By the end of the decade he was a big enough draw to launch a solo career, which yielded him both a No. 1 album (‘Every Picture Tells a Story’) and single (‘Maggie May’) in 1971.

Singer Rod Stewart, who helped British rock conquer ... to The Faces -- shortly before Stewart released his debut solo album.

Singer Rod Stewart, who helped British rock conquer the world with a string of megahits, turns 80 on Jan 10 – with no plans ...

Stewart dominated pop charts during the 1970s and 1980s. Photo / Singer Rod Stewart, who helped British rock conquer the world with a string of megahits, turns 80 today - with no plans to slow down.