Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Bobby Keys

Robert Henry "Bobby" Keys (December 18, 1943 – December 2, 2014) was an tenor saxophonist best known for his prominent role in as a longtime and touring member of , contributing unforgettable solos to hits like "" and albums including , , and Exile on Main Street. Born in , Keys began his musical journey as a self-taught player in his youth, drawing inspiration from local rock 'n' roll scenes and starting to tour professionally at age 15 with and in the . His early career encompassed session work with artists like and established him as a versatile horn player in the burgeoning rock era. Keys first connected with the Rolling Stones in the mid-1960s during shared bills in Texas, leading to his debut recordings with the band on Let It Bleed (1969) and subsequent tours starting in 1970. His raw, energetic saxophone style defined tracks such as the extended solo in "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" from Sticky Fingers (1971) and "Sweet Virginia" from Exile on Main Street (1972), earning him the informal title of the band's "sixth member" during their most prolific period. Despite a temporary hiatus in the mid-1970s due to substance abuse issues shared with guitarist Keith Richards—whom Keys befriended closely, sharing the same birthdate—he rejoined the Stones for intermittent tours and recordings through the 1980s and beyond, including their Glastonbury Festival performance in 2013. Beyond the Stones, Keys' resume featured collaborations with an array of rock and pop icons, including the saxophone on John Lennon's chart-topping single "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night" (1974), sessions for , , , and , and contributions to ' and Ringo Starr's solo projects. He released his own solo album in 1972 and later documented his life in the 2012 memoir Every Night's a Saturday Night, which included a by Richards and highlighted his reputation as one of rock's most exuberant and enduring figures. Keys died of of the liver at his home in , leaving a legacy as a pivotal influence in blending saxophone with rock 'n' roll energy.

Early Life

Birth and Family Background

Bobby Keys was born Robert Henry Keys on December 18, 1943, at Lubbock Army Airfield in Texas, during the height of World War II. His father, Bill Keys, was stationed there as a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps, while his mother, Lucy Keys, was just 16 years old at the time of his birth. The family resided in the rural West Texas area, where the vast plains and small-town life shaped the early environment of Keys' childhood. Following the war, in 1946, Bill Keys obtained employment with the Santa Fe Railroad in , prompting the family's relocation to that town. However, young Bobby remained in —a modest farming community of about 6,000 residents located 15 miles southeast of Lubbock—where he was raised by his maternal grandparents in a simple family home amid the arid landscapes and cotton fields typical of the region. This arrangement allowed him to grow up immersed in the unhurried rhythms of rural life, far from the urban bustle. During his early years in Slaton, Keys gained his initial exposure to music through local radio stations from his grandparents' home, tuning into programs like the Grand Ole Opry that featured country, , and emerging rock 'n' roll sounds around age 12. His mother's occasional visits and shared interest in these broadcasts provided a subtle familial connection to the evolving musical landscape, even as he primarily navigated daily life under his grandparents' care.

Musical Beginnings and Influences

At age 10, Keys was inspired to pursue music after witnessing a performance by local hero Buddy Holly in Lubbock. Keys received his first saxophone, a baritone, when joining the Slaton High School marching band around age 12, as the only unclaimed instrument available. Growing up in Slaton, Texas, he was largely self-taught, learning the basics through trial and error without formal lessons or the ability to read music. This hands-on approach allowed him to experiment freely, honing his skills on the tenor saxophone amid the vibrant West Texas music scene. Keys' early performances took place in local settings, including the Slaton high school , where he picked up the to join and quickly excelled. The regional influence of Lubbock's music community, particularly and as local heroes, shaped his budding talent and exposed him to rock 'n' roll's energetic possibilities through live shows and radio broadcasts. His family provided encouragement for these pursuits, fostering an environment where music could thrive alongside his childhood. Among his key influences were prominent R&B saxophonists such as and , fellow Texans whose bold, expressive styles resonated deeply with Keys during his formative years. He absorbed their techniques via records and radio, blending R&B grit with emerging rock elements to develop his distinctive, raucous sound. By age 14, Keys had transitioned to semi-professional gigs in local bars and dances, where he refined his technique through repeated performances in the lively honky-tonks and social events. These experiences solidified his ear for and stage presence, setting the foundation for his professional trajectory.

