The Rolling Stones are one of the most enduring bands in rock 'n' roll, having released upwards of 20 studio albums alone, and have embarked on some of the largest and most epic world tours known to the industry. Before they became globally ubiquitous, the Rolling Stones were a pioneering act of the first order, a gritty, blues-based rock 'n' roll band that played in stark contrast to the hum-able Beatles fare and gave face to a new legion of bold and bawdy rock stars. Melding influences far and wide, including hard rock, psychedelic, pop, blues, and country, the Stones were founded in London in 1962 by multi-instrumentalist Brian Jones and blues piano player Ian Stewart, and were eventually rounded out by the rest of the troop, comprised of singer Mick Jagger, guitarist Keith Richards, bassist Bill Wyman, and drummer Charlie Watts.