Rolling Stones

The Rolling Stones are arguably the most influential and popular rock group ever. Although the band earned a huge following during the 1960s, the Rolling Stones have remained popular for more than 40 years. In many ways, lead songwriters Keith Richards and Mick Jagger may be considered the supreme pop star composing duo of all time.

The band first got together in 1961, when Mick Jagger was introduced to Brian Jones. (Jagger and guitarist Keith Richards were already good friends at that time.) They brought along Charlie Watts to play drums and Ian Stewart to play piano. The original Rolling Stones bassist, Dick Taylor, soon left the band, and a rhythm and blues fanatic, Bill Wyman, was brought in to replace him.

In the beginning, the band played mostly covers of great hits from country, rock, and R&B. Jagger and company were extremely influenced by artists like Hank Williams, Bo Diddley, and Muddy Waters. That being said, throughout the Rolling Stones' history, the band has borrowed from a truly eclectic number of sources, including reggae, dance, and Middle Eastern music.

Curiously, the Rolling Stones first signed with a record label that had turned down the Beatles several years earlier. They became known as a wonderful live act, and Mick Jagger's electrifying performances captivated the hearts and souls of youth across the U.K. and the U.S. In later years, the Rolling Stones pushed the envelope in terms of rock and roll debauchery. Stories of the band's raucous antics are legendary. Whether true or not, those stories have fueled the popularity of Rolling Stones merchandise, easily available online.