The Rolling Stones, an iconic English rock band hailing from London, forged their legendary career in 1962, establishing a remarkable musical journey spanning over six remarkable decades. Renowned as one of the most enduring and beloved rock bands of all time, their impact on the genre is immeasurable.
During their formative years in the early 1960s, the Stones played a pivotal role in shaping the gritty, rhythmically charged sound that would define hard rock. The band's original lineup featured the charismatic Mick Jagger on vocals, the multi-talented Brian Jones, Keith Richards on guitar, Bill Wyman on bass, and the rhythmic powerhouse Charlie Watts on drums. In these early days, Brian Jones took a prominent role as the band's leader.
The transformative moment came in 1963 when Andrew Loog Oldham assumed the role of the group's manager. Encouraging the band to craft their own compositions, he catalyzed the emergence of Jagger and Richards as the primary songwriters and creative forces behind the Rolling Stones. This shift marked a turning point and unfortunately drove a wedge between them and Jones, who struggled with addiction and was unable to contribute meaningfully by 1968.
The band's roots were deeply anchored in blues and early rock and roll. They initially gained recognition by covering songs and spearheading the British Invasion in 1964, embodying the rebellious spirit of the 1960s counterculture. However, they reached unparalleled heights with their original tracks, such as "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction," "Get Off of My Cloud," and "Paint It Black."
Their album "Aftermath" (1966), regarded as a seminal work, signaled their shift towards crafting entirely original material. The late 1960s witnessed the Stones' return to their rhythm and blues-based rock sound, featuring chart-topping hits like "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and "Honky Tonk Women," along with acclaimed albums "Beggars Banquet" (1968) and "Let It Bleed" (1969).
The tragic departure of Brian Jones in 1969 led to the introduction of guitarist Mick Taylor. This year, the band was famously christened as "The Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World." Their album "Sticky Fingers" (1971), which introduced their iconic tongue and lips logo, initiated a streak of eight consecutive number-one studio albums in the US. Notable releases like "Exile on Main St." (1972) and "Goats Head Soup" (1973) further solidified their musical legacy.
Mick Taylor's departure in 1974 paved the way for Ronnie Wood to join in 1976. The band continued to captivate audiences with albums like "Some Girls" (1978) and "Tattoo You" (1981). "Steel Wheels" (1989) marked a triumphant comeback, followed by "Voodoo Lounge" (1994).
Despite personnel changes and the departure of Bill Wyman in 1993 and the heartbreaking loss of Charlie Watts in 2021, the Rolling Stones persisted as a four-piece core, with Darryl Jones on bass and Steve Jordan as the touring drummer. Their 2016 album, "Blue & Lonesome," soared to the top of the UK charts.
The Rolling Stones' staggering record sales, estimated at 200 million, solidify their position among the best-selling music artists of all time. Their accolades include three Grammy Awards, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, along with the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004. Billboard and Rolling Stone consistently rank them as one of the greatest bands in the history of rock music, a testament to their enduring influence and timeless appeal.
