Keith Richards Receives Connecticut Governor’s Award for Excellence
Photo courtesy of The Westport Library
Yesterday, March 5, Keith Richards added another prize to his mantle as he received the inaugural Connecticut Governor’s Award for Excellence. From Westport, Conn.’s Westport Library, the legendary Rolling Stones guitarist and longtime Nutmeg State local accepted the new honor from Governor Ned Lamont for his civic and cultural contributions to the state. Richards was also presented with the rare distinction of a key to the state.
“I’ve been inspired by the Rolling Stones for more than 50 years,” Lamont addressed the audience of local celebrities. “I hope you have as well. Keith Richards is an amazing member of our community. We’re so proud that he’s here and I’m so proud of the opportunity to give him this award of excellence.”
Richards has lived in Connecticut since 1985 and spoke of his love for his home in Weston through his acceptance speech, after being presented with a custom medallion by Lamont and First Lady Ann Lamont.
“I’d like to say thank you to you all, and thank you to the state of Connecticut. You kind of get lost for words with something like this around your neck. I’ve been here for 40 years and it’s been a great place for me. I brought the kids up here. I was interested when the kids were here and I said I have to get the kids out of New York City so they could get some fresh air to breathe. So, we moved up here, and every ever since, we’ve had a great life.… I’m incredibly happy about everything, especially things like this, because you don’t get them every day.”
Last year, The Rolling Stones celebrated the release of their 24th studio album and an incredible legacy of music with the Hackney Diamonds World Tour, a sprawling global arena run with 20 U.S. tour dates from April 28 to July 21. While there’s no word yet on any further plans, the tireless band is bound to hit the road again soon.
