CONGRATULATIONS: Rod Stewart Named One of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Music — But the Story Behind the Milestone Might Surprise You

It’s official: Rod Stewart, the raspy-voiced legend who defined generations of rock and soul, has been named one of TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Music. The honor places him alongside today’s brightest stars and trailblazers, a recognition of both his timeless artistry and his lasting cultural impact. Yet, beyond the glitter of the accolade, the journey that brought Stewart here is a story full of grit, reinvention, and surprising turns.

At first glance, Stewart’s career looks like a straightforward tale of stardom: stadium tours, chart-topping singles, and a wardrobe as flamboyant as his stage presence. But hidden behind the glitz are moments of doubt, struggle, and personal reinvention that shaped his resilience. This new milestone from TIME is less about celebrity and more about his enduring influence on music and humanity.

Stewart’s career began in the smoky clubs of London, where his early gigs were met with more indifference than applause. His voice—gravelly, raw, and unapologetically unique—didn’t fit the polished mold of the era’s popular crooners. What some saw as a weakness, Stewart turned into his greatest weapon, one that would eventually captivate millions across the globe.

The turning point came when he joined Faces, a scrappy rock band that perfectly matched his swagger and vocal style. It was here that Stewart found his rhythm, crafting a performance style that blurred the line between rock star bravado and heartfelt vulnerability. Audiences didn’t just hear him—they felt him, and that visceral connection became his signature.

By the 1970s, Stewart had cemented his place as a solo powerhouse with hits like Maggie May, which became an anthem for restless youth everywhere. His ability to blend rock, folk, and soul into something deeply personal set him apart from his peers. Each song felt like a confession, as though Stewart was singing directly to the listener.

Still, success didn’t shield him from criticism. As trends shifted, some critics dismissed Stewart as a relic of the past, unable to adapt to the fast-changing music landscape. But every time doubters counted him out, Stewart found a way to reinvent himself and reintroduce his artistry to a new audience.

One of the most surprising reinventions came in the early 2000s, when Stewart turned to the Great American Songbook. It was a bold move for a rock legend, stepping into the world of jazz standards once owned by Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett. To the shock of many, his raspy interpretations soared, introducing timeless classics to an entirely new generation.

That risk paid off beyond expectations. Stewart’s Songbook albums went multi-platinum, proving his versatility and cementing his status as more than a rock icon—he was a musical storyteller across genres. Instead of being confined by his past, he expanded it, embracing both tradition and reinvention.

For TIME, this adaptability is part of what made Stewart such a compelling figure for their list. Influence, after all, is not only about past achievements but also about shaping the present and inspiring the future. Stewart’s willingness to step outside his comfort zone has influenced countless younger artists who look to him as proof that longevity in music comes from evolution, not stubbornness.

Beyond music, Stewart’s influence extends into philanthropy and personal advocacy. He has supported cancer research, championed children’s charities, and quietly funded medical treatments for families in need. His acts of kindness—often away from the cameras—have made as much of an impact as his music.

Perhaps most surprising of all is Stewart’s unshakable bond with his fans. Even after decades in the spotlight, he treats every concert as a conversation, tossing soccer balls into the crowd and locking eyes with fans as though each one matters. This human connection, more than chart positions or magazine covers, is the foundation of his influence.

Stewart himself seemed humbled by the TIME recognition. In a recent statement, he credited his fans, his family, and even his critics for pushing him to grow. “I never set out to be influential,” he said, “I just wanted to sing from the heart—and if that’s touched people, then I’ve done my job.”

Industry insiders note that Stewart’s inclusion in TIME’s list signals more than just nostalgia. It’s an acknowledgment that influence isn’t measured by fleeting trends but by the ability to inspire across generations. Stewart’s journey proves that timeless music can come from a place of both authenticity and reinvention.

As the music world celebrates this milestone, it’s clear that Rod Stewart’s story is far from over. At 80, he continues to tour, record, and dream about new projects with the same energy he carried as a young man in London’s pubs. His legacy is not just written in the past—it is still unfolding, song by song, stage by stage.

So yes, Stewart has earned his place among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in Music. But the real story is not just about influence—it’s about resilience, generosity, and the power of staying true to one’s voice. And in Rod Stewart’s case, that voice will continue to echo for generations to come.