The Stones... Another great name in Rock History, another great group out of the U.K.
Although Jagger and Richards moved in and out of various groups during the ealy era of the London blues scene, and spent a long time in (Alexis Korner's) Blues Incorporated , with Brian Jones, they only took the big step in forming their own group in 1963 when Brian pushed them into it, and they were followed by Charly Watts and joined by Bill Wyman at the bass.
The Rolling Stones signed up with Decca and released their first single, Come On (a Chuck Berry song) in June, which attracted attention to them by the public and the media, and they became a cult figure among youth in no time.
Their first album The Rolling Stones with mainly R&B material, reached top of the UK charts in April 1964. June of the same year saw their first USA tour and first UK chart topper : their version of Bobby Womack's It's All Over Now. From 1965 onwards all their singles are Jagger/Richards compositions, and the Stones develop their own distinctive pop/rock style with blues undertones. The Last Time made US Top 10, and paved the way for the first Nr 1 on both sides of the Atlantic : (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction !
By the end of the 60's, the Stones had become international attraction, second only to the Beatles. They were surrounded by a permanent aura of publicity and notoriety; Let's Spend the Night Together was censored on the Ed Sullivan Show; Jagger, Richards and Jones were busted for drugs; Jagger's relationship with Marianne Faithfull was good material for the gossip columns; the world suddenly denounced the group as corrupters of youth, tramplers on moral values, blah blah blah... The worst part though was Brian Jones' death (drowned in the pool, under the influence) at the end of the decade. He was replaced by Mick Taylor (ex John Mayall Band).
Musically though, they get stronger and stronger,with their albums Beggars Banquet and Let it Bleed becoming classic rock albums, and considered by critics to be the Stones' finest musical hour.
In the 70's the Stones became something of a rock'n'roll institution, living the lives of jet-setting tax-exiles, and breaking all records for massively attended live performances. In 1974, Ron Wood (ex Faces) replaces Mick Taylor. The 'rebel' image is toned down, the Stones easing into mature years.Their albums though continue containing a couple of classics each, and their singles always maintain a high standard (like Brown Sugar and It's Only Rock And Roll )
And although one would think the Stones would be happy to even get into the 80's and gracefully retire, they instead keep on going strong; a 1981 tour that breaks all box-office records, world tours whenever they get the chance, and albums that maintain high charts positions.
Despite solo careers of Jagger and Richards, the Stones are still there.
Time has always been on their side...

And a few PICS 4U :
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