Keith Richards

Keith Richards was born on December 18, 1943. He is an English musician and songwriter who rose to popularity around the world as the Rolling Stones’ co-founder, guitarist, backup vocalist, and co-principal songwriter. One of the most prosperous songwriting partnerships in history is his collaboration with Mick Jagger. His playing technique on the guitar has been a defining characteristic of the Rolling Stones throughout the band’s history, spanning more than six decades. Richards is one iconic melodist that deserves to be celebrated today on his birthday.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Keith Richards

Nickname:

Keef, The Human Riff

Birth date:

December 18, 1943

Age:

80

Zodiac Sign:

Sagittarius

Height:

5' 9"

Relationship Status:

Married

Net Worth:

$520 million

Keith's Social Media:

Background

Richards was born in Dartford, Kent to Doris Maud Lydia and Herbert William Richards. In 1979, Richards and model Patti Hansen began dating. Their daughters, Theodora Dupree and Alexandra Nicole were born in 1985 and 1986. Three more of his offspring, Angela Richards, Marlon Richards, and Tara Richards, come from different women. He joined the rock group The Rolling Stones in 1962. Mick Jagger, Ian Stewart, and Brian Jones made up the band at the time.

The band’s first formal performance took place on July 12, 1962, at the Marquee Club, a nightclub on London’s Oxford Street. The group released their debut song, ‘Come On,’ on June 7, 1963. One of the all-time best rock songs ever recorded, his hit single ‘I Can’t Get No Satisfaction’ landed at number one on various U.S. charts in 1965. The 1980 album “Emotional Rescue” became a big smash right away. The album peaked at number one in the U.K. and spent seven weeks at the top of the U.S. chart. Richards was also admitted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1993. In 1989 and 2004, respectively, he and his bandmates were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the U.K. Music Hall of Fame.

He made a cameo appearance in the 2007 movie “Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End,” playing the father of Captain Jack Sparrow. He came in at number four on the list of the ‘10 Best Electric Guitar Players of All Time’ published by “Time” magazine in 2009. He received the Rock Immortal Award in 2009 at the Greek Theater in Los Angeles’ Spike T.V. Scream Awards ceremony. Richards agreed to a publishing agreement in August 2007 for his autobiography, “Life,” which was published on October 26, 2010.

Career timeline

1962
He Joins a Band

He joins the rock group The Rolling Stones.

1963
He Makes His Song Debut

Along with his group, he releases his debut song, ‘Come On.’

1980
His Album Becomes a Hit

The 1980 album “Emotional Rescue” becomes a big smash, peaking at number one in the U.K.

1993
He Becomes a Hall of Famer

He is admitted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

2009
He is Honored by “Time” Magazine

He comes in at number four on the list of the ‘10 Best Electric Guitar Players of All Time’ published by “Time” magazine.

2010
He Releases His Autobiography

Richards enters into a publishing agreement in August 2007 for his autobiography, “Life,” which is published on October 26, 2010.

Why We Love Keith Richards

  1. He is an icon

    Richards is one of those responsible for the timeless hits we all listen to and love today. No one can deny that this man is a force to be reckoned with.

  2. He is an amazing guitarist

    Coming in at number four on the list of the ‘10 Best Electric Guitar Players of All Time’, he is one of the greatest guitarists of all time. This fact cannot be denied.

  3. He can express himself well

    Richards is not afraid to be and express himself. He has been candid with his fans about his past addiction and other issues that he has had to deal with.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. He was arrested

    Richards claims that in 1975, while on tour with his band, he was briefly detained in Arkansas under duress.

  2. He only slept two nights a week

    Richards recounts that for many years, he typically slept just two nights per week — he figures “this means that I have been conscious for at least three lives.”

  3. He was Johnny Depp’s inspiration

    When creating the “Pirates of the Caribbean” character Jack Sparrow, Johnny Depp used Richards’ mannerisms, voice, and personality.

  4. He struggled with accommodation

    He lived in a flat with Brian Jones and Mick Jagger when he was a struggling young musician.

  5. He was in the Boy Scouts

    Richards once participated in the Boy Scouts as a child.

Keith Richards FAQs

Are Johnny Depp and Keith Richards friends?

Yes, they are still friends.

Why did Keith Richards fall out of a tree?

After swimming, he was drying off; however, his hands were sand-covered, making it difficult for him to properly grasp the branch below.

Where does Keith Richards currently live?

He currently resides in Weston with his family.

Keith Richards’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024December 18Wednesday
2025December 18Thursday
2026December 18Friday
2027December 18Saturday
2028December 18Monday

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