Professional Career

Early Tours and Session Work (1950s–1960s)

In 1961, shortly after dropping out of high school at age 17, Bobby Keys joined Buddy Knox and the Rhythm Orchids as a saxophonist for a national tour, supporting promotion of the band's 1957 hit "Party Doll," which had reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100. The tour took the group through Midwest ballrooms and dance halls, marking Keys' entry into professional touring as a performer rather than just a local opener. Following the Knox tour, Keys returned to , and joined the , a regional band featuring of ; the group performed across the Southwest, backing acts including during his solo performances. These regional gigs honed Keys' skills in ensembles, exposing him to the evolving Southwest music scene amid the post-rockabilly era. In the early 1960s, Keys relocated to to focus on session work, quickly establishing himself as a versatile studio saxophonist for and other labels. Keys claimed to have played on Elvis Presley's 1962 single "Return to Sender," filling in when the scheduled musician did not appear, though this is disputed by some Elvis discographers, and contributed to additional Presley recordings during this period. Keys met Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett around 1963, a connection that indirectly linked him to broader rock circles and facilitated his first meeting with the Rolling Stones in San Antonio, Texas, in 1964.

Collaboration with the Rolling Stones (1970s)

Bobby Keys officially joined the Rolling Stones as their saxophonist for their fall 1970 European tour, marking the band's first use of a dedicated horn section alongside trumpeter Jim Price. This collaboration built on Keys' earlier acquaintance with the band through joint work with Delaney and Bonnie in 1969. During this period, Keys delivered iconic saxophone solos that defined the Stones' sound, including the energetic riff on "Brown Sugar" from the 1971 album Sticky Fingers, recorded in a single take at Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. His extended solo on "Can't You Hear Me Knocking," also from Sticky Fingers, transformed the track into a sprawling seven-minute jam, blending rock, soul, and Latin influences with contributions from guitarist Mick Taylor. Keys' contributions extended to the Rolling Stones' 1972 double album Exile on Main St., where he provided horn arrangements on several tracks amid the chaotic sessions at Villa Nellcôte in and in . Notably, his added raw energy to ' lead vocal on "Happy," enhancing the song's bluesy groove, while his playing on "" infused the country-tinged ballad with a gritty, communal feel reflective of the album's loose, ensemble style. Between 1970 and 1973, Keys toured extensively with the band across the U.S., , and , including the 1970 European leg, the 1971 UK tour, the 1972 North American tour, and the 1973 Pacific tour that reached Australia before shifting to . A notorious incident during the 1972 North American tour saw Keys and Richards filmed throwing a television from the 10th-floor balcony of the Continental Hyatt House in , an act that epitomized the era's excess and inspired hotel changes worldwide. Keys' tenure ended abruptly in 1973 during the European tour, as his escalating addiction and resulting tensions—particularly with —led to his dismissal from the lineup; he later described leaving voluntarily to address his substance issues for his family's sake. This departure altered the Stones' sound during their blues-rock phase, shifting away from the robust presence that Keys had helped pioneer. Throughout his time with , Keys shared a profound with Richards, born on the same day in , bonding over mutual excesses and earning the "Sixth Stone" from Richards for his integral role in the group's dynamic. Richards later recalled Keys as his "greatest pal in the world," highlighting their inseparable camaraderie amid the touring chaos.

