Keith Richards was awarded the prestigious Norman Mailer Prize for Distinguished Biography 2011, for his autobiography, Life. This honor puts him in the same club as such esteemed Nobel laureates as Dr. Elie Wiesel, 1986 Nobel Peace Prize; Toni Morrison, 1993 Nobel Prize in Literature; and Orhan Pamuk, 2006 Nobel Prize in Literature, all awarded likewise with a Mailer prize. I don’t think Sir Mick will be able to top this one.
I have fervently followed the Stones for decades. While the erotic aerobics of Mick Jagger kept many mesmerized, I was always held spellbound by Keith Richards. I mean, c’mon, Keith Richards comprises the heart of the band (Brian Jones was its soul), pumping out dynamic riffs that have energized audiences past and present. Keith Richards embodies rock n roll like no other ever has or ever will.
Maturity, or perhaps the awareness of the odds he has beaten to still be among the living, has mellowed his once infamous lifestyle. Watching interviews given over the last few years one can appreciate the intelligence that flashes, usually though humor, which he possesses. What makes him more intriguing as he ages is his appearance; if one saw him on the street and did not recognize him they might mistake him for a homeless schizophrenic, mumbling senseless prattle. But to those of us who know of him his eccentricities colorfully manifest his creative genius.
He did not actually write his autobiography, he fully acknowledges that and gives well deserved credit to author James Fox. However he provided the material, the stories, and the insight which reveal the life and times of one of the founders of the greatest rock and roll band on earth. Long live Keith Richards, or as my daughter’s tee shirt proclaims, “Keith Richards for President", or in my book, king, pope, emperor, or anything else he chooses to be.
He did not actually write his autobiography, he fully acknowledges that and gives well deserved credit to author James Fox. However he provided the material, the stories, and the insight which reveal the life and times of one of the founders of the greatest rock and roll band on earth. Long live Keith Richards, or as my daughter’s tee shirt proclaims, “Keith Richards for President", or in my book, king, pope, emperor, or anything else he chooses to be.
2 comments:
Oh Johnny, pluck my string. You do know the 12-08 issue of Rolling Stone listed the 100 greatest guitarists of all time. Jimmy, of course, easily held #1 spot. #2, Eric Clapton, my personal favorite. Jimmy Page at #3 and your friend, Keith at #4. Sorry, you lose.
I chose that particular video just for you... Rolling Stone updated the list from 2003 which listed SRV as #7 and Keith as #10.I am disappointed that now SRV is listed #12, however not disappointed that Keith is ranked higher. But then, who the hell do they think they are, switching which ever way the wind blows and who are these people anyway? By the way Jimi was and still is ranked #1.
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