The Rolling Stones Biography

The Rolling Stones are an English rock band formed in 1962. The group emerged from the British Invasion bands, known for their rebellious counterculture, in the early 60s. The controversial macho style of Mick Jagger, along with the witty genius of Keith Richards and Brian Jones made them the breakout rock & blues band, eclipsing the most relevant contemporary music groups.  Consequently, Rolling Stone magazine ranked them number 4 on their 100 Greatest Artists of All Time list.

Early Career & Breakthrough

The Rolling Stones have been a strong presence in the rock & roll community ever since their formation. Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were childhood friends, who ulteriorly reunited under the band Blue Boys. Furthermore, they played as Blues Incorporated but left to join Brian Jones’ new project. The band’s first single was a cover of Chuck Berry’s Come On, which gained moderate success. However, their international breakthrough came shortly, with the 1964 cover of Buddy Holly’s Not Fade Away. 

Success & “Golden Age” 

Winning media’s attention, The Rolling Stones’ popularity expanded with numerous scandalous articles. Later that year, the band released their self-titled debut album. It spawned a number 1 hit in the UK, It’s All Over Now. After their rise to fame, they also incorporated the British pop sound of the Beatles and, later, experimented with psychedelic rock.

In the summer of 1965, The Rolling Stones became true superstars, due to the release of the iconic hit (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction. It became one of their most well-known songs to date and the start of acclaimed top 10 singles. By 1966, their music became more complex, as demonstrated by their album Aftermath, and the beloved song Paint It Black, which topped the charts in numerous countries. In 1969, the Rolling Stones released Sympathy for the Devil, which scandalised the critics. Additionally, in 1972, the group released a double-album, Exile on Main St. Despite the critics’ mixed reviews, it became their best work ever, according to several top albums lists.

Present

In 2013, The Rolling Stones embarked on a 50th-anniversary tour, sold out and critically acclaimed. ‘Till present day, the legendary band released 30 studio albums, their last being a covers album, the 2016 Blue & Lonesome. It dominated the album charts and reached Platinum, proving that The Rolling Stones still got it.