Robert Henry Keys, also known as Bobby, was born December 18, 1943 in Slaton (Texas), United States. He is an American saxophone musician and was a member one of the most prominent horn sections of 1970s. He is featured on the albums of The Rolling Stones’, Harry Nilsson’s, Delaney Bramlett’s, George Harrison’s All Things Must Pass and Eric Clapton’s Mad Dogs u0026 Englishmen. Since 1956, Keys has been a performing musician. Keys began touring with Bobby Vee, a fellow Texan Buddy Holly, at the age of fifteen. Keys is most well-known as the main saxophone player of The Rolling Stones. Keys was a part of every Stones album, from 1969 to 1974, as well as 1980 to the present. He has also performed on every Stones tour since 1970. Keys has been credited on many recordings, including “The Wanderer” by Dion. Keys met the Rolling Stones in San Antonio Teen Fair 1964. His relationship with Keith Richards, both as a musician and friend, is well-known. (There is a movie of Richards and Keys throwing a TV set from the 10th story of a hotel during 1972 American Tour. This film is not yet available. Keys recorded with them on the track “Live with Me” in 1969. Let it Bleed saw the debut of Keys and Mick Taylor. Keys and Mick Jagger became friends in the 1970s. Keys was an attendant at Jagger’s wedding. Keys, along with Jim Price on trumpet and Keys, toured with The Stones in 1970 and 1971, 1972 and 1973. Keys also toured with Steve Madaio, Trevor Lawrence and Steve Madaio on the first half the 1973 European Tour. Keys was then thrown out of the tour after missing a few shows. Legend has it that Keys filled a tub with Dom Perignon champagne, and consumed most of it. This allegedly caused Keys to have a falling out of touch with Mick Jagger. Keys was only able to guest on a few shows from the 1978 and 1975 tours and missed the 1976 tour. Ernie Watts was his main sax player on the 1981 tour. Keys performed two tracks. Keys, Gene Barge and Keys have toured together ever since. Keys is also featured in 1971 concert movie Mad Dogs and Englishmen. He narrates his childhood while driving around Dallas. Keys also recorded “Return to Sender”, Elvis Presley’s song. However, this recording is not confirmed. Keys also recorded John Lennon’s first American solo #1 single hit “Whatever Gets You Through the Night”, which was his only US #1. Keys was part of John Lennon’s Lost Weekend from 1973-1975 in Los Angeles with Ringo Starr and Harry Nilsson. Keys was a member of the Plastic Ono band and was also a part of Lennon’s album Walls and Bridges and Roll ‘n’ Roll. Keys also participated in the final recorded session between Paul McCartney and Lennon, A Toot and a Snore. Keys was appointed musical director of Ronnie Wood’s Miami club, “Woody’s on the Beach” in the late 1980s. Keys booked Jerry Lee Lewis and Fats Domino the first week of the club’s opening. While he is most well-known as a session musician and singer, Keys also released two albums in the 1970s. One was self-titled and featured Ringo Starr and George Harrison. The other was Gimme the Key, which was recorded by Warner Bros. Records and released in 1972. Keys was still active in 2011 and appeared with the Athens, Georgia band Bloodkin at their “Exile On Lumpkin Street” concert at the Georgia Theater. Bloodkin performed their own music and sang along to songs from the three biggest Stones albums, “Let It Bleed,” and “Sticky Fingers.” Wikipedia
