Ronnie Wood

Early Life

Ronald David Wood, known as Ronnie Wood, was born on June 1, 1947, in the London Borough of Hillingdon. He grew up in a family of English "bargees," river or canal barge operators, and was the first in his family to be born on land. Wood attended several schools, including St Stephen's Infant School and St Martin's C of E Secondary Modern School, where he showcased his artistic talent by having one of his drawings selected for the BBC Sketch Club. His artistic inclinations were shared with his elder brothers, Art and Ted, both of whom were graphic artists and musicians.

Music Career

Wood's professional music career began in 1964 as the lead guitarist for the Birds, an R&B band. He wrote or co-wrote nearly half of the songs they recorded. After the Birds disbanded in 1967, he joined the Jeff Beck Group, where he initially played rhythm guitar before switching to bass. Wood's collaborations with Rod Stewart during this period led to the release of two influential albums, "Truth" and "Beck-Ola." In 1975, he became a member of the legendary Rolling Stones, solidifying his status as a rock icon. Throughout his career, Wood has released numerous solo albums, including "I've Got My Own Album to Do" and "Gimme Some Neck," showcasing his versatility across genres like rock, blues, and hard rock.

Personal Life

Ronnie Wood has six children from two marriages. His first marriage was to Krissy Findlay, with whom he had a son, Jesse. After their divorce, he married Jo Wood, with whom he had two children and adopted her son from a previous relationship. Wood has been open about his struggles with alcoholism, entering rehab multiple times throughout his life. His personal life has also been marked by high-profile relationships, including an affair with Pattie Boyd, the ex-wife of George Harrison. Despite his challenges, Wood has maintained a vibrant presence in the music world and continues to be an influential figure in rock music.