Westport, CT – Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards is set to receive Connecticut’s inaugural Governor’s Award of Excellence, Governor Ned Lamont announced Tuesday, March 4.
The distinction is established in 2025 and honors residents whose ingenuity, generosity, and passion have left an indelible mark on the state’s cultural and civic landscape.
A longtime Connecticut resident, Richards will be recognized not only for his legendary musical career but also for his deep-rooted commitment to community causes.
The support for local initiatives such as SPHERE, which enhances the lives of adults with disabilities, and The Prospector Theater, known for providing employment opportunities through film, underscores his dedication beyond the stage.
The ceremony, scheduled for March 5 at The Westport Library, will be an intimate gathering, open only to invited guests and members of the press due to space constraints.
The library will temporarily close from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. to accommodate the event.
Richards’ award includes a custom-crafted medallion designed by Connecticut State Trooper Danny Carvalho and produced by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology. A ribbon, stitched by Enfield-based fashion designer Justin Haynes, will accompany the honor. Additionally, Governor Lamont will present Richards with a proclamation granting him the “Key to the State.”
“Connecticut has long been home to some of the world’s boldest artists and most generous citizens,” Lamont said in his announcement. “Keith Richards exemplifies these qualities—not only as one of music’s most influential figures but as a steadfast supporter of arts and education.”
Richards, who settled in the state in 1985, has quietly contributed to various philanthropic efforts over the years. His influence extends beyond his electric riffs and timeless songwriting.
As a solo artist, he has released albums such as “Talk Is Cheap” and “Main Offender,” carving out an identity distinct from his Rolling Stones legacy. Onscreen, he made his mark as Captain Teague in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise, a role inspired by his rock-and-roll persona.
The Rolling Stones, a band he co-founded in the early 1960s, remains one of the most enduring acts in music history. Richards’ signature guitar work and songwriting partnership with Mick Jagger have produced anthems that span generations—“Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” “Gimme Shelter,” and “Brown Sugar” among them. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 1993, Richards’ influence on the industry is undisputed.
