Keith Richards, born on December 18, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, United Kingdom, is a legendary rock musician known primarily for his work with The Rolling Stones. His father, Burt Richards, was an industrial worker, and his mother, Doris (Duprez) Richards, was a seamstress. Richards met his bandmate Mick Jagger when they were just children, and their friendship eventually led to the formation of The Rolling Stones in 1962 alongside Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, and Bill Wyman.
Keith Richards and Mick Jagger have had a remarkable songwriting partnership, creating timeless hits like "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," "Jumpin' Jack Flash," "Paint It Black," and "Gimme Shelter." Their early success in the mid-1960s made them one of the biggest names in rock music, rivaling The Beatles. The band's iconic blend of blues and rock music helped them stand out in a pop-dominated era.
The Rolling Stones have had several significant lineup changes, most notably the addition of Mick Taylor in 1969, replacing Brian Jones, and Ronnie Wood in 1975, replacing Taylor. The band continued to tour and release successful albums, such as "Beggars Banquet" (1968) and "Exile on Main St." (1972).
Despite facing challenges, including drug-related legal issues, The Rolling Stones managed to maintain their popularity and have had multiple successful tours, including "Steel Wheels," "Voodoo Lounge," "A Bigger Bang," and "No Filter." These tours have grossed billions of dollars, further cementing their status as one of the top live acts in music history.
Richards has also pursued solo projects and released albums like "Talk Is Cheap" (1988), "Main Offender" (1992), and "Crosseyed Heart" (2015). His estimated net worth as of 2024 is $500 million, primarily due to his contributions to music, songwriting, and performances with The Rolling Stones.
The Rolling Stones have won numerous awards, including a Grammy Award for Best Rock Album for "Voodoo Lounge" in 1995 and another for "Hackney Diamonds" in 2025. Despite the loss of their drummer, Charlie Watts, in 2021, the band continued their "No Filter" tour as a tribute to him.
In 1989, The Rolling Stones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Richards has also had guest appearances in movies like "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides."
Throughout his career, Richards has remained a significant figure in rock music, leaving an indelible mark on the genre and inspiring generations of musicians.
