The Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones The Rolling Stones, formed in London in 1962, are one of rock’s most enduring bands, self-proclaimed “The Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World.” Core members Mick Jagger (vocals), Keith Richards (guitar), Brian Jones (multi-instrumentalist, died 1969), Bill Wyman (bass, left 1993), and Charlie Watts (drums, died 2021) drew from Chicago blues. Ronnie Wood joined in 1975. Early hits included “I Wanna Be Your Man” (1963), but originals exploded with “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (No. 1, 1965), “Get Off of My Cloud,” “Paint It Black,” “Ruby Tuesday,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” (1968), “Honky Tonk Women” (1969), and albums like Aftermath, Beggars Banquet, Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers, and Exile on Main St.. Known for raw energy, rebellion, and longevity, they survived scandals, lineup changes, and tragedies. As of 2026, Jagger (82), Richards (82), and Wood (79) continue touring and recording post-Hackney Diamonds (2023), with recent chart success in Europe. Watts’ death led to Steve Jordan on drums. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1989), their blues-rooted rock, attitude, and marathon career make them icons spanning seven decades.