Keith Richards is an English musician, songwriter, guitarist, and occasional actor, best known as a founding member of the legendary rock band The Rolling Stones. A central figure in the history of rock music since 1962, Richards is widely regarded as one of the most influential guitarists of all time. His raw playing style, deep blues roots, and songwriting partnership with Mick Jagger shaped the sound, attitude, and longevity of the band and of rock music itself.

Early Life and Family

Keith Richards was born on December 18, 1943, in Dartford, England, as the only child of Bert Richards and Doris Dupree Richards. He was introduced to music at an early age by his maternal grandfather, Augustus Theodore Dupree, from whom he learned the basics of guitar playing. His parents divorced in 1962, a period that coincided with his deepening immersion in music.

Richards grew up in the same neighborhood as Mick Jagger, and the two attended the same primary school until 1954. Their early friendship, rooted in shared surroundings and musical curiosity, would later evolve into one of the most important creative partnerships in popular music history.

Education and Musical Awakening

After attending Wilmington Grammar School and Wilmington Enterprise College, Richards was expelled due to repeated truancy. He subsequently enrolled at Sidcup Art College, where he encountered his first electric guitar and began to seriously explore music as a vocation.

In 1961, while briefly studying at the London School of Economics, Richards reconnected with Mick Jagger. Through Jagger, he was introduced to American blues music, an influence that would become foundational to his artistic identity.

Formation of The Rolling Stones

During this period, Richards and Jagger met Brian Jones, Dick Taylor, and Ian Stewart. The group began rehearsing together, drawing inspiration from blues legends such as Chuck Berry, Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters, and Elmore James.

In 1962, they officially formed The Rolling Stones. From the outset, Richards’ guitar work—marked by open tunings, rhythmic drive, and blues-based riffs—became a defining element of the band’s sound.

Songwriting and Musical Contributions

Although best known as a guitarist, Keith Richards is a multi-instrumentalist who has contributed vocals, bass guitar, keyboards, and percussion to the band’s recordings. He began writing songs in 1963, forming the iconic Jagger–Richards songwriting partnership.

Together with Mick Jagger, Richards co-wrote many of the most enduring songs in rock history, including “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” which reached number one on international charts and cemented the band’s global reputation.

Personal Life

From 1967 to 1979, Richards lived with Italian actress and model Anita Pallenberg. The couple had three children: Marlon Richards (born 1969), Angela “Dandelion” Richards (born 1972), and Tara Jo Jo Gunne Richards (born 1976).

On December 18, 1983, Richards married model Patti Hansen. Together they have two daughters, Theodora Richards (born 1985) and Alexandra Richards (born 1986).

Legal Issues and Public Controversy

Beginning in 1967, Keith Richards was repeatedly tried on drug-related charges, appearing in court five times between 1967 and 1978. One of the most notorious incidents occurred in 1967, when English police conducted a drug raid at Richards’ home, arresting Richards, Mick Jagger, and Marianne Faithfull.

During their legal proceedings, the band released the single “We Love You” as a gesture of gratitude toward fans who supported them throughout the controversy. The events kept Richards and the band in the spotlight of the British press for years.

Acting Career

In addition to music, Richards has appeared in feature films. He portrayed Captain Edward Teague, the father of Jack Sparrow, in the film Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End (2007), acting alongside Johnny Depp, Geoffrey Rush, Orlando Bloom, Keira Knightley, and Kevin McNally.

He reprised the same role in Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides (2011), sharing the screen with Penelope Cruz and Ian McShane. The character was partially inspired by Richards himself, according to Johnny Depp.

Legacy

Keith Richards has remained a member of The Rolling Stones continuously since 1962, making him one of the longest-serving figures in rock band history. His guitar style, songwriting influence, and uncompromising artistic ethos have inspired generations of musicians.

Often described as the embodiment of rock ’n’ roll, Richards stands as a symbol of musical authenticity, resilience, and creative longevity, with a legacy inseparable from the history of modern rock music.

Source: Biyografiler.com