In 1960, one was studying at the London School of Economics and the other at the Dartford Art School. They shared a mutual interest in rhythm and blues music and eventually formed one of the most popular groups of all time, the Rolling Stones. Who were th

In 1960, Mick Jagger was indeed a student at the London School of Economics, pursuing a degree in finance and accounting. He had aspirations of becoming a lawyer, journalist, or politician, and was a bright student who earned a grant for his studies. Simultaneously, Keith Richards was attending Sidcup Art College, which was previously known as Dartford Art School, after being expelled from Dartford Technical School in 1959.

Their paths famously reconnected on a train platform in Dartford, England, in October 1961. Though they had been childhood friends (Review) and classmates at Wentworth Primary School in Dartford, they had lost touch. This chance encounter was pivotal, as Jagger was carrying rhythm and blues records by artists like Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters, revealing their shared passion for American blues music. This mutual interest quickly led to them forming a musical partnership.

By 1962, Jagger and Richards, along with Brian Jones, Bill Wyman, and Charlie Watts, formed the Rolling Stones. The band's name was inspired by a Muddy Waters track titled "Rollin' Stone." The Rolling Stones rapidly became known for their gritty, rhythmically driven sound, rooted deeply in blues and early rock and roll. Their early performances were packed with covers of blues legends, and they were at the forefront of the British Invasion, popularizing American blues music for a new generation both in Britain and the United States. Jagger eventually left the London School of Economics in 1963 to fully commit to his burgeoning musical career with the band.