Later Career and Reunions (1980s–2014)

Following his recovery from heroin addiction in the late 1970s, Bobby Keys re-established his professional standing with , contributing to the 1981 Tattoo You, including horn arrangements on the track "Slave," and joining the subsequent Tattoo You tour in 1981–1982. Keys' involvement with the Stones became more sporadic through the and , reflecting a pattern of reunions amid his independent projects, though he remained a key collaborator on select tours such as the 1989 , the 1994–1995 , and the 2005–2007 . His final appearances came during the 2014 tour, including the band's set and the performance in , before health issues forced him to withdraw from the Australian and legs. In the , Keys relocated to , where he fronted the local bar band Insufferable Bastards for regular gigs, maintaining his musical edge between major tours. He also pursued guest appearances, including session work with in the 1980s and contributions to ' X-Pensive Winos projects during that decade and into the , while his earlier saxophone solo on John Lennon's 1974 hit "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night" continued to underscore his enduring reputation as a rock saxophonist into the 1980s and beyond. Keys provided saxophone on the ' 2005 album , marking one of his last major studio efforts with the band, though declining health curtailed his activity in the , limiting him to select before his death in December 2014.

Solo Work and Contributions

Solo Albums

Bobby Keys released his debut solo album, the self-titled Bobby Keys, in 1972 on Warner Bros. Records. The instrumental record was co-produced by Keys and drummer Jim Gordon, with engineering handled by Andy Johns, and featured prominent guest appearances from George Harrison and Ringo Starr of the Beatles, Eric Clapton on guitar, Nicky Hopkins on piano, and Klaus Voormann on bass. Tracks such as "Steal From a King" and "Bootleg" highlighted Keys' commanding tenor saxophone leads amid funky, horn-heavy arrangements blending soul, rock, and jazz influences, reflecting his bar-band origins and high-energy performance style. The album's raw, collaborative energy earned positive critical notice for its groove and musicianship, with awarding it 3.5 out of 5 stars for capturing Keys' spirited playing, though it achieved limited commercial traction and failed to chart significantly. Factors contributing to its underperformance included inadequate promotion amid Keys' busy schedule with and broader label priorities during a competitive era for releases. In 1975, Keys issued his follow-up solo effort, the single "Gimme the Key" b/w " (Parts 1 & 2)" on Ringo Starr's Ring O' Records imprint (distributed by RSO). Produced by , the more overtly rock-oriented A-side showcased Keys' autobiographical nod to his freewheeling rock 'n' roll lifestyle through driving riffs and funky rhythms, with Starr contributing drums; the B-side evoked his bar-band roots via an extended instrumental jam. Like its predecessor, it received acclaim for its unpolished vigor but saw minimal sales and airplay. A posthumous album, Lover's Rockin - The Lost Album, was released in 2023 by Le Chant du Monde. Recorded in the early 1980s and co-produced with and , it features reggae-influenced instrumentals including covers like "Dock of the Bay" and originals such as "Suzie," highlighting Keys' versatile in a laid-back, collaborative setting. Keys prioritized extensive session work and long-term commitments with , which limited opportunities for independent projects during his lifetime. Overall, his output emphasized -driven instrumentals that channeled his lively, road-tested persona, earning niche praise among enthusiasts for authenticity despite commercial oversight.

