When and why did Mick Taylor join the Rolling Stones in 1969?

Mick Taylor joined the Rolling Stones in June 1969, just weeks before Brian Jones was found dead in his swimming pool. Jones had been fired from the band on June 8, and the Stones needed a replacement guitarist fast for their upcoming free concert in Hyde Park and the subsequent US tour.

The 21-year-old Taylor came recommended by John Mayall, whose Bluesbreakers had already spawned Eric Clapton and Peter Green. Taylor had been the band’s lead guitarist for two years and had a fluid, jazzy style that suited the Stones’ new direction. He learned their set in days and played his first show with them on July 5, 1969 — a tribute to Jones that also marked the band’s public return.