Happy Accidents #029 - Mick and Keith

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Hey, Dennis Geelen here. Welcome to another edition of the Happy Accidents Newsletter, where we celebrate the extraordinary twists of fate that’ve shaped the world as we know it today.

In this edition, we delve into the remarkable story of how two aspiring musicians, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, came together by chance and went on to form the legendary rock band, the Rolling Stones.

Let's dig in, shall we?

SETTING THE STAGE

This is the part of every Happy Accident story where we see every successful outcome starts with the person putting themselves in a favorable position. They work hard, they try new things, they meet new people. They're not just sitting around 'hoping' to be successful some day.

In the vibrant city of London, during the post-World War II era, two young boys with a shared passion for music were growing up in separate corners of the city.

Mick Jagger, born Michael Philip Jagger, entered the world on July 26, 1943, in Dartford, Kent. From an early age, he exhibited an innate musical talent and a magnetic stage presence that would later make him one of the most iconic frontmen in rock history.

Mick's love for blues music was sparked by his exposure to artists like Muddy Waters and Little Walter, whose records he would obsessively listen to on his portable gramophone.

Keith Richards, born on December 18, 1943, in Dartford, also had an affinity for music from a young age. Growing up in a musical household, Keith's grandfather introduced him to the guitar, igniting a lifelong love affair with the instrument.

Keith's early influences included artists such as Chuck Berry and Bo Diddley, whose innovative guitar playing would shape his own unique style.

THE HAPPY ACCIDENT

This is the part of every success story where there's a chance encounter, a serendipitous moment, an unintentional discovery (or Happy Accident) that paves the way for the next steps. In some cases, a Happy Accident can even be disguised as something bad in the moment.

It was a typical day in October 1961 when fate intervened.

At the bustling Dartford train station, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards unexpectedly crossed paths.

Each of them carried vinyl records by their favorite blues artists, showcasing their shared love for the music that would become the foundation of their friendship and creative partnership.

As they struck up a conversation, Mick noticed Keith's guitar in hand, a telltale sign of his musical inclination. Intrigued, Mick couldn't resist delving deeper into their shared passion for blues.

Little did they know this chance encounter would become the catalyst for an extraordinary journey in music.

CAPITALIZING

Just like Happy Accidents don't just fall into your lap (you need to set the stage first), they also don't turn into anything if you don't recognize them and take action. This is the part of every success story where we see people capitalizing on their Happy Accident.

Recognizing the musical bond they shared, Mick Jagger wasted no time in inviting Keith Richards to join the band he was assembling, Little Boy Blue and the Blue Boys.

Keith eagerly embraced the opportunity, and their collaboration began to take shape.

Over the years, Mick and Keith's partnership evolved and flourished. They complemented each other's talents, with Mick's electrifying stage presence and distinctive vocals blending harmoniously with Keith's virtuoso guitar skills and songwriting prowess.

The Rolling Stones were born, forever altering the landscape of rock music.

As we reflect on the story of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, we’re reminded that great things can emerge from the unlikeliest of circumstances.

Just like Elton John and Bernie Taupin’s chance encounter that sparked their incredible career as a song writing duo, Mick and Keith’s accidental reunion at the Dartford train station set in motion a rock 'n' roll legacy that continues to captivate generations of music lovers worldwide.

Is there a chance encounter just waiting around the corner for you next?

Some fun facts:

• The first song Mick and Keith wrote together was "As Tears Go By," which became a hit for Marianne Faithfull.

• The Rolling Stones' debut album, released in 1964, was titled "The Rolling Stones" in the UK but "England's Newest Hit Makers" in the US.

• Mick and Keith were both born in the same year, 1943, just a few months apart.

• The Rolling Stones have released 25 studio albums, 13 live albums, 28 compilation albums, 3 extended plays, 121 singles, 33 box sets, 51 video albums, 2 video box sets and 77 music videos. Throughout their career, they have sold over 240 million records worldwide…wow!

The lessons here:

• Embrace serendipity: The chance encounter between Mick Jagger and Keith Richards serves as a powerful reminder that life's unexpected meetings can shape our destinies.

• Nurture shared passions: Their shared love for blues music became the foundation of their creative collaboration, emphasizing the importance of finding like-minded individuals who ignite your passion.

• Seize opportunities: Mick Jagger's quick thinking and invitation for Keith to join his band propelled their musical journey. Recognize and seize opportunities that come your way, even if they seem spontaneous or unconventional.

YOUR Happy Accidents

Got your own Happy Accident story to share? Reply to this email and let me know about it. You just might end up in a future edition of the newsletter!

Hey, Dennis Geelen here. Author of the Happy Accidents newsletter.

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