Notable Session Recordings and Collaborations

Bobby Keys began his extensive session career in the , contributing to R&B and rock recordings that showcased his raw, energetic style. Early on, he played with Bill Black's Combo, a group rooted in the and roll scene, appearing on tracks that blended blues and pop influences during their active years in the late 1950s and early . His work bridged regional sounds, drawing from traditions while adapting to Memphis-style sessions. In the 1970s, Keys' versatility as a session musician flourished, particularly in collaborations with former Beatles members. He provided saxophone on George Harrison's landmark triple album All Things Must Pass (1970), delivering prominent horn lines alongside trumpeter Jim Price on upbeat tracks like "What Is Life," which highlighted his ability to infuse rock with soulful brass arrangements. He also contributed to John Lennon's Walls and Bridges (1974), playing saxophone on the chart-topping single "Whatever Gets You Thru the Night," and later on the covers album Rock 'n' Roll (1975), where his saxophone added gritty texture to the rock and roll revival sound. Keys' horn section partnership with Jim Price extended to live and studio projects, including Joe Cocker's Mad Dogs & Englishmen (1970), a double live album capturing the chaotic energy of Cocker's U.S. tour. As a key member of the 30-plus-piece ensemble assembled by Leon Russell, Keys' tenor saxophone drove soul-infused renditions of songs like "The Letter" and "Delta Lady," emphasizing his role in elevating rock performances with R&B flair. He also contributed baritone and tenor saxophone to Carly Simon's No Secrets (1972), including the iconic "You're So Vain," where his parts enhanced the song's sly, sophisticated groove amid the album's blend of pop and jazz elements, and to Barbra Streisand's Barbra Joan Streisand (1971), adding horns to tracks like "Space Captain." Throughout the decade, Keys lent his distinctive sound to Southern rock and blues acts, playing horns on Lynyrd Skynyrd's (1974), which featured his contributions to tracks like "" and infused the album's raw energy with horn punch. His sessions often bridged genres, as seen in his work on B.B. King's (1971), where he soloed on "" and supported King's guitar with bold, improvisational lines during the blues legend's foray into rock-inflected recordings, and on Marvin Gaye's (deluxe edition, 1973). Into the 1980s and beyond, Keys continued as a sought-after collaborator, appearing on Ron Wood's solo album Gimme Some Neck (1979), where his saxophone complemented Wood's guitar-driven rock on tracks that echoed Faces-era camaraderie. In the 1990s, he joined Sheryl Crow on The Globe Sessions (1998), providing a signature solo on "There Goes the Neighborhood," a gritty rocker that evoked his Rolling Stones roots while fitting Crow's eclectic pop style. Over his career, Keys amassed credits on hundreds of sessions across R&B, rock, and pop, solidifying his reputation as a versatile horn player who bridged diverse musical worlds through his emotive, rock-infused saxophone.

Personal Life and Legacy

Family and Relationships

Bobby Keys shared a long-term partnership with Holly Keys, whom he married on December 18, 1999, in . Holly provided steadfast support throughout his decades of touring and session work, accompanying him on the road and managing the demands of his rock 'n' roll career. The couple raised three children together: sons Jesse, who pursued a career in the music industry, and Huck, along with daughter Amber, a writer and poet. Keys also embraced Randy Kaune as a stepson from Holly's previous relationship. In the early 1990s, the family relocated from Miami Beach to the Nashville area, settling in , where Keys valued the quieter lifestyle and proximity to family while continuing his professional commitments. He emphasized bringing his loved ones to Nashville to foster stability amid his touring schedule. In his , Keys achieved notable , limiting himself to occasional while abstaining from heavier to preserve his health and ability to perform. The family's resilience allowed them to navigate the excesses of the rock lifestyle, with Keys often returning home to between tours to prioritize parenting and domestic life.

Health Challenges, Addiction, and Death

Keys' addiction reached its peak in the early 1970s, exacerbating his professional challenges and leading to his departure from in 1973 after missing several shows due to substance-related unreliability. This period also involved legal troubles, including an for possession at International Airport during the band's 1973 tour. The addiction strained his relationships within the band, particularly with , and prompted an abrupt exit for , funded in part by . Following his 1973 departure, Keys entered rehab and achieved sobriety by the late , a turning point he credited to treatment programs and ongoing support from family and peers like Richards. He maintained this sobriety for decades, occasionally allowing himself a but abstaining from heavier substances, as he reflected in a 2014 interview shortly before his health declined. This recovery enabled his gradual return to session work and eventual reunions with the Stones in the 1980s. In 2014, Keys was diagnosed with , a condition linked to his earlier years of heavy drinking and drug use, which progressed to and severely limited his participation in ' 14 On Fire tour. He sat out the Australian and legs of the tour due to his deteriorating health, performing only select earlier dates. Keys died on December 2, 2014, at his home in , at the age of 70, while receiving care for . His funeral in Nashville was attended by members, including , who had been a close friend and collaborator. Richards paid tribute to Keys as "the largest pal in the world," emphasizing their deep bond forged through music and shared experiences, stating, "I can't express the sense of sadness I feel at this moment."

