The Stones Other Mick

Former Rolling Stones guitarist Mick Taylor turned 63 on Tuesday.  He was born on January 17, 1949 in Welwyn Garden City, England.

His skill as a musician landed him a gig with John Mayall's Bluesbreakers at the tender age of 17, but his big break came in 1969 when he joined The Rolling Stones, replacing Brian Jones.

Mick added his jazz and blues influenced guitar licks to classic albums like "Sticky Fingers", "Exile on Main Street", and "Goats Head Soup".  To me, one of his best contributions to The Stones is the lead guitar in the jam break of  "Can't You Hear Me Knocking" (entire solo below).

Not long after The Stones released 1974's "It's Only Rock 'N' Roll", Taylor quit the band, and was replaced by Ron Wood.  The sad story of his current life, after having been cut off from Stones' royalties for 30 years, is described in an in-depth interview in The Mail in 2009.

One thing no one can take away from Mick Taylor: his brilliant playing.

Keith Richards has mentioned inviting Taylor to join the band if they celebrate their 50th anniversary this year. No word on whether he's considering the offer.

What's your favorite Stones song featuring Mick Taylor?  Let us know below!