Keith Richards is about to get some satisfaction.
The Rolling Stones co-founder, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, author — and Weston resident — is the first recipient of a major award.
And he’ll get it right here in Westport.
On Wednesday (March 5, 4 p.m.), Ned Lamont will present the inaugural Connecticut Governor’s Award of Excellence to the legendary guitarist. The Westport Library event is an invitation-only affair, not open to the public.
Among the attendees: many state and local dignitaries, and noted musicians. The Library closes that day at 3 p.m.
Keith Richards and his daughter Theodora at Sherwood Island State Park, 2021.
The Governor’s Award of Excellence celebrates residents who enrich our state’s cultural and civic life. Recipients epitomize Connecticut’s core values: creativity, resourcefulness, passion, dynamism and generosity.
The award includes a custom-designed medallion, crafted by state trooper Danny Carvalho and manufactured by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology, plus a ribbon designed and sewn by Enfield fashion designer Justin Haynes.
Richards will also receive a proclamation from Lamont, offering the “Key to the State.”
Keith Richards (right) and Westport guitarist Charlie Karp, at the Georgetown Saloon. After leaving Staples High School in 11th grade, Karp went on to play with Buddy Miles and Jimi Hendrix. (Photo/Ray Flanigan)
“Connecticut has long been home to some of the world’s most innovative minds, boldest artists, and most generous hearts,” Lamont notes.
“This award was created to honor those whose creativity, resourcefulness, and passion have made a lasting impact on our state and beyond. Keith Richards is the epitome of these values — not only as one of the most influential musicians of all time but as a dedicated supporter of the arts, education, and community causes right here in Connecticut.”
Richards’ ties here are deep. A Westonite since 1985, he has long supported the area.
His philanthropy includes organizations 2 organizations that support people with disabilities: SPHERE and the Prospector Theater.
Keith Richards, with his daughters Theodora and Alexandra. Alexandra was married at Lachat Town Farm in Weston, though this photo is not from that reception.
Richards has also been an advocate for arts, education, and accessibility initiatives throughout the state.
Richards has also written 2 books: a memoir “Life,” and the children’s “Gus & Me: The Story of My Granddad and My First Guitar.”
“When you are growing up there are 2 institutional places that affect you most powerfully: the church, which belongs to God, and the public library, which belongs to you,” Richards says. “The public library is the great equalizer.”
“The Westport Library is beyond thrilled to host this momentous occasion honoring Keith Richards, a true cultural icon whose influence transcends generations,” adds Westport Library executive director Bill Harmer.
“As a library that celebrates creativity, storytelling, and the transformative power of the arts, we couldn’t imagine a more fitting place for this historic event.
“Keith’s legacy is woven into the fabric of music history, and we are honored to provide the stage where Connecticut will recognize his immeasurable contributions. This is not just a celebration of an artist, but of a life lived boldly, authentically, and with an undeniable passion for inspiring others.”
Weston’s own Keith Richards.
Richards — one of the greatest guitarists in the history of music — helped found the Rolling Stones nearly 70 years ago.
His songwriting partnership with Mick Jagger is among the most successful and prolific in rock history. Their singature songs include “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Satisfaction,” “Ruby Tuesday,” “Start Me Up,” “Happy,” “Miss You,” “Brown Sugar,” “Gimme Shelter,” “Wild Horses,” “It’s Only Rock n’ Roll (But I Like it),” and “As Tears Go By,” plus scores of others.
Richards’ solo albums include “Talk Is Cheap,” “Live at the Hollywood Palladium,” “Main Offender” and “Crosseyed Heart.”
He played a solider in the 1969 film “Man on Horseback,” himself on “The Simpsons,” and appeared in 2 “Pirates of the Caribbean” films as Captain Teague, the father of main character Jack Sparrow (who himself was loosely based on Richards).
In 2015 he released a Netflix documentary, “Keith Richards: Under The Influence.” It was partially filmed in Connecticut.
Richards was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1993, and the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004.
On Wednesday, he’ll add another great honor to that list.
Keith Richards with fellow Rolling Stones (from left) Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood and Charlie Watts, the drummer who died in 2021.
Congrats to Keith..I wonder why this event isn’t open to the public? He should get an award for just being alive.!!
I suspect the reason they couldn’t open this to the public is that our library lacks the capacity to handle the crowd would show up.
Love it!!!!
Wow. I lived in Westport back in 66-67, when Dave Brubeck lived in Weston. Steven Tyler, later of Aerosmith also went to Staples. So many people who later became well known in music and other fields got their start in Westport.
Steve Tyler did not go to Staples (unfortunately). He grew up in Yonkers. His band, Chain Reaction, opened for the Yardbirds at Staples, however. When Aerosmith was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, he told that story.
This might be the appropriate time to share a “run-in” I had with Keith back in the 1990s.
Long story short: Keith was doing a signing at Tower Records in the East Village in connection with the release of an album, By the time I got there, it seemed the line was already wrapped around the block two times.
So I moved quickly into the store and barreled down the steps to the basement section where the new album was being sold; you had to purchase it to get his autograph (which I was planning to send as a gift to Staples ‘71 classmate Big Al Bravin).
As I rushed down the stairs and turned the corner, I practically knocked over an older guy walking up. Both of us were stunned—I had nearly knocked the guy on his butt—and before I could apologize I was even more stunned as I saw who it was.
All I could muster—with my arms outstretched and a big smile (like I was greeting an old friend)—was “Keith!” Keith, in response, now too had a broad smile with his arms outstretched as he exclaimed: “Yeah, man!”
His assistant and the store rep proceeded to hustle him up the stairs to get the signing event underway. I continued to just stand there watching them, practically thunderstruck.
And this leads me to (if anyone should happen to share this with Keith): my understanding is that you were very fond of Charlie Karp. I know how highly he thought of you. And Charlie, like you, was a firm believer in charitable efforts.
So…Charlie let me listen a long time ago to a tape of the two of you (I think in the Caribbean) playing and singing his song “Givin’ It All I Got.” It was an unplugged rendition—and it was great!
I said to Charlie at the time that he should talk to you about releasing that. But he said no; he said he didn’t want it to ever seem like he was trying to capitalize in any way on your relationship. Because he would never do that.
Well, given your common interest in charitable endeavors, how about giving the go-ahead to have that song released now with the proceeds going to charity? It would be a wonderful tribute in a variety of ways. Thanks.
I find it confusing to have the PUBLIC library have a private affair with the states most PUBLIC figure after quoting Richards: “When you are growing up there are 2 institutional places that affect you most powerfully: the church, which belongs to God, and the public library, which belongs to you,” Richards says. “The public library is the great equalizer.” ….and they are closing the PUBLIC library to the PUBLIC to have a Private affair. ????
Mark, my understanding is that the Richards team asked for the event to be limited. Not the decision of the Library.
That photo of Keith is with his two daughters, Theodora and Alexandra.
Rock on Keith☮️❤️
That photo of him with Charlie Carp was taken at the Georgetown Saloon. I was at the table we were a large unrelated group enjoying the entertainment that evening
An inspirational man!