Founding Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards made a special appearance at The Westport Library in Westport, Connecticut, on Wednesday, March 5, to receive a prestigious new honor from the governor of his adopted home state, Ned Lamont.
Gov. Lamont presented the rock icon with the inaugural Connecticut Governor’s Award of Excellence.
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The ceremony began with an introduction by the library’s executive director, Bill Harmer, who explained that the award “celebrates Connecticut residents who embody the state’s core values—creativity, resourcefulness, passion, dynamicism, and generosity.”
Harmer continued, “Mr. Richards exemplifies all of these qualities, not only through his incredible contributions to music, but also through his ongoing commitment to to our community. His impact here in Connecticut is immeasurable, and today we recognize that.”
Harmer also noted that since Richards became a Connecticut resident in 1985, “he has continuously used his influence and his resources to support people and [charitable] organizations.”
The library director added, “[Keith’s] unwavering support of the arts, education, [and] accessibility measures has made a tangible difference in the lives of so many people in the state. … Today we honor him … not just for his musical achievements, but for the incredible heart and generosity he has shown to those around him.”
Harmer then welcomed Gov. Lamont to the stage to present the Award of Excellence to Richards.
Gov. Lamont’s Humorous Introduction
Before bringing Richards up to receive the honor, Gov. Lamont presented a humor-filled introductory speech.
“Let me tell you about this award of cultural and civic excellence,” Lamont began. “It was created … for Keith Richards just so I get to introduce Keith Richards, so it worked with some persistence.
The governor also praised Richards’ music contributions, mentioning the famous surprise concert that The Rolling Stones played in 1989 at the popular New Haven, Connecticut, music club Toad’s Place.
Lamont also repeated a conversation he had with Richards in which Keith explained how he ended up moving to Connecticut.
“He said, ‘Me and [my wife] Patti with the kids [were] living downtown [in New York City],” the governor shared. “‘[It] got a little crowded. We wanted some peace and quiet, went to New York, turned left, and ended up in Weston, Connecticut, about 40 years ago.’ And he’s been an amazing member of the community there ever since.”
Lamont Joked That Keith Was One of His “Top Political Advisers”
Lamont then joked that, unbeknownst most people, including Richards himself, Keith “is one of my top political advisers.”
He went on to explain that, “because I grew up listening to The Rolling Stones, their music is part of my brain trust.”
Lamont proceeded to discuss how various Stones songs pop into his head when he’s faced with various issues and conflicts as governor, using the library’s sound system to demonstrate what he means.
He noted that when he considers whether Connecticut state should be more involved or less involved in housing regulations, “Gimme Shelter” inspire him.
Lamont then commented about when he considers whether he should focus more on supporting big businesses or small business, he thinks about “Start Me Up.”
Lastly, the governor explained that Connecticut has 187 legislators, and they all generally want him to allocate more money for the state’s budget.
He then quipped, “I say, ‘Keith, what … should I do? What should I tell them?’” The sound system then played “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”
Richards Addressed the Crowd After Receiving the Award of Excellence
In concluding his introduction, Gov. Lamont said, “I’ve been inspired by The Rolling Stones for 50 years. I hope you have as well. Keith Richards is an amazing member of our community, and we’re so proud that he’s here. And I’m so proud for the opportunity to give him this Award [of] Excellence.”
Richards then stepped up to the podium and, after a brief delay, Lamont’s wife, Annie, brought the award to the stage and placed it around Keith’s neck. The award consisted of a metal medallion attached to a cloth ribbon.
The 81-year-old Rock & Roll Hall of Famer then gave a brief speech.
“Thank you very much, and thank you, Connecticut,” he began. “You kind of get lost for words with something like this around your neck. And all I got to say is that I’ve been here for … 40 years, and it’s been a great place for me.”
Richards continued, “When the kids were young, I said, ‘Well, I’ve got to get the kids out of New York City before … they don’t get any fresh air at all.’ And so, we moved up here and … ever since then, we’ve had a great life. The family’s had a great life. The kids grew up great.”
He added, “I’m incredibly happy about everything, especially things like this [medal], ’cause you don’t get ’em every day.”
Richards Praised The Westport Library, Promoted Reading Books
With the ceremony taking place in the impressive Westport Library, Keith also took time to praise the facility, and stress how important books are.
“This is a great building, a wonderful library, which even I didn’t know the full extent of,” he said. Richards also touched on how books inspire one’s imagination, noting that with a book, “you have a movie in your head.” He added, cheekily, “[I]t’s very important that we keep our books unburnt.”
At the conclusion of the ceremony, Richards was presented with a Westport Library card.
Other Music Celebs Spotted in the Audience
Several noteworthy people from the music world attended the ceremony. They included Psychedelic Furs frontman Richard Butler, original Alice Cooper bassist Dennis Dunaway, and John Lennon’s one-time girlfriend and assistant May Pang. Also spotted were former Saturday Night Live band vocalist Christine Ohlman and former Cramps and A-Bones drummer and Norton Records co-founder Miriam Linna.