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Rolling Stone Keith Richards writing children's book with daughter

The guitarist has penned a book about learning guitar from his grandfather

Jess Denham
Wednesday 12 March 2014 09:24 EDT
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Keith Richards is publishing 'Gus and Me: The Story of My Granddad and My First Guitar', a children's book about his introduction to music
Keith Richards is publishing 'Gus and Me: The Story of My Granddad and My First Guitar', a children's book about his introduction to music (Getty Images)

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Keith Richards is publishing a children's book about how his grandfather inspired him to learn guitar.

The Rolling Stones guitarist will reminisce on his introduction to music in Gus and Me: The Story of My Granddad and My First Guitar, which will be published as an ebook and hardback later this year.

Richards, 70, was taught guitar by his jazz musician grandfather Theodore Augustus Dupree.

"I have just become a grandfather for the fifth time, so I know what I'm talking about," he said.

"The bond, the special bond, between kids and grandparents is unique and should be treasured. This is a story of one of those magical moments. May I be as great a grandfather as Gus was to me."

The rock legend will recount their "vivid and moving story" in a book illustrated in pen and ink by his artist daughter, Theodore Dupree Richards.

"To be able to explore my father's relationship with his grandfather was a gift in itself," she said. “The things that I've learnt during this whole process have just been life affirming."

Little, Brown publishers' Megan Tingley told the BBC: "Who wouldn't welcome the opportunity to meet Keith Richards as a young boy? Gus and Me invites readers to be in the room at the electrifying moment that Keith holds a guitar in his hands for the first time."

Gus and Me will also include Richards family photos.

Richards has had past success in the publishing world, after his 2010 autobiography Life sold more than two million copies worldwide.

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