The Rolling Stones need no introduction. As perhaps the most influential and enduring rock band in history, they’ve shaped the core of rock ‘n’ roll for over six decades. With sold-out tours still drawing massive crowds, their impact continues to transcend generations and cultures. This year marks a major milestone—the 60th anniversary of their iconic debut on The Ed Sullivan Show, a moment that forever changed the world of music. Join us as we look back on how Mick, Keith, Brian, Charlie, and Bill redefined rock and roll through their unforgettable songs, bold personalities, and the spirit of rebellion that became synonymous with true rock and roll.
Over sixty years ago, a chance reunion occurred that the world should be eternally grateful for. Two young men, who had known each other as kids, reunited when Mick Jagger and Keith Richards crossed paths at the Dartford train station in Kent, England. A young Keith noticed Mick clutching records by blues legends Muddy Waters, and Chuck Berry, and in that moment, he recognized Jagger’s cool and solid taste in music.
In a time and place characterized by a uniform culture, it was rare to find someone so connected to the soul music of African Americans—especially in Anglo-England. Soon after, the two, united by their newfound bond, answered an ad in the local paper placed by guitarist and another blues enthusiast Brian Jones, who was looking for musicians to join his band, which he called The Rolling Stones. Bill Wyman and Charlie Watts were recruited shortly thereafter, completing the classic lineup.
After The Rolling Stones formed in 1962, they quickly began making waves in the London music scene. Initially performing covers of blues and R&B songs, drawing heavily from their influences. Their early repertoire included songs like “I Just Want to Make Love to You,” “Not Fade Away,” and “Little Red Rooster.” But it was when they later began to incorporate original material into their sets, showcasing their unique sound and style they really took off.
By mid-1963, The Rolling Stones had built a reputation for their energetic performances at venues like the Marquee Club in London. Under the guidance of their manager, Andrew Loog Oldham, they crafted their image as the “bad boys” of rock ‘n’ roll. Oldham deliberately positioned them in contrast to the more polished persona of The Beatles, even though the Stones themselves came from a relatively refined background compared to the four lads from Liverpool. With this strategic branding the Stones quickly became known for their gritty sound and defiant image, which set them apart from other bands. They started building a strong following in the UK, where their rebellious approach to rock music began to strike a chord with a young audience eager for something different.
During this time the cultural phenomenon of the “British Invasion,” began to take place. The Beatles were dominating the American music scene. As The Rolling Stones began to find success in the UK, their sights were also set on the American market. Their raw sound attracted fans who were drawn to their rebelliousness, and their rise to fame in the U.S. was imminently approaching.
However, a small setback would occur when the band finally did make their way to American audiences. In June of 1964, The Rolling Stones made their first major American TV appearance on The Hollywood Palace, with Dean Martin. That night the band was ridiculed by Martin, the show’s host who mocked the group’s style and music. This moment was embarrassing and disheartening for the band, but it only fueled their determination to succeed, and soon after their fortunes changed when they got to grace the biggest television stage of all.
On October 25, 1964, the Stones took center stage on the most-watched television show of the time,The Ed Sullivan Show. Known for catapulting musicians to stardom, the show did just that for The Stones. The band would perform two songs that day “Around and Around,” a Chuck Berry classic, but it was their rendition of “Time Is On My Side,” that left an indelible impression on American audiences, marking the beginning of their longstanding dominance in rock music, and their relationship with The Ed Sullivan Show.
Unlike their experience with Dean Martin, their performance on The Ed Sullivan Show was a success; they would go on to appear on the show five more times. These televised appearances not only boosted their popularity but also helped shape their American image, reinforcing their status as rebellious rock stars who weren’t afraid to push boundaries, even when Ed forced the band to censor lyrics on the show.
After their initial success in the U.S., The Rolling Stones began refining their sound with more original tunes. One of their defining moments came in 1965 with the release of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” The song’s iconic riff, created by Keith Richards, and its defiant lyrics set the band up for global fame. It became an anthem of youthful rebellion, which was the spirit of the 1960s counterculture movement.
During the late 1960s, the band released several key albums that are now considered classics of the genre. “Aftermath” (1966) showcased their musical evolution, blending rock, blues, and even elements of folk music. “Beggars Banquet” (1968) and “Let It Bleed” (1969) further defined their signature sound, offering a darker, more sophisticated take on rock ‘n’ roll. Songs like “Sympathy for the Devil” and “Gimme Shelter” which featured the background vocals of African American soul singers and highlighted complex social and political issues, reflected the tumultuous times of the Vietnam war.
However, the band’s lineup faced a tragic shake-up in 1969 when founding member Brian Jones was let go and shortly after passed away. Jones had played a significant role not only in forming the band but in shaping their early sound. By the late 1960s, his personal struggles with drugs and alcohol had taken a toll. The band decided to cut ties with Jones, and within a month he unfortunately passed away by drowning. His death marked a dark turning point for the band, but they carried on, with guitarist Mick Taylor joining the group. Taylor played with The Stones for five years, before quitting the band due to internal conflicts with the other members. The only member to ever leave voluntarily, he was replaced by guitarist, Ron Wood. Wood, who had previously recorded with the band on songs like “It’s Only Rock ‘n Roll (But I Like It) in 1973, became an official member of The Rolling Stones on April 23rd, 1976 and still remains with the band to this day.
In the 1970s, The Rolling Stones continued to push the boundaries of their music and image. With the release of “Exile on Main St.” in 1972, they solidified their position as one of the greatest rock bands of all time. The album, a sprawling masterpiece that blended rock, blues, country, and soul, is still regarded as one of their finest works.
As the band members navigated the challenges of fame, personal conflicts, and the excesses of the rock ‘n’ roll lifestyle, their music continued to evolve. In the 1980s and 1990s, they experimented with different sounds and genres, releasing albums like “Tattoo You” (1981) and “Voodoo Lounge” (1994). Despite periods of internal strife and solo projects, the Stones managed to reinvent themselves and adapt to the changing musical landscape.
Incredibly, The Rolling Stones have not only survived but thrived into the 21st century. Their 50th-anniversary tour, 50 & Counting, was a testament to their lasting popularity and cultural relevance. Unfortunately, it was in this century that the band lost an original member and drummer, Charlie Watts in August of 2021. Charlie played with the band for almost 60 years and was an integral part of their sound, known for his distinctive drumming style, and his artistic contributions, such designing many of the band’s early stage sets and album covers. Despite this significant loss, the band managed to continue to release new music, embark on multiple world tours, and sell out stadiums worldwide. Their ability to connect with fans across generations is a rare feat in the music industry.
Even in their later years, The Rolling Stones maintained a level of energy and passion that has kept them at the forefront of rock music. Their influence can be seen in countless modern artists, and their iconic logo—a tongue and lips—remains one of the most recognizable symbols in popular culture.
However, it was The Rolling Stones’ first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show 60 years ago that created a cultural moment, cementing their place in rock history. Their six appearances on the show over the years etched them into America’s consciousness, and sixty years later, their impact on the music world remains undiminished. The Stones’ ability to evolve while staying true to their roots has made them one of the most age-less bands in history. Reflecting on their journey from rebellious Brits to global icons, it’s clear they are more than just a rock band—they are a cultural institution, still rolling strong.