Legendary guitarist and Rolling Stones co-founder Keith Richards was awarded the inaugural Governor’s Award of Excellence in Connecticut on Wednesday. The rock n’ roll giant accepted the award at the Westport Library in a velour jacket and beanie hat.

When Ned Lamont was a young boy, he learned about rock music by listening to the Rolling Stones. Today, more than 50 years later, Lamont is governor of Connecticut, and he decided that legendary Stones guitarist Keith Richards should be the first recipient of a new honor known as the Governor’s Award of Excellence.

The Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards received the Connecticut Governor's Award for Excellence on Wednesday (March 5) for his cultural contributions to the state. Speaking on stage at the Westport Library,