Imagine raising a glass for a raspy-voiced lad from North London who has shown us all how to give our hearts to rock ’n’ roll. From all of us here at Grateful Web, we’re thrilled to celebrate Rod Stewart’s 80th birthday. Now, you know, Rod the Mod isn’t just any bloke—he’s a shining figure who’s carried a rebel’s soul and a romantic’s heart through decades of iconic music.

Born on January 10, 1945, young Rod kicked off his career as a streetwise youngster in London. He tried his hand at a few gigs—busking around, dabbling in skiffle, and picking up bits of this and that from the blues clubs. But it was with The Jeff Beck Group in the late ’60s that our man really started to catch some attention. Teaming up with Jeff Beck, he belted out vocals that caught fire: raw, soulful, and as real as it gets.

After that burst of energy, Rod hopped aboard The Faces alongside Ronnie Wood. That scruffy lot brought a certain swagger to the scene—wild nights, singalong choruses, and a brew of British rock that was equal parts cheeky and heartfelt. With The Faces, Rod proved he wasn’t just a singer; he was a frontman, leading the charge with a sense of humor, sincerity, and a downright contagious love for the stage.

Even while rocking with The Faces, Rod put out solo cuts that turned heads around the globe. By the early ’70s, the world was hooked on his voice—gritty yet warm, carrying the soulful imprint of folk, R&B, and pure rock. He charted a fearless course through the years, embracing disco flavors in the late ’70s, then reemerging with pop anthems in the ’80s, and later tackling American standards in the 2000s. Over time, he’s shown us ballads that melt the heart, rock numbers that shake the dance floor, and everything in between.

What sets Rod apart is his ability to stay honest to his voice and persona. He sings about love, heartbreak, and seizing the moment with a wink and a dash of mischief. His stage presence brims with an unmistakable charm—unforgettable hair, flashy outfits, and that unstoppable grin that says, “Let’s have a good time tonight.”

Rod’s worked with a fair few legends. He teamed back up with Jeff Beck in the mid-’80s for “People Get Ready.” And who can forget “All For Love” with Bryan Adams and Sting? The man’s also lent his pipes to everyone from Tina Turner to the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, sprinkling that gravelly magic wherever he goes. Knighted in 2016, Sir Rod remains a symbol of British musical grit fused with an international star’s flair.

Fifteen of Rod’s Greatest Songs

Rod’s got quite the roster, but here are 15 that capture his spirit—explosive, heartfelt, and timeless:

“Maggie May” (1971)

    The one that launched him to superstardom. A slice-of-life story about youthful romance gone awry, set to a killer melody that stays with you. Rod’s raspy delivery gave the track its irresistible charm.

“Reason to Believe” (1971)

    A gentle, introspective tune that shows Rod’s softer edge. His vocal phrasing adds a hint of grit, turning what could be a simple folk ballad into something deeply moving.

“You Wear It Well” (1972)

    A breezy, country-tinged number dripping with his trademark storytelling. Its catchy chorus and Rod’s confessional approach make it pure gold.

“Handbags and Gladrags” (1970)

    Originally written by Mike d’Abo, but Rod turned it into his own statement of heartfelt soulfulness. A top-notch showcase of that voice wrapped in poignant lyrics.

“Sailing” (1975)

    A soaring anthem that feels like a prayer to the open sea. Rod’s vocal performance is both powerful and tender, making it a classic singalong track.

“Tonight’s the Night (Gonna Be Alright)” (1976)

    Smooth, romantic, and sprinkled with mischief. This was prime Rod, blending sensual undertones and laid-back rock vibes that hooked listeners everywhere.

“Hot Legs” (1977)

    Straight-up fun rock ’n’ roll brashness. Shows off his playful side, with that driving beat that summons your dancing shoes in seconds.

“Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?” (1978)

    Rod embracing the disco swirl. The catchy hook and pulsing rhythm prove he could hop on a new trend and still sound undeniably like himself.

“Young Turks” (1981)

    A synthetic, new-wave vibe with an uplifting melody about youthful freedom. The key here is Rod’s ability to inject sincerity into a slick pop production.

“Baby Jane” (1983)

    Shimmering ’80s pop-rock with a knockout chorus. This track underlined his knack for shifting to contemporary sounds while remaining true to his core.

“Forever Young” (1988)

    A modern anthem that’s both reflective and triumphant. Rod’s voice soars here, mixing sentimentality with forward-looking optimism.

“Rhythm of My Heart” (1991)

    A nod to Celtic melodies featuring a military drumbeat backdrop. His passionate delivery raises it to a grand scale—perfect for a live stadium.

“The First Cut Is the Deepest” (1976)

    A Cat Stevens classic, but Rod’s voice underscores the heartbreak with gritty vulnerability. A shining example of how a cover can feel fresh when sung from the gut.

“Have I Told You Lately” (1993)

    Originally Van Morrison’s tune, yet Rod’s version gave it that plush, romantic glow. His phrasing reveals sincerity, making it a wedding favorite worldwide.

“All for Love” (1993, with Bryan Adams and Sting)

    A triple threat collaboration from The Three Musketeers soundtrack. Three distinct voices blend seamlessly, and Rod’s heartfelt roar stands out, as always.

Today, at 80 years young, Rod remains a one-of-a-kind presence. Whether he’s belting out rock staples, crooning standards, or dancing in the spotlight, he brings an ever-youthful spirit to his performances. His style has borrowed from the old American soul records, mixed it with British cheek, and sprinkled in that undeniable Scots spirit. You can hear it in every note he sings, a blend of grit and warmth that feels like a friend pulling you in for a pint and a story.

Rod’s creativity hasn’t faded, either. Recent records have him exploring fresh territory, yet he never leaves behind the husky charm that made him special. He’s reminded us all that music is an evolving art, a vibrant pursuit that welcomes reinvention while staying grounded in what made you great.

So from our hearts to yours, Rod, we salute you for the decades of unforgettable melodies and for showing us all how to keep the spark alive. Your voice, your wit, and your sparkling sense of showmanship will always have a seat at rock ’n’ roll’s grand table.

Here’s to Sir Rod Stewart at 80—still strutting, still singing, and still showing the world how it’s done. Happy birthday, Rod, from all of us at Grateful Web. Keep shining on.