Rock Royalty Keith Richards Recognized By Governor Lamont At Westport Library Award Ceremony
Longtime Weston, Connecticut Resident Awarded Inaugural Governor’s Award of Excellence in the Library’s Trefz Forum.
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Westport Library Press Release, Wednesday, March 5th:
The Westport Library was the site of a wonderful convergence of politics, rock and roll, and community service, with Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont honoring legendary Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards as the inaugural recipient of the Governor’s Award of Excellence. Richards, a longtime Connecticut resident, was recognized for his contributions in enriching Connecticut’s cultural and civic life.
The award, presented to Richards on stage by Connecticut First Lady Ann Lamont, consisted of a custom-designed medallion — crafted by State Trooper Danny Carvalho and manufactured by the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) — along with a ribbon designed and sewn by Enfield-based fashion designer Justin Haynes.
“I’d like to say thank you to you all, and thank you to the state of Connecticut,” Richards said in accepting the award. “You kind of get lost for words with something like this around your neck. I’ve been here for 40 years, and it’s been a great place for me. I brought the kids up here. When the kids were young, I said, I have to get the kids out of New York City before they don’t get any fresh air at all. So, we moved up here, and ever since, we’ve had a great life. … I’m incredibly happy about everything, especially things like this, because you don’t get them every day.”
The Connecticut Governor’s Award of Excellence is a new honor celebrating residents who epitomize the state’s core values: creativity, resourcefulness, passion, dynamism, and generosity. Additionally, Richards received a governor’s proclamation offering the “Key to the State.”
In his comments on state, Richards said, “This is a great building, a wonderful library, which even I didn’t know the full extent of, adding “As Bill was saying earlier, without our books, without knowing things, without knowing their special meaning — this isn’t movies, this is not someone drawing you images. This is a book, and you have the movie in your head, and it’s very important that we keep our books unburnt”, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd. The reference to book burning which has taken place at various points in history was in his mind, and he ended his remarks by thanking everyone again and adding, “just watch out for matches”. Richards thanked the Governor for “his persistence” in moving forward with giving this award for the rock star’s many achievements.
An excerpt from the event can be found on the Library’s YouTube channel: Governor's Award of Excellence: Keith Richards
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In addition to receiving the “Key To The State”, Richards expressed real delight at receiving a freshly printed Westport Library Card which was presented by Library Executive Director Bill Harmer. Richards, a Connecticut resident since 1985, was honored for his deep commitment to supporting the local community. Through his generosity and dedication to organizations like SPHERE, which enhances the lives of adults with disabilities, and The Prospector Theater, which provides meaningful employment through the magic of film, Richards has used his influence to uplift and empower others. Richards was clear in his praise of the Westport Library, saying, “ This is a great building, a wonderful library, even I didn’t know the full extent of”.
Richards has also been an advocate for arts, education, and accessibility initiatives throughout the state, further exemplifying his dedication to making a lasting impact.
“I’ve been inspired by the Rolling Stones for more than 50 years, I hope you have as well,” Governor Lamont said during his address to the assembled crowd. “Keith Richards is an amazing member of our community. We’re so proud that he’s here and I’m so proud to have the opportunity to give him this award of excellence.”
Said Westport Library Executive Director Bill Harmer: “As we celebrate Keith today, we are reminded that libraries are not just places to borrow books; they are agencies for equality, opportunity, creativity, and empowerment. At The Westport Library, we are proud to be an institution that provides free access to knowledge, culture, and creativity for all, just as Keith described. His recognition today is a celebration not only of his music but of the values we hold dear: creativity, authenticity, and the belief that art and culture have the power to change lives.”
When Richards entered the Trefz Forum he was instantly surrounded by fans looking for photos and selfies, who are also top officials in Connecticut state government. Above are library Executive Director Bill Harmer, CT Attorney General William Tong, Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, Erick Russell, state Treasurer and Governor Lamont.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
When the program began, Keith listened to opening remarks by Bill Harmer, seated with the Governor and state officials, and then was introduced by Lamont.
Approximately 200 invited guests were in attendance, including Psychedelic Furs frontman Richard Butler, Alice Cooper Group bassist Dennis Dunaway, Cramps drummer and Norton Records founder Miriam Linna, SNL Beehive Queen Christine Ohlman, renowned saxophonist Crispin Cioe (Rolling Stones, James Brown), and Paul Butterfield Blues Band keyboardist and Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Mark Naftalin. Other notable names for the afternoon were Today show host Craig Melvin, award-winning sports journalist and podcaster Lindsay Czarniak, renowned music producer and audio engineer Rob Fraboni, and acclaimed TV journalist and rock memoirist Alisyn Camerota.
Richards is regarded as one of the greatest guitarists in the history of music. His career with the Rolling Stones dates back over seven decades, to the early 1960s, and his songwriting partnership with Stones frontman Mick Jagger is heralded as one of the most successful and prolific in rock history. Among his signature songs are “Jumpin' Jack Flash,” “Satisfaction,” “Ruby Tuesday,” “Start Me Up,” “Happy,” “Miss You,” “Brown Sugar,” “Gimme Shelter,” “Wild Horses,” “It's Only Rock n' Roll (But I Like it),” and “As Tears Go By,” to name a few.
Above, CT Attorney General William Tong checks in at the desk. Next, State Treasurer Erick Russell and department Chief Of Staff Kevin Alvarez, then Russell with Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas. At right, Thomas with Y’s Men of Westport and Weston president Bruce Borner.
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Above, Bruce Borner with former First Selectman Jim Marpe with wife Mary Ellen. Next, Westport RTM members Sal Liccione and David Rosanwaks, State Rep for Westport Jonathan Steinberg and a library staff member. Center: Dan Woog and Miggs Burroughs were in attendance along with one of a large number of members of the media. CT Department of Revenue Services Commissioner Mark Boughton, and at right, Westport PD Chief of Police Foti Koskinas with wife Christina.
Guests spoke together after the event concluded, commenting on what a special day it was to be a part of. The TV media cameras were abundant, as well as web and digital media photographers. Media interviews of some of the notable guests were conducted after the presentation ceremony, including Christine Ohlman, nicknamed "The Beehive Queen" for her distinctive platinum beehive hairstyle. Christine has been a vocalist for the Saturday Night Live Band for over 30 years. She has performed at the library several times and will be appearing at the library's VersoFest 2025 event in April: VersoFest Welcomes Christine Ohlman. Richard Butler, lead singer of Psychedelic Furs was also in attendance and was interviewed as well.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.