Keith Richards, the legendary guitarist of The Rolling Stones, had a complex and emotionally rich family background. His parents, Bert and Doris Richards, had their own share of hardships that marked their lives and indirectly shaped Keith’s experiences.
Bert Richards, Keith’s father, worked various jobs to support his family, including roles as a factory worker and a service station attendant. His life was often marked by a sense of unfulfilled dreams and quiet resignation. Bert’s demeanor was generally subdued, and he carried a melancholy that was reflected in his sporadic bouts of sadness and fatigue. Doris Richards, Keith’s mother, had a similarly sorrowful air about her. Her life was primarily centered around managing the household and dealing with the challenges that came with raising a family on a modest income.
Both Bert and Doris had parents who were significantly less fortunate. Keith’s grandparents faced the struggles of post-war Britain, which left a legacy of economic hardship and emotional strain. Bert’s parents, who lived through the Great Depression and World War II, experienced considerable financial and emotional difficulties, which trickled down to their children. Doris’s parents also struggled with similar issues, their lives marked by the same unfulfilled aspirations and tough economic conditions.
This legacy of melancholy and struggle subtly influenced Keith Richards’ upbringing. Despite their own sorrows, Bert and Doris were proud of their son’s achievements, even as they grappled with their own pasts. Their subdued, sorrowful demeanor and the weight of their own parents’ hardships contributed to a backdrop of emotional depth and resilience in Keith’s early life.
