Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards is unbeatable. The unique musical style makes him an inimitable and incomparable musician – however, all this talent was inspired by other artists. The information is from Far Out Magazine.
With a peculiar sound and the creation of incredible riffs, Richards is considered one of the great names in 20th-century rock, as well as being one of the most influential guitarists in history – and has a lot to say about the artists who influenced him.
In an interview with Rolling Stone, Richards once talked about Chuck Berry being a great inspiration: “When I started, all I wanted to do was play like Chuck. I thought if I could do that, I’d be the happiest man in the world.”
“When I saw Chuck Berry in Jazz on a Summer’s Day as a teenager, what struck me was how he was playing against the grain with a bunch of jazz guys,” said Keith Richards, a great jazz lover.
On the same occasion, the guitarist spoke about other musicians: T-Bone Walker, Muddy Waters, Elmore James, and B.B King. Another member of the pantheon of guitarists, according to the musician, Scotty Moore, who played with Elvis Presley.
In another interview, the musician talked about his admiration for George Harrison, of The Beatles:
“The thing is, you’ve got your Jimi Hendrix, you’ve got your Eric Clapton, and then you’ve got guys who can play with bands,” Richards said. “George was a band and a team player.”
“People get carried away with lead guitars […] and feedbacks,” Richards remarked, highlighting the absence of honesty he gives to absolute soloists. “And it’s all histrionics when it comes down to it.” It’s a point that Richards has sustained throughout his career. Being a guitarist wasn’t around being the man, it was about being an essential part of a band, “George was an artist but he was also a fucking craftsman,” concluded Richards.
Far Out Magazine made a list of the best guitarists of all time, according to Keith Richards:
1. Chuck Berry
2. Muddy Waters
3. Elmore James
4. B.B. King
5. Scotty Moore
6. George Harrison