Impact on Rock Music

Bobby Keys pioneered the integration of saxophone techniques into , infusing ' raw swagger with energetic, gritty horn lines that defined the era's sound. His style, rooted in influences like and Hank Crawford, emphasized rhythmic expressiveness over complex phrasing, creating solos that blended R&B's soulful bends and with rock's aggressive edge. This approach is exemplified in his iconic 16-measure solo on "Brown Sugar" (1971), where he employed raw tone, , and blues-scale phrasing to deliver a vocal-like performance that became a benchmark for . Keys' contributions elevated the from a background element to a lead instrument in horn sections, particularly through his partnership with trumpeter Jim Price, which produced an original sound inspired by but adapted for stadium-scale . His extended solos on tracks like those from Exile on Main Street (1972) showcased the sax's potential for dramatic, rebellious expression, influencing the genre's evolution by making horns integral to 's sonic palette. This shift inspired subsequent saxophonists, contributing to the instrument's prominence in bands blending with and R&B elements during the decade. Following his death in 2014, Keys received recognition for his enduring legacy, including a 1984 induction into the Walk of Fame for his contributions to music as a Slaton native who toured and recorded with and . He is featured in retrospectives on the Stones, such as the documentary Every Night's a Saturday Night: The Bobby Keys Story, which highlights his role through interviews with bandmates like and , who called him "the best saxophone player in the world." The accompanying autobiography of the same title portrays Keys as a of rock excess and resilience, chronicling his wild lifestyle alongside musical achievements. Keys also bridged rock with Southern traditions, fostering crossovers into through collaborations with acts like and Delaney and Bonnie, while his later relocation to Nashville in integrated his style into the local scene via performances with bands like The Suffering Bastards, featuring Nashville musicians. This work grounded rock in Texas blues, influencing regional fusions and ensuring the sax's vitality in Southern-inflected rock.

