Keith Richards has been presented many honors during his long career, but on Tuesday, March 5, the Rolling Stones guitarist will become the first-ever recipient of the Connecticut Governor’s Award of Excellence.
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Richards, who’s resided in Connecticut since 1985, will receive the prestigious honor from Governor Ned Lamont at an invite-only ceremony held at the Westport Library in Westport, Connecticut.
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According to a press release, the award celebrates “Connecticut residents who epitomize the state’s core values of creativity, resourcefulness, passion, dynamism, and generosity.” The newly created honor recognizes people whose “contributions enrich Connecticut’s cultural and civic life.”
Also during the ceremony, Governor Lamont will present Richards with a proclamation offering the 81-year-old British rock legend the “Key to the State.”
Richards was chosen to receive the Award of Excellence partly because of his strong commitment to supporting his local community. Among the organizations he’s supported is SPHERE, which serves Ridgefield, Connecticut-area adults with disabilities by helping them with housing, education, recreation, and employment opportunities. Keith also has donated money to The Prospector Theater, a cinema in Ridgefield that offers employment to people with disabilities.
Comments from Governor Lamont and Richards
Governor Lamont has issued a statement regarding Richards receiving the Award of Excellence.
“Connecticut has long been home to some of the world’s most innovative minds, boldest artists, and most generous hearts,” Lamont said. “This award was created to honor those whose creativity, resourcefulness, and passion have made a lasting impact on our state and beyond. Keith Richards is the epitome of these values—not only as one of the most influential musicians of all time but as a dedicated supporter of the arts, education, and community causes right here in Connecticut.”
Richards, meanwhile, shared a statement referencing the fact that the ceremony was being held at The Westport Library.
Keith noted, “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. The public library is the great equalizer.”
Added The Westport Library’s executive director, Bill Harmer, “Keith’s legacy is woven into the fabric of music history, and we are honored to provide the stage where Connecticut will recognize his immeasurable contributions. This is not just a celebration of an artist, but of a life lived boldly, authentically, and with an undeniable passion for inspiring others.”
More About the Connecticut Governor’s Award of Excellence
The Award of Excellence features a custom-designed medallion that was crafted by Connecticut State Trooper Danny Carvalho. It was manufactured by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology in East Hartford. The medallion is attached to a ribbon designed and sewn by fashion designer Justin Haynes, who’s based in Enfield, Connecticut.
About Richards’ Achievements and Honors
Richards, of course, co-founded The Rolling Stones, and is one of the most famous and influential rock guitarists. He also co-wrote, with Mick Jagger, the vast majority of The Stones’ many classic songs.
In addition, Keith launched a successful solo career in the late 1980s. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with The Rolling Stones in 1989. In 1993, Richards was welcomed into the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
Richards many other credits include penning the award-winning 2010 memoir Life, and acting in two films of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise.
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