Rod Stewart has been singing for over 60 years! It’s hard to believe that this mid-styled beachy-coiffed rocker is… 80!? Let that sink in. Rod got his career start busking on the streets, then eventually joined a band called the Dimensions. Influenced by soul and blues, he drew inspiration from Otis Redding. Rod Stewart soon formed a band called Steampacket, and later joined forces with the renowned guitarist Jeff Beck. This led him to his long solo career. It also led to his Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2025 AMAs.
Rod Stewart’s History of Hits
Since the late 1960s, Rod Stewart has released over 30 studio albums at a fairly regular pace, with one coming out approximately every few years. He is one of the best-selling musical artists of all time, having sold over 120 million records. Billboard ranked Rod as the 15th Greatest Artist of all time. He continues to go strong today!
His hits like “Maggie May,” “Have I Told You Lately,” “Sailing” (not the Christopher Cross song), “Young Turks,” and the blockbuster “Forever Young” have been chart toppers. Rod has collaborated with the likes of Stevie Wonder and Eric Clapton. His impressive number of hits throughout the years and ability to connect with fans show that Rod has truly earned his AMA Lifetime Achievement award.
Rod Stewart’s Personal Life
Let’s hit it right out of the gate – Sir Rod Stewart has been married a few times, and he has had several significant others throughout his life. He has eight children, from five different partners. His most publicized relationship was with New Zealand model Rachel Hunter. Rod has been with his third wife, Penny Lancaster-Stewart, since 2007.
The music icon was knighted in 2016 for his outstanding service to music and philanthropy. He is an avid car collector, including Porsches and Ferraris. Rod also has survived two different types of cancer, thyroid and prostate. Between his busy music career, songwriting, and family time, he still manages to give back and connect with fans.
Final Thoughts: Rod Stewart and the 2025 AMAs
The 2025 AMA ceremony, which aired on Monday, May 26th, bestowed the much-coveted Lifetime Achievement Award to Rod Stewart. He recorded more than 50 songs on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. Rod Stewart was also inducted into the US Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1994.
When it came time to present the AMA Lifetime Achievement trophy, five out of Rod Stewart’s eight children were there.
He was amazed, stating that he was “absolutely flabbergasted.” Rod Stewart went on to thank everybody who had helped him in the business, and he quipped that there wasn’t much television back in the day, which led to his large number of children. Rod might have a good chance at stand-up comedy, should he ever want to retire from singing! But for now, we appreciate all the music that Rod Stewart has brought us, and we celebrate his 2025 AMA award.