References

  1. [1]
    Bobby Keys: 'Legendary' sax player performed with Rolling Stones ...
    Dec 2, 2014 · Saxophonist Bobby Keys, a lifelong rock 'n' roller who toured with Buddy Holly, played on recordings by John Lennon and laid down one of the all-time blowout ...
  2. [2]
    Rolling Stones saxophone player Bobby Keys dies - CBS News
    Dec 2, 2014 · Bobby Keys, a saxophonist and life-long rock 'n roller who played on recordings by Buddy Holly and John Lennon and performed one of the all-time blowout solos ...
  3. [3]
    Bobby Keys: Stones devastated by saxophonist's death - BBC News
    Dec 2, 2014 · Like Buddy Holly, Keys was born in the Texas town of Lubbock and had toured with him and his band The Crickets in the 1950s. But he was not ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  4. [4]
    Slaton's Bobby Keys was sax rock 'n' roll's legendary wild man, part 1
    Dec 10, 2022 · Bobby Keys on tour with The Rolling Stones in 1973. ... In 1969, Bobby became the Stones' lead sax player, performing live and on recordings.Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  5. [5]
    Bobby Keys obituary | Pop and rock | The Guardian
    Dec 3, 2014 · When Bill and his teenage wife, Lucy, moved to New Mexico, Bobby stayed in Slaton, Texas, with his grandparents. He saw Lubbock-born rock'n ...Missing: raised | Show results with:raised
  6. [6]
    Bobby Keys: Age, Net Worth, Relationships, and Career Highlights
    Jan 4, 2025 · Full Name, Robert Henry “Bobby” Keys ; Date of Birth, December 18, 1943 ; Place of Birth, Slaton, Texas, United States ; Nationality, American.
  7. [7]
    Friends remember Slaton native, Rolling Stones sax player Bobby ...
    Dec 3, 2014 · He was raised by his grandparents after his parents moved to New Mexico to have more children, a story Keys recounts in his autobiography, " ...Missing: separation | Show results with:separation
  8. [8]
    Every Night's a Saturday Night - Counterpoint Press
    Every Night's a Saturday Night. The Rock 'n' Roll Life of Legendary Sax Man Bobby Keys. Bobby Keys & Bill Ditenhafer. Choose a Format. Paperback; Ebook. On Sale ...
  9. [9]
    The 'Sixth Rolling Stone' Was A West Texan Named Bobby Keys | TPR
    Sep 19, 2018 · Never learning how to read music, Keys taught himself, in part, by listening to the music of Fort Worth's King Curtis. Keys would also sneak ...Missing: high school influences
  10. [10]
    In Memoriam: Bobby Keys | Lone Star Music Magazine
    Texas-born tenor sax player Bobby Keys was one. Keys, 70, who passed away Dec. 2 in Franklin, Tenn., from liver disease, earned rock-star status for the ...
  11. [11]
    The Bobby Keys Story: A West Texan Who Made It Big Time | KERA
    Oct 5, 2020 · The legendary rock-and-roll saxophonist is a West Texan. He grew up in Slaton, right outside of Lubbock, and played with some of the most iconic artists of the ...Missing: Belen New Mexico
  12. [12]
    Sax & Drugs & Rock & Roll - Texas Monthly
    One of those things is Keys, whose sound is grounded in the work of Texas tenor players like Illinois Jacquet, Arnett Cobb, King Curtis, and David “Fathead ...
  13. [13]
    Bobby Keys: Keeping The Sax Alive (Interview) | The 13th Floor
    Feb 17, 2014 · The one who was the principle influence of my saxophone career and that was King Curtis. You know, but there was a lot of others around the same ...Missing: Slaton school
  14. [14]
    Rhythm & Blues Saxophone: The Masters-Part 4: Bobby Keys
    Apr 17, 2023 · An original and committed rock musician, he is best known for his work with seminal rock legends The Rolling Stones. His biography, Every ...
  15. [15]
    Oh Bobby, Won't You Let It Rock: Bobby Keys, Pt. 1
    Jan 10, 2015 · Keys started playing baritone saxophone in the high school band and was good enough to finagle his way into a few Holly band practices, which ...
  16. [16]
    The 'Sixth Rolling Stone' Was A West Texan Named Bobby Keys
    Sep 19, 2018 · Director Jeff Stacy says Keys is part of a legacy of Texas tenor saxophone players. “I think Bobby fits right in with King Curtis certainly ...Missing: high school influences
  17. [17]
    Like a Rolling Stone | Lone Star Music Magazine
    Growing up southeast of Lubbock in Slaton, where he was raised by his grandparents, Keys was just a regular West Texas small town kid. A freak accident in a ...Missing: parents | Show results with:parents
