Keith Richards, born on December 18, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, England, is a renowned English musician, songwriter, singer, and record producer. He is best known as the guitarist and co-principal songwriter for the legendary rock band, the Rolling Stones, alongside lead vocalist Mick Jagger. Richards' career, spanning over six decades, has been marked by his innovative guitar playing style, heavily influenced by early 20th-century American blues musicians like Robert Johnson and Chuck Berry. His signature sound is characterized by a five-string open G tuning and a modified Fender Telecaster, known as "Micawber."

Richards' partnership with Jagger is one of the most successful in music history, producing numerous hits, including "Satisfaction," which Richards famously composed in his sleep. The Rolling Stones, formed in 1962, quickly rose to international fame, becoming one of the most successful rock acts in history. Richards has also been a part of other musical projects, such as The Dirty Mac and The New Barbarians, and his side project, The X-Pensive Winos.

Richards' personal life has often been in the spotlight, particularly his struggles with drug addiction and his romantic relationships. He was married to Patti Hansen in 1983 and had a long-term partnership with Anita Pallenberg from 1967 to 1980. He is a father of five, including daughters Theodora and Alexandra.

In addition to his musical career, Richards has appeared in films, notably portraying Captain Teague in the Pirates of the Caribbean series, a character inspired by his own persona. He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the UK Music Hall of Fame with the Rolling Stones. Rolling Stone magazine has consistently ranked him among the greatest guitarists of all time. Despite his tumultuous lifestyle, Richards remains an iconic figure in contemporary culture and popular music.