Rolling Stones, the

British band formed in 1962, once notorious as the ‘bad boys’ of rock. Original members were Mick Jagger (1943– ), Keith Richards (1943– ), Brian Jones (1942–1969), Bill Wyman (1936– ), Charlie Watts (1941– ), and Ian Stewart (1938–1985). A rock-and-roll institution, the Rolling Stones were still performing, recording, and touring in the 2000s.

The Stones' earthy sound was based on rhythm and blues, and their rebel image was contrasted with the supposed wholesomeness of the early Beatles. Classic early hits include ‘(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction’ (1965) and ‘Jumpin' Jack Flash’ (1968). The albums from Beggars Banquet (1968) to Exile on Main Street (1972) have been rated among their best work; others include Some Girls (1978), Steel Wheels (1989), and Stripped (1996). In 2002 they released Forty Licks, a greatest-hits album that spanned their career.