  18. [18]
    Inductee - The South Dakota Rock and Roll Music Association
    In his autobiography, Keys wrote: “Buddy Knox's booking agent was a guy named Jimmy Thomas. He also booked Myron Lee Wachendorf from Sioux Falls, SD. Buddy and ...
  19. [19]
    Rolling Stones Saxophonist Bobby Keys Dead at 70
    Dec 2, 2014 · Bobby Keys, the Rolling Stones' saxophonist for more than 40 years, has died at the age of 70. Read our appreciation of the great musician:Missing: name biography facts
  20. [20]
  21. [21]
    The horn met the devil in Texas: Bobby Keys and the Rolling Stones
    Jun 6, 2024 · He was ready and eager to play the first Stones concerts in over five years. With a personality as extroverted as his sax playing, Keys ...Missing: biography | Show results with:biography
  22. [22]
    Keith Richards Remembers the 'Hidden Genius' of Bobby Keys
    Dec 4, 2014 · Rolling Stone spoke to Keith Richards about Keys, who called the musician his “greatest pal in the world.” Bobby Keys was built for fun. When we ...Missing: friendship nickname Sixth
  23. [23]
    Top 10 Bobby Keys Rolling Stones Songs - Ultimate Classic Rock
    Dec 2, 2014 · 'Can't You Hear Me Knocking'. From: 'Sticky Fingers' (1971). Mick Jagger and Keith Richards may take credit for this 'Sticky Fingers' epic ...
  24. [24]
    'Can't You Hear Me Knocking': The Story Behind The Rolling Stones ...
    Also appearing on the track is Bobby Keys, who had debuted his saxophone for the Stones on “Live With Me” back on Let It Bleed. Staying with Mick Jagger during ...
  25. [25]
    25 Little-Known 'Exile on Main St.' Facts - Ultimate Classic Rock
    May 11, 2017 · ... Exile' (and sings backup on the twangy “Sweet Virginia”). He was also heavily into heroin and got booted from the mansion by Richards, when ...
  26. [26]
    Hotels Where Rock Stars Have Wreaked Havoc - Oyster.com
    During a 1972 stay at the Andaz West Hollywood (formerly the Continental Hyatt House), Richards and saxophonist Bobby Keyes tossed a TV from stories above and ...
  27. [27]
    Rolling Stones sax man Bobby Keys lets it bleed in new book
    Feb 24, 2012 · Ultimately it was heroin that caused Keys to leave the band in midtour in 1973. He was no longer a musician, just a junkie. After cleaning up ...
  28. [28]
    Caprock Chronicles: Slaton's Bobby Keys: Sax rock 'n' roll's ...
    Dec 17, 2022 · He struggled with heroin addiction ... 1970s, following his notorious champagne bath with a French model. After recovery, he re-established his ...Missing: sobriety | Show results with:sobriety
  29. [29]
    The story behind The Rolling Stones' 'Tattoo You'
    Nov 22, 2023 · Released in early August 1981, "Start Me Up" was quintessential Stones, fired by a quintessential riff. The basics of the song were Mick ...
  30. [30]
    Rolling Stones' Steel Wheels Tour Stutters, Then Rolls
    Oct 19, 1989 · ... Bobby Keys blew his patented sax solo. As soon as “Brown Sugar” wrapped, Jagger, who seemed to be adrenaline incarnate at this point, said ...
  31. [31]
    Rolling Stones: Voodoo Lounge (TV Special 1995) - IMDb
    Rating 7.6/10 (121) Voodoo Lounge Uncut presents for the first time the full, unedited show filmed on November 25th 1994 at Miami's Joe Robbie Stadium.<|control11|><|separator|>
  32. [32]
    Rolling Stones Saxophonist Bobby Keys Dies at 70 - Variety
    Dec 2, 2014 · Bobby Keys, whose swampy saxophone was as key a component of the peak-period Rolling Stones as Clarence Clemons' sax was for the E Street ...
  33. [33]
    Rolling Stones 'Devastated' by Death of Bobby Keys
    Dec 2, 2014 · "Bobby made a unique musical contribution to the band since the 1960s. ... ' He continued with the group through 2005's 'A Bigger Bang,' and ...
  34. [34]
  35. [35]
    Bobby Keys | Album - AllMusic
    Rating 7.8/10 (12) Bobby Keys by Bobby Keys released in 1972. Find album reviews, track lists, credits, awards and more at AllMusic.
  36. [36]
  37. [37]
    Bobby Keys, remembered - Louder Sound
    Dec 4, 2014 · Keys released two solo albums; 1972's self-titled instrumental set (with Clapton, Starr and Harrison) and '75's Gimme The Key. In 2012 he ...
  38. [38]
  39. [39]
    Saxophonist Bobby Keys Dies at 70 - Billboard
