Ronald David Wood is an English rock guitarist and bassist. He is best known as a member of the iconic bands The Rolling Stones, Faces, and The Jeff Beck Group. His musical career is intrinsically linked to these influential groups that helped shape the landscape of rock music.
The narrative centers on Ron Wood's four-times Great Grandfather, Fr. Blas Ordaz, a Franciscan Priest who arrived in the Americas in 1806. Assigned to the Alta California mission system, Ordaz's life story unfolds through family lore spanning generations. Born in 1792 and passing away in 1850, the same year California achieved statehood, he is interred beneath the San Gabriel Mission in California. The book provides a unique glimpse into the historical and cultural context of early California through the lens of Ordaz's experiences.
For the first time, a member of the world’s most famous rock ‘n’ roll band shares his story in a raw, unsanitized, and fascinating account. Ronnie Wood, the first in his family born on dry land, grew up in a council flat near Heathrow Airport, coming from a lineage of water gypsies. His early passion for painting and music led him to become a talented musician in the 1960s, where he played with notable bands like the Birds, Jeff Beck, and the Faces before joining The Rolling Stones. Wood's guitar-playing reached new heights with the Stones, a band synonymous with rock royalty. From his debut performance on a flatbed truck in New York City, he became a central figure in the band's dynamic and tumultuous history. The Rolling Stones' unique blend of artistic success and longevity is unparalleled, surviving the clashes of their strong personalities. However, this success was accompanied by excess, as Wood navigated the mayhem of rock ‘n’ roll, facing challenges with harder drugs and complex relationships, particularly with Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. This captivating portrait also delves into the lives of other rock legends from the 1960s and beyond, offering a rich and revelatory perspective on the rock world. Readers will gain an unprecedented view of this vibrant era.
