Keith Richards Books In Order

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Picture Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Keith Richards

In the realm of rock history, the imprint of British musician Keith Richards stands prominent. His adept touch on the guitar is intertwined with the Rolling Stones’ iconic resonance, anchored by a deep collaborative synergy with Mick Jagger in songwriting. Richards’ fusion of rock’s raw edge with bluesy undertones has sculpted a legacy that echoes across the music timeline, securing his influence for posterity.

Richards, originally from Dartford, Kent, fully embraced music after education, leading to the formation of the Rolling Stones and occasionally leading vocals during their live shows. Beyond the band, he explored solo projects with The X-Pensive Winos and acted, notably in the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ films which became huge hits worldwide.

Richards’s musical prowess has not gone unrecognized, earning him inductions into both the Rock and Roll and UK Music Halls of Fame. His guitar talent ranks him high on Rolling Stone magazine’s list, and numerous Richards-Jagger composed songs are among the ‘500 Greatest Songs of All Time.’

Early and Personal Life

Keith Richards, who was born on December 18, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, is the only child of his parents, Doris and Herbert Richards. His grandfather, a jazz musician, played a key role in developing Keith’s love for the guitar, giving him one after he managed to reach it on a high shelf. This early gift and encouragement set the course for Richards’s future in music.

The seeds of Keith Richards’ musical gifts were sown early on, in a home reverberating with the sounds of jazz and blues that later infused his work. Even as his father viewed his musical leanings with skepticism, Richards drew inspiration from legendary rock ‘n’ roll guitarists, notably Scotty Moore. While Richards’ formal studies at art college were eclipsed by his dedication to mastering the guitar, each chord and melody played a part in sculpting his future as a gifted musician.

Richards’s chance reunion with Mick Jagger, his old school friend, over a mutual love for rhythm and blues, set the stage for the Rolling Stones’ formation. After leaving art college to focus on music, Richards, along with Jagger, entered the world of rock and roll, stepping onto the path that would lead them to international fame. Their shared passion and collaboration crafted the unique sound and enduring success of the Rolling Stones.

Music Career

Keith Richards is renowned for his skillful interplay of lead and rhythm guitar with the Rolling Stones. His inventive guitar work features on many Stones classics, and his vocals range from backing to leading on tracks like ‘Happy.’ As a central figure in songwriting and production alongside Mick Jagger, he has shaped the band’s iconic sound for decades.

In live shows, Richards sets the Stones’ tempo, a unique dynamic where the group follows his lead rather than the drummer’s pace. His approach to guitar playing focuses on rhythm and chord-based techniques, avoiding overly complex solos. He’s also known for using the open G tuning to craft some of the band’s signature riffs.

Richards has a considerable influence as a songwriter, with hits that span genres, co-written with Jagger. His career also includes several solo releases and collaborations as both a performer and producer. His impact extends across the Stones’ work and the wider music world.

Writing Career

Keith Richards ventured into the literary world with his 2010 autobiography, ‘Life,’ inviting readers to explore his storied path with the Rolling Stones and his life in the limelight. The memoir provides a rare glimpse into the personal experiences of a rock luminary.

2014 saw Keith Richards connect with young readers through ‘Gus & Me: The Story of My Granddad and My First Guitar,’ celebrating the special bond with his grandfather. It anchors itself in the rich soil of heritage, underscoring the ripple effect of melodies handed down through time. Portraying how family narratives and melodic legacies intertwine, the book radiates with warmth and the vivacity of enduring tunes.

Life

‘Life,’ a memoir co-authored by Keith Richards and journalist James Fox, hit the shelves on October 26, 2010. It was published by Weidenfeld & Nicolson, bringing Richards’s storied career and personal anecdotes to the public. The book delves into his experiences as a legendary musician.

Keith Richards, the driving force behind the Rolling Stones, has crafted the guitar riffs and lyrics that stirred the world and epitomized rock and roll for over forty years. In his memoir, Richards narrates his extraordinary life, from absorbing the blues as a kid in Kent to forming an era-defining band with Mick Jagger and Brian Jones.

He shares his journey through fame, legal battles, iconic music creation, love, loss, and self-reinvention. With candidness, Richards recounts the band’s soaring highs, personal lows, and his own return to the stage with the Xpensive Winos.

Co-written with James Fox, the book offers a sincere peek into his remarkable journey from a blues-loving youth to a music icon. It’s a must-read for those intrigued by the man behind the legendary Rolling Stones riffs. The memoir invites fans to intimately understand the life of this influential artist.

Gus and Me

Keith Richards authored the children’s book ‘Gus and Me,’ with illustrations by his daughter, Theodora Richards. It was published on September 9, 2014, by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. The book is a warm addition to children’s literature from the Rolling Stones guitarist.

Before Keith Richards became a rock legend, he was just a boy inspired by his granddad, Theodore Augustus Dupree, known as ‘Gus,’ a jazz musician whose legacy lives on in Keith’s family. The children’s book “Gus & Me” takes readers into Richards’s youth with heartfelt storytelling and Theodora Richards’s delicate ink illustrations.

Highlighting the strong connection between Keith and Gus, it underscores the significance of family ties and the passage of artistic gifts through generations. This autobiographical tale shares not only a slice of Keith Richards’s history but also celebrates the creative spirit nurtured from a young age.

The tender narrative paired with Theodora Richards’s art creates a touching story of heritage and inspiration. Readers young and old will appreciate the charm infused in this portrayal of a grandparent’s influence. It’s a heartwarming read that celebrates creativity and the bonds that shape us.