Keith Richards

A primary force behind The Rolling Stones, Keith Richards is credited with writing many of the most widely recognized songs in the rock music lexicon since he started jamming with Mick Jagger, Brian Jones, Charlie Watts and original bassist Dick Taylor in the early '60s. With a highly distinctive guitar style, thanks to a variety of open tunings, Richards is one of the true architects of rock 'n' roll, a direct descendant of Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley. The pervasive effect of "Satisfaction" alone, with its bee-sting riff and surf guitar leads, basically defines the language of rock guitar. Then there's "Jumpin' Jack Flash," "Bitch," "Gimme Shelter," "Street Fighting Man," "Start Me Up" -- the list is mind-boggling. On top of his musical contribution, Richards' legendary rock 'n' roll lifestyle has acted as a blueprint to many people who are now, or will be if they keep watching c*cks*cker Blues, dead. After 20-plus years as the guitarist for The Stones, Richards began releasing solo albums, with Talk Is Cheap appearing in 1988. Main Offender surfaced in 1992 and in 2010, Vintage Vinos, a greatest hits album, was released.