The core group of what would make the early Rolling Stones first came together on April 7, 1962, when Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were introduced to original Stones guitarist Brian Jones.

All three were attending a performance by the band Blues Incorporated at the Ealing Jazz Club in London. They were introduced by the group’s founder Alexis Korner.

Blues Incorporated was a revolving group of London’s top musicians and also featured Charlie Watts on drums for a period of time. After Watts left to join the Rolling Stones, he was replaced by Cream legend Ginger Baker. Jagger, Richards and Jones, along with Blue Inc. member Ian Stewart, had their first informal rehearsal shortly after meeting.

The group also invited guitarist Geoff Bradford and vocalist Brian Knight to the session but they both passed on the group because they didn’t like its rock and roll sound. The Stones gave their first performance on July 12, 1962 at London’s Marquee Club, launching the career f one of the most important bands in rock history.