The Rolling Stones, one of the most iconic rock bands in history, emerged from humble beginnings in Dartford, Kent. Formed in the early 1960s, the band’s journey from a small blues group to global rock legends is a story of passion, innovation, and perseverance. This article explores their formation, rise to fame, and the events that shaped their early years.
The Roots: Keith Richards and Mick Jagger’s Friendship
The story of The Rolling Stones begins in 1950 when Keith Richards and Mick Jagger became childhood friends in Dartford, Kent. This connection would lay the foundation for the band that would redefine rock and roll.
- A Shared Passion for Music:
In the mid-1950s, Jagger formed a garage band with his friend Dick Taylor, focusing on blues legends like Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry. A chance reunion with Richards in 1961 rekindled their friendship, as they bonded over their shared love for music. - Formation of The Blues Boys:
By late 1961, Jagger, Richards, and Taylor joined forces, naming their group The Blues Boys. The trio expanded to include Alan Etherington and Bob Beckwith, marking the first iteration of the future Rolling Stones.
The Birth of The Rolling Stones (1962)
The Ealing Jazz Club and Blues Incorporated
In March 1962, The Blues Boys discovered Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated at the Ealing Jazz Club. This encounter introduced them to slide guitarist Brian Jones, keyboardist Ian Stewart, and drummer Charlie Watts, pivotal figures in their journey.
Brian Jones: The Uncontested Leader
Jones, who advertised for bandmates in Jazz Weekly, attracted Jagger, Richards, and Stewart. The first rehearsals solidified the lineup, with Jones as the driving force. When asked for a band name, Jones spotted a Muddy Waters album featuring the track “Rollin’ Stone,” and thus, The Rolling Stones were born.
The Rolling Stones’ First Steps (1962–1964)
The First Gig
The Rolling Stones performed their first show on 12 July 1962 at London’s Marquee Club. Initially known as “The Rollin’ Stones,” the lineup featured Jagger, Richards, Jones, Stewart, and Taylor.
Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts Join
In late 1962, Bill Wyman replaced Taylor on bass, impressing the band with his equipment. By February 1963, Charlie Watts became the permanent drummer, solidifying the classic Rolling Stones lineup.
The Rolling Stones
Gaining Momentum in 1963
- Residency at the Crawdaddy Club:
Giorgio Gomelsky, the band’s early manager, secured them a residency at the Crawdaddy Club, where they honed their craft and attracted a growing fan base. - Andrew Loog Oldham: A New Manager
In May 1963, 19-year-old Andrew Loog Oldham took over as manager. With a keen eye for branding, Oldham marketed The Rolling Stones as the rebellious antithesis to the clean-cut Beatles. - The Rolling Stones’ Edgy Image:
Oldham styled the band as “raunchy, unpredictable, and uncouth,” encouraging provocative headlines like “Would you let your daughter marry a Rolling Stone?”
Andrew Loog Oldham
Early Recordings and First Chart Success
- “Come On”:
The Rolling Stones released their debut single, a cover of Chuck Berry’s “Come On,” in June 1963. It reached number 21 on the UK Singles Chart, marking their entry into mainstream music. - Charting Success:
Their second single, “I Wanna Be Your Man,” written by Lennon-McCartney, climbed to number 13 on the UK charts. - Debut EP and Album:
In early 1964, the Rolling Stones released a self-titled EP, followed by their debut album, The Rolling Stones (UK) and England’s Newest Hit Makers (US). These releases solidified their reputation as a premier blues-inspired rock band.
1964–1965: A Meteoric Rise
International Tours and First US Visit
The Rolling Stones embarked on their first US tour in 1964. While initially challenging, the band recorded at Chess Studios in Chicago, meeting idols like Muddy Waters and producing their first UK number 1 hit, “It’s All Over Now.”
Chart-Topping Singles
In 1965, The Rolling Stones achieved global success with “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” Its iconic riff, created by Richards, and provocative lyrics cemented their status as rock legends.
1966–1967: Evolution and Experimentation
Creative Breakthrough: Aftermath
Released in 1966, Aftermath was the first Rolling Stones album composed entirely of Jagger-Richards originals. Tracks like “Paint It Black” and “Under My Thumb” showcased the band’s expanding musical palette.
Legal Troubles and Public Image
The mid-60s brought legal challenges, with Jagger, Richards, and Jones facing drug-related charges. Despite controversies, the band released hits like “Let’s Spend the Night Together” and “Ruby Tuesday,” continuing their dominance on the charts.
Early in the 1967, the British tabloid News of the World published a sensationalist exposé titled Pop Stars and Drugs: Facts That Will Shock You, which alleged rampant drug use among prominent musicians, including members of the Rolling Stones. Although Mick Jagger was initially implicated in the report, it was later revealed that the journalist had mistaken him for Brian Jones. Outraged, Jagger responded by filing a libel suit against the newspaper. However, this was only the beginning of their legal troubles.
In February, a police raid on Keith Richards’ home, Redlands, escalated the situation dramatically. Although no arrests were made on the spot, Jagger, Richards, and art dealer Robert Fraser were later charged with drug offences, thrusting the band into the centre of a national controversy. Reflecting on the impact of the raid, Richards later remarked that it marked a turning point for the group, stating, “That was when the fun stopped.” The incident, fuelled by media attention and societal scrutiny, underscored the growing tension between the counterculture movement and the British establishment.
Anita Pallenberg and Brian Jones
Amidst these pressures, the band attempted to escape the chaos with a trip to Morocco in March. However, this getaway only deepened personal rifts, particularly between Jones and Richards. During the trip, Anita Pallenberg, Jones’ girlfriend, left him for Richards, further straining relations within the band. Despite these personal upheavals, the Stones pushed forward with a European tour in the spring, performing in countries such as Poland, Greece, and Italy for the first time.
The legal drama reached its peak in May when Jones was also arrested and charged with cannabis possession, bringing the number of Stones facing drug charges to three. By the end of June, Jagger and Richards stood trial, resulting in prison sentences – three months for Jagger and a year for Richards. Their brief incarceration sparked widespread public debate, epitomised by The Times’ editorial, “Who Breaks a Butterfly Upon a Wheel?” The editorial criticised the disproportionate severity of their punishment and highlighted the case as emblematic of a societal crackdown on youth culture and rebellion.
While awaiting appeal, the band released “We Love You,” a defiant single featuring the sound of prison doors and a video filled with references to the Oscar Wilde trials, showcasing their resolve and artistic response to their predicament. By late July, Jagger and Richards’ sentences were overturned or reduced, allowing them to avoid extended jail time. Jones, however, faced a more prolonged legal struggle, ultimately receiving probation and a fine in December after appealing his original sentence.
Through these trials, the Rolling Stones managed to sustain their creative momentum, but the events of 1967 left an indelible mark on the band, underscoring the fragility of their relationships and the mounting pressures of fame in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
Their Satanic Majesties Request
In 1967, The Rolling Stones explored psychedelic rock with Their Satanic Majesties Request. Though met with mixed reviews, it reflected their willingness to experiment and adapt to changing musical trends.
Conclusion: Laying the Foundation for Rock History
By the end of the 1960s, The Rolling Stones had firmly established themselves as pioneers of rock and roll. From their blues-inspired roots to their chart-topping hits, the band’s early years were defined by bold decisions, innovative music, and an edgy persona.
The Rolling Stones not only captivated audiences worldwide but also paved the way for future generations of musicians. Their story is a testament to the power of passion, collaboration, and resilience in the face of challenges.
