Author(s): Editors of LIFE Magazine

Music | Biographies & Memoirs

The Rolling Stones formed precisely a half century ago (well, maybe not precisely-even Keith Richards, in his recent Number One bestselling autobiography, wasn't sure if the audition was April or May). And they are still at 'work - or, rather, at play, celebrating 50 years of phenomenal music and a journey as raucous as 'Jumpin' Jack Flash. "Life's" cameras were there early and have been there since, capturing all the ragged glory. The same editors who produced a bestselling book on the Beatles as well as individual illustrated biographies of John Lennon and, recently, George Harrison now look at the long history of the Stones: the mysterious death of Brian Jones, the essential push-pull relationship of Jagger and Richards, the '60s signpost that was Altamont, the later glam, and then the welcomed return to roots. There are funny moments (the early Stones with TV host Dean Martin, who just doesn't get it when the band first fails-and fails miserably-to "conquer America") and many thrilling moments.