On a Roll

The next step for the Rolling Stones was to get a contract. British record companies were desperate to find a band to become the next big thing. One company in particular, Decca Records, was keen to find their big act. One of their talent scouts, Dick Rowe, had become famous as the man who turned down the Beatles, and he wanted to set things right. Dick ran into the Beatles' George Harrison one night, and George told him to check out the Rolling Stones. Not wanting to blow it again, Dick wasted no time. After going to see them play, Dick offered the boys a deal, and on May 14, 1963, Dick Rowe and Decca Records signed the Rolling Stones to a record contract. They had a steady lineup, a stream of live gigs, and now a record deal. The band was ready to go.