Ronnie Wood stands as one of the most enduring and versatile guitarists in the history of rock music, a career defined by his pivotal roles in three legendary acts: the Jeff Beck Group, Faces, and the Rolling Stones. Born Ronald David Wood on June 1, 1947, in Middlesex, England, he began his professional journey in 1964, cutting his teeth as a lead guitarist with a succession of British rhythm and blues bands, including the Birds and the Creation. His reputation for fiery, blues-infused playing quickly caught the attention of Jeff Beck, who recruited him in 1967 to join the Jeff Beck Group as a guitarist and bassist. Wood contributed to the seminal albums Truth and Beck-Ola, which are now regarded as foundational works in the development of heavy rock.

When the Jeff Beck Group dissolved in 1969, Wood forged a new path alongside lead vocalist Rod Stewart, joining forces with former Small Faces members Ronnie Lane, Ian McLagan, and Kenney Jones to form Faces. Taking over primary lead guitar duties, Wood helped the band achieve massive success throughout the UK and mainland Europe, though their critical and commercial breakthrough in the United States would not come until their final year, 1975, when a major US tour cemented their legendary status. During his time with Faces, Wood also showcased his songwriting talents, co-writing and singing the title track for their final album, Ooh La La, released in 1973, while simultaneously contributing extensively to Rod Stewart's early solo records.

As Faces began to splinter, Wood initiated a prolific solo career, releasing his debut album, I've Got My Own Album to Do, in 1974. The project featured contributions from bandmate Ian McLagan and a host of notable friends, including former Beatle George Harrison and his longtime friend Keith Richards of the Rolling Stones. This connection proved fateful. When guitarist Mick Taylor departed the Rolling Stones, Keith Richards invited Wood to join the band in 1975, initially on a temporary basis before he became a fully official member the following year. His tenure with the Rolling Stones has since spanned decades, during which he has contributed his distinctive slide guitar work and visual artistry to countless albums and world tours, cementing his place in rock royalty. For his work with the Stones, he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, and he received a second induction in 2012 as a member of Faces.

Beyond his work with the Rolling Stones, Wood has maintained a steady and diverse solo discography. Following his debut, he released Now Look in 1975, which reached No. 118 on the Billboard charts, and collaborated with Ronnie Lane on the soundtrack album Mahoney's Last Stand. He continued to explore his own musical voice with Gimme Some Neck in 1979, which peaked at No. 45 in the US, and 1234 in 1981. His later solo efforts, including Slide on This (1992), Not for Beginners (2002), and I Feel Like Playing (2010), have showcased his enduring creativity. In addition to his musical output, Wood is also a highly regarded painter and artist, whose artwork has been exhibited internationally. Now in his late seventies, he remains an active and vital presence in the music world, continuing to tour and record with the Rolling Stones while also pursuing his solo projects and artistic passions, solidifying his legacy as a true rock and roll survivor and innovator.