    Dec 2, 2014 · Keys released two solo albums, a self-titled instrumental album that featured Ringo Starr, George Harrison and Clapton, and “Gimme the Key, ...
  40. [40]
    Bobby Keys Songs, Albums, Reviews, Bio & More ... - AllMusic
    1. Steal from a King. Bobby Keys. 04:51 · 2. Bootleg. Bobby Keys. 03:45 · 3. Altar Rock. Bobby Keys. 04:53 · 4. Sand & Foam. Bobby Keys. 05:24 · 5. Crispy Duck.
  41. [41]
    Bobby Keys: 10 Choice Tracks featuring Rock's Greatest Sax Player
    Nov 21, 2020 · Bobby had a prodigious run with the Stones in the '70s, but he worked tirelessly from the late '50s until he died in 2014 at age 70. He ...Missing: biography musician<|control11|><|separator|>
  42. [42]
    'Mad Dogs & Englishmen': Joe Cocker Goes To The Movies
    Saxophone maestro Bobby Keys, especially admired for his long relationship with the Rolling Stones, is featured along with another of their collaborators, Jim ...
  43. [43]
  44. [44]
    Music credits for Bobby Keys
    Full music credits for Bobby Keys: 247 performances. Roles performed: saxophone, tenor saxophone, brass, baritone saxophone, performer.<|control11|><|separator|>
  45. [45]
    Gimme Some Neck - Wikipedia
    Gimme Some Neck is the third solo album by English musician Ron Wood, released in 1979. ... Bobby Keys, all of whom contributed to the recording. The ...
  46. [46]
    'The Globe Sessions': Sheryl Crow Shares Some Favorite Mistakes
    “There Goes The Neighborhood” featured an appearance by longtime Rolling Stones collaborator Bobby Keys on saxophone. Other guests on the set included Benmont ...<|separator|>
  47. [47]
    Wedding Day, Bobby and Holly Keys, December 18, 1999. Pigeon ...
    Dec 18, 2017 · Wedding Day, Bobby and Holly Keys, December 18, 1999. Pigeon Forge, TN · In loving memory of a dear husband, father, and friend to all. · December ...Missing: date | Show results with:date
  48. [48]
    Bobby Keys, Hard-Living Saxophonist for Rolling Stones, Dies at 70
    Dec 2, 2014 · Bobby Keys, a Texas-born sideman whose urgent, wailing saxophone solos wove a prominent thread through more than 40 years of rock 'n' roll, notably with the ...
  49. [49]
    Bobby Keys - The Times
    Dec 4, 2014 · He is survived by his wife Holly and by two sons: Jesse, who works in the music industry, and Huck; a daughter, Amber, who is a writer and ...Missing: children | Show results with:children
  50. [50]
  51. [51]
    BOBBY KEYS INTERVIEWED (2014): Sax'n'drugs and rock'n'roll
    Nov 3, 2014 · Saxophonist Bobby Keys says he doesn't drink these days: “I'm extremely sober. I mean, I'll have a beer every so often, but it's been years ...Missing: recovery | Show results with:recovery
  52. [52]
    Robert Keys Obituary (2014) - Franklin, TN - The Tennessean - Legacy
    Dec 7, 2014 · He is also survived by his stepson, Randy Kaune; brothers, Darryl Keys and Gary Keys; sister, Debbie Keys; daughter, Amber Keys; grandchildren, ...
  53. [53]
    Bobby Keys, Longtime Saxophonist for Rolling Stones, Dies - VOA
    Dec 2, 2014 · Keys wrote of his struggles with heroin and life with the Stones in the autobiography “Every Night's a Saturday Night.” Keys' drug problem ...Missing: leaves addiction
  54. [54]
    Bobby Keys to Sit Out Rolling Stones Tour Due to Illness - Jambands
    Due to being a bit under the weather, Bobby Keys will not be joining the Stones for the Australian and New Zealand tour dates. Bobby is under ...Missing: limited | Show results with:limited
  55. [55]
    Bobby Keys Placed on Medical Leave for Rolling Stones Tour Dates
    Oct 16, 2014 · Sax player Bobby Keys has taken a medical leave from some of the Rolling Stones' 2014 tour dates.
  56. [56]
    Bobby Keys: Stones devastated by saxophonist's death - BBC News
    Dec 2, 2014 · The Rolling Stones say they're devastated over the death of Bobby Keys, who played saxophone for them. On the rock'n'roll scene since the ...
  57. [57]
    Dissecting Bobby Keys' Saxophone Solo on “Brown Sugar”
    Bobby Keys' solo on the Rolling Stones' “Brown Sugar” is one of the definitive saxophone performances in rock history.
  58. [58]
    West Texas Walk of Fame Inductees - Civic Lubbock
    Singer Featured on the Lawrence Welk Show. Bobby Keys – Slaton, TX Sax Player Toured and recorded with The Beatles & the Rolling Stones. 1985. G. W. Bailey ...Missing: posthumous honors