From bargee roots to the Rolling Stones, the multifaceted life of Ronnie Wood
In short: Born into a family of river barge operators, Ronnie Wood evolved from a 1960s rhythm and blues guitarist into a permanent fixture of the Rolling Stones. Beyond his legendary status in rock music, Wood is an accomplished visual artist and a dedicated breeder of thoroughbred racehorses.
Ronnie Wood’s journey began in the London Borough of Hillingdon, where he was raised in a family of river barge operators. His artistic sensibilities were nurtured early, with his childhood drawings earning recognition on the BBC. He later pursued formal training at Ealing College of Art, a path shared by his brothers, Art and Ted. This artistic foundation has remained a constant throughout his life, with his paintings and prints—often depicting pop culture icons—gaining international exhibition and praise from critics.
His musical career launched in 1964 with the Birds, followed by stints with the Jeff Beck Group and the Faces. During his time with the Faces, Wood established himself as a versatile performer, contributing guitar, harmonica, and vocals while co-writing hits like Ooh La La. His transition to the Rolling Stones began in 1975, initially as a touring musician, before he became an official member in 1976. Within the band, he developed a unique guitar interplay with Keith Richards, a technique they termed weaving.
Wood’s creative output extends well beyond his primary band. He has maintained a prolific solo career, releasing numerous albums and collaborating with artists ranging from Bob Dylan to Prince. His interests are remarkably diverse, encompassing radio broadcasting, where he won a Sony Radio Personality of the Year award, and thoroughbred racing, where he has bred horses like Sandymount Duke. Whether through his autobiography, his gallery ownership, or his ongoing musical projects, Wood continues to balance his roles as a rock icon and a dedicated creative professional.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Ronnie Wood
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