Keith Richards: 10 Iconic Collaborations Beyond the Rolling Stones

Keith Richards: 10 Iconic Collaborations Beyond the Rolling Stones

Keith Richards, the iconic lead guitarist of the Rolling Stones, ventured into solo projects in 1986 after Mick Jagger expressed interest in filmmaking. Richards released his first solo album, Talk Is Cheap, in 1988, with the X-Pensive Winos. This experience provided him with new insights and collaborations outside of the Rolling Stones, which he continued to be a part of. Here are 10 examples of his collaborations in chronological order.

Richards showcased his bass skills on Billy Preston's 1969 album, "That's the Way God Planned It," playing on tracks like "Do What You Want."

In 1978, Richards contributed to Peter Tosh's album "Bush Doctor," playing guitar on tracks like "Bush Doctor" and "Stand Firm."

He played guitar and sang backing vocals on Ian McLagan's "Truly" from the 1979 album "Troublemaker."

Richards lent his guitar skills to three tracks on Tom Waits' 1985 album "Rain Dogs," including "Big Black Mariah" and "Blind Love."

Aretha Franklin enlisted Richards to play lead guitar on her rendition of the Stones' "Jumpin' Jack Flash" in 1987.

Marianne Faithfull's 1994 cover of Patti Smith's "Ghost Dance" featured Richards on guitar and coproduction.

In 1997, Richards, Jagger, Watts, Wood, and Jones collaborated with B.B. King on "Paying the Cost to Be the Boss."

Richards played on tracks like "Work Out Fine" and "All I Want" on Ronnie Spector's 2006 album "The Last of the Rock Stars."

He sang lead on "That Kind of Fool" from Jerry Lee Lewis' 2006 album "Last Man Standing."

Sheryl Crow's 2019 album "Threads" featured Richards on vocals and guitar on "The Worst," originally from the Stones' 1994 album "Voodoo Lounge."

Keith Richards' collaborations outside of the Rolling Stones have showcased his versatility and talent, enriching the music world with his unique contributions.