Number 12 of 52 Compelling Communicators: Keith Richards
March 25, 2013
More than
a few people might question my judgment about naming Rolling Stones band
member, Keith Richards as one of my compelling communicators. Perhaps you have seen
or heard him on stage and only see the well-worn face of someone who has seen his
fair share of booze, drugs and late nights.
What I see is someone who
was able to replay an era with great clarity through his autobiography - Life. He transports you to that unique time and place instantly. His memory and observations, while
living through the haze of rock ‘n’ roll partying, is impressive. I understand
he is an avid reader and owns an extensive library. Reportedly, he yearns to be
a librarian.
“When you are growing up there are two institutional places that affect you most powerfully: the church, which belongs to God, and the public library, which belongs to you.” - Keith Richards
Songwriters are
communicators, some more compelling than others.
“What is it that makes you want to write songs? In a way you want to stretch yourself into other people’s hearts. You want to plant yourself there, or at least get a resonance, where other people become a bigger instrument than the one you’re playing. It becomes almost an obsession to touch other people. To write a song that is remembered and taken to heart is a connection, a touching of bases. A thread that runs through all of us. A stab to the heart. Sometimes I think songwriting is about tightening the heartstrings as much as possible without bringing on a heart attack.” - Keith Richards, Life
In the e-book “Mick and
Keith: Never Stop: My Conversations with the Rolling Stones” by Rona Elliott,
the video interviews with Keith are refreshingly candid. His Columbo-like
scratching of the head while he spews out ideas and feelings make me want to
check my own ability to remain genuine. Here is a promo trailer for the book:
Even if I have not convinced
you Keith has anything interesting to share from a communications perspective,
you might want to download this book for the $9.99 price tag to see how visual
books have become. Check out page 61 and 62 to see how Mick and Keith talk
about the audience in the section called “When the lights go up”. Keith’s sees it as a two way street. Mick,
well you judge for yourself.
"You can't believe how great this job is. I'll do it as long as people want to listen to it."- Keith Richards
Watching performers connect
to their audiences provide good lessons in communication. I have studied the Martin Scorsese film
Rolling Stones, Shine a Light with its 16 cameras monitoring the band members
every movement on stage. While Mick has
the spotlight, there is an intimacy with Keith that makes you feel like you are
at private party enjoying “in” jokes and moments.
“You've got the sun, you've got the moon, and you've got the Rolling Stones.” - Keith Richards
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1 comments
Thank you, Della; he is one of my favourite cultural icons.
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