 2013: Release of 'Time' and Chart Success

In May 2013, Rod Stewart released Time, a rock album of his own original material, marking a return to songwriting after twenty years. The album reached number 1 on the UK Albums Chart.

September 2013: Presentation of Brits Icon Award to Elton John

In September 2013, Rod Stewart presented Elton John with the first Brits Icon award at the London Palladium, acknowledging John's impact on UK culture, and performed a duet with him.

February 2014: Model Railroader Cover Story

In February 2014, Rod Stewart's HO scale model railway layout, Three Rivers City, was featured on the cover of Model Railroader magazine, where he confirmed his colour-blindness in an anecdote.

October 2015: Release of 'Another Country'

On 23 October 2015, Rod Stewart released his new studio album, Another Country. The video for the first single, "Love Is", was released on his Vevo account.

2015: Presentation of the Scottish League Cup Trophy to Celtic

In 2015, Rod Stewart, a known supporter of Celtic Football Club, presented Celtic with the trophy after they won the Scottish League Cup Final.

September 2016: Recording with Joe Walsh on Frankie Miller album

In September 2016, Rod Stewart recorded vocals with Joe Walsh on the Frankie Miller album Frankie Miller's Double Take, which was released on 30 September 2016.

November 2016: Beat Bugs Appearance

On November 18, 2016, Rod Stewart's cover of the Beatles' "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" was featured in Beat Bugs episode 17b on Netflix.

2016: Knighthood

In 2016, Rod Stewart was knighted for "services to music and charity".

June 2017: Model Railroader Cover Story

In June 2017, Rod Stewart's HO scale model railway layout, Three Rivers City, was featured on the cover of Model Railroader magazine.

September 2018: Release of 'Blood Red Roses'

On 28 September 2018, Rod Stewart released his 30th studio album, Blood Red Roses, on Republic Records.

September 2019: Revelation of Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Recovery

In September 2019, Rod Stewart revealed that he had been diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2017 and had been given the all-clear after treatment.

November 2019: Collaboration with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra on 'You're in My Heart'

In November 2019, Rod Stewart collaborated with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra for the release of the album You're in My Heart, which featured new versions of his hit songs.

November 2019: Release of 'You're in My Heart: Rod Stewart with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra' and UK Stadium Tour

On 22 November 2019, Rod Stewart released You're in My Heart: Rod Stewart with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. The album's release coincided with his biggest-ever UK stadium tour, which continued throughout November and December 2019.

December 2019: UK Stadium Tour Continuation

Rod Stewart continued his UK stadium tour, which began in November 2019, throughout December 2019.

2019: Railway Modeller Interview

In 2019, Rod Stewart stated in an interview with Railway Modeller magazine that his model railway hobby is "addictive".

January 2020: Arrest and Battery Charges

In January 2020, Rod Stewart and his son Sean were arrested and charged with battery following an incident at a Florida hotel.

November 2021: Release of 'The Tears of Hercules'

In November 2021, Rod Stewart released his 31st studio album, The Tears of Hercules.

2021: Sunday Times Rich List

In 2021, Rod Stewart was estimated to have a fortune of £215 million in the Sunday Times Rich List, making him the 12th wealthiest person in the British music industry.

2021: Resolution of Battery Case

In 2021, the battery case against Rod Stewart and his son Sean was resolved with both pleading guilty to simple battery in a plea agreement that included no jail time, no probation, and no fine.

March 2022: Pothole Repair

In March 2022, Rod Stewart and others filled potholes on a country lane near his Essex residence after an ambulance burst a tyre and his Ferrari could not pass. The county council cautioned against such actions.

June 2022: Performance at the Platinum Party at the Palace

In June 2022, Rod Stewart performed at the Platinum Party at the Palace.

November 2022: Refusal to Perform in Qatar

In November 2022, Rod Stewart revealed that he had refused to perform in Qatar the year before despite being offered over $1 million, citing the country's human rights record.

February 2023: Payment for MRI scans

During February 2023, Rod Stewart paid for a day's worth of MRI scans for patients at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow to reduce waiting lists.

May 2023: Performance at Jeff Beck Tribute Concerts

In May 2023, Rod Stewart performed at the Jeff Beck tribute concerts held at the Royal Albert Hall, sharing the stage with Ronnie Wood, Eric Clapton, and Johnny Depp.

2023: Warner Music Announces New Album 'Swing Fever'

In late 2023, Warner Music announced a new album, Swing Fever, recorded with Jools Holland's Rhythm And Blues Orchestra, for a 23 February 2024 release. A single from the album, "Almost Like Being in Love", was released on 5 December.