Mick Jagger, born Michael Phillip Jagger, is an English musician, singer, songwriter, producer, and actor, best known as the lead vocalist and principal creative force behind the legendary rock band The Rolling Stones. Frequently described as one of the most intelligent figures in rock music, Jagger has played a central role in transforming rock from a rebellious youth movement into a global cultural and commercial industry. With an estimated fortune exceeding $200 million, he ranks among the wealthiest musicians in the world.

Early Life and Education

Mick Jagger was born on July 26, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, England. His father, Basil Fanshawe “Joe” Jagger, was a teacher, while his mother, Eva Ensley Mary Scutts, was an active member of the Conservative Party. He attended Dartford Grammar School, where he first met Keith Richards, a friendship that would later prove historically significant.

Jagger went on to study at the London School of Economics on a scholarship. However, in 1962 he abandoned his university education to pursue a career in music. Despite having no formal musical training and not being able to read sheet music, Jagger was already deeply committed to singing and performance, a passion that would define the rest of his life.

Formation of The Rolling Stones

During the early 1960s, Mick Jagger was a regular visitor to London’s key blues venues, including the Marquee Club and The Ealing Club. He admired musicians rooted in American blues, particularly Brian Jones and Keith Richards. Alongside Richards, Bill Wyman, Ian Stewart, and Charlie Watts, Jagger co-founded The Rolling Stones in 1962.

The band took its name from Muddy Waters’ song “Rollin’ Stone Blues.” Their first live performance took place at the Marquee Club in London. In the group’s early years, Jagger struggled with stage confidence, but he gradually developed a commanding performance style, drawing inspiration from artists such as Ike Turner and Tina Turner. As he began writing songs with Richards, the two formed one of the most celebrated songwriting partnerships in rock history.

Early Success and British Breakthrough

In April 1963, manager Andrew Loog Oldham saw the band perform at the Crawdaddy Club and signed them the following day. Shortly thereafter, the group secured a recording contract with Decca Records. Their debut single, “Come On,” was released in May 1963, followed by “I Wanna Be Your Man,” written by John Lennon and Paul McCartney of The Beatles.

By early 1964, the band’s cover of Bo Diddley’s “Not Fade Away” entered the UK Top 10, marking their first major chart success. Their debut album reached number one, and singles such as “It’s All Over Now” and “The Last Time” cemented their popularity. In 1965, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” propelled The Rolling Stones to global fame.

Controversy, Change, and Tragedy

In 1966, Jagger ended a three-year relationship with Chrissie Shrimpton and began a highly publicized relationship with singer Marianne Faithfull. The following year, Jagger, Faithfull, and Richards were arrested during a drug raid at Richards’ home, an event that kept the band under intense media scrutiny.

During this turbulent period, the band released the single “We Love You” as a gesture of gratitude to their supporters. Meanwhile, legal issues prevented Brian Jones from touring the United States. He was replaced by guitarist Mick Taylor, and shortly afterward, on July 3, 1969, Jones was found dead in his swimming pool.

Late 1960s–1970s: Artistic Peak

A memorial concert for Brian Jones was held at Hyde Park, followed by the release of “Honky Tonk Women.” Despite another tragedy at a concert involving the Hell’s Angels motorcycle club, the band entered what many consider their artistic peak.

In 1971, after ending their relationship with Decca Records, the band launched their own label, Rolling Stones Records. That same year, they released Sticky Fingers, featuring album artwork designed by Andy Warhol. Albums such as Exile on Main St. and Goats Head Soup followed, with the ballad “Angie” becoming one of the band’s most enduring songs.

Acting and Solo Career

Mick Jagger made his acting debut in 1968 in the film Performance, directed by Nicolas Roeg. Two years later, he portrayed Australian outlaw Ned Kelly, further establishing his credibility as an actor.

In 1985, Jagger launched his solo music career with the album She’s the Boss, followed by Primitive Cool (1987), Wandering Spirit (1993), and Goddess in the Doorway (2001). While pursuing solo projects, he continued to record and tour with The Rolling Stones.

The Rolling Stones’ Later Years

In 1989, Jagger and Richards reunited creatively in Eddy Grant’s Barbados studio to record Steel Wheels, which marked a major comeback for the band. The album’s success led to one of their most acclaimed world tours.

Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, Mick Jagger remained central to the band’s longevity. Albums such as Bridges to Babylon and A Bigger Bang reaffirmed their relevance. The latter included “Sweet Neo Con,” a song openly critical of George W. Bush.

Personal Life

Mick Jagger’s personal life has been marked by numerous high-profile relationships. He had a daughter, Karis Jagger, with Marsha Hunt in 1970, and later married Bianca Pérez-Mora Macias, with whom he had a daughter, Jade Jagger. After their divorce, he entered a long-term relationship with supermodel Jerry Hall, with whom he had four children.

In 1999, Jagger’s relationship with Hall ended following the revelation that Brazilian model Luciana Gimenez was pregnant with his son, Lucas Jagger. Over the years, Jagger has fathered eight children with five women.

Business, Influence, and Cultural Legacy

Mick Jagger played a crucial role in turning The Rolling Stones into the first heavily sponsored rock band, contributing to the commercialization of modern music. He was also the first artist to sell a composition to Microsoft, further illustrating his business acumen.

Renowned painter Francis Bacon produced several portraits of Jagger, underscoring his status as a cultural icon beyond music. Legendary music executive Ahmet Ertegün was also a close associate, reflecting Jagger’s deep connections within the industry.

A lifelong curiosity in the unexplained has led Jagger to express interest in UFO phenomena. According to author Michael C. Luckman, Jagger and Marianne Faithfull reportedly witnessed a UFO in 1968.

Later Years

In the 2000s, Jagger continued to expand into film production through Jagged Films, co-founded with Victoria Pearman. He also collaborated with acclaimed director Martin Scorsese on multiple projects, including the Rolling Stones documentary Shine a Light.

Mick Jagger remains one of the most influential figures in modern music history—a performer, strategist, and cultural symbol whose impact on rock music, popular culture, and the music industry is virtually unmatched.

Source: Biyografiler.com