Among the most defining rock bands of the 20th century, the Rolling Stones came to almost epitomize the rising fortunes of rock & roll. The band derived its dirty sound from the blues, laying the foundations for hard rock. Formed by childhood friends Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the Stones came together in the early 1960s, playing their first gig in 1962 and releasing their debut album, The Rolling Stones: England's Newest Hitmakers, in 1964. The original lineup of Jagger, Richards, drummer Charlie Watts, guitarist Brian Jones and bassist Bill Wyman remained until 1969, when Jones left the band citing artistic differences; he was found dead in his swimming pool a month later. Jones was replaced by Mick Taylor, who left the Stones in 1974 and was replaced by ex-Faces guitarist Ron Wood. Bill Wyman parted with the band in 1991. The Rolling Stones are among the world's most famous, most prodigious and best-paid entertainers, still producing new work after almost 40 years.

Features
33 Things You Should Know About Keith Richards
Dear Superstar: Keith Richards
PHOTO GALLERY: Rolling Stones

Reviews

• Beggars Banquet
• A Bigger Bang
• Undercover
• Emotional Rescue
• Forty Licks
• Tattoo You
• Singles Collection: The London Years
• Some Girls
• Exile on Main St.
• Sticky Fingers
• Aftermath
• Live Licks
• Jump Back: The Best of the Rolling Stones, ’71–’93
• Singles Volume 2: 1965-1967

Features

• The Rolling Stones PART 1: THE 1960s and ’70s
• Who’s Your Daddy?
• The Rolling Stones Announce World Tour
• Arrrr!
• The Greatest Songs Ever! Satisfaction
• The Greatest Songs Ever! Tumbling
• Press Conference Highlights