The Rolling Stones arrived in the United States with the British Invasion of rock and roll (see entry under 1950s—Music in volume 3) in the mid-1960s. They quickly emerged as one of the most important musical groups in rock history, bringing a new, harder edge to rock while keeping it grounded in the blues (see entry under 1920s—Music in volume 2). Formed in the early 1960s in England, the original lineup consisted of Mick Jagger (1943–) on vocals, Keith Richards (1943–) and Brian Jones (1942–1969) on guitars, Charlie Watts (1941–) on drums, and Bill Wyman (1936–) on bass. The group took its name from a song by bluesman Muddy Waters (1915–1983), "Rolling Stone," and they began by covering blues and early rock tunes.

The original Rolling Stones lineup, in January 1967: (left to right) Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Brian Jones. Corbis Corporation. Reproduced by permission.

The Stones...