81 Licks: Mick Jagger Birthday Special
The most influential Rocker of all time, was born on July 26, 1943
81 Licks: Mick Jagger Birthday Special
The life of Mick Jagger blends with the birth of Modern Rock. Jim Morrison of The Doors once called him “A Prince Among Men”, and, he remains to this day, perhaps the most influential Rocker of all time, with a career that has spanned over 5 decades, Jagger is a living legend that shows no signs to slow down or stop any time sooner. With the Rolling Stones, which he co-founded in 1962, Jagger started his adventure, the “biggest Rock N’ Roll band in the world” has released since 1962, over 30 studio albums and countless compilations, live albums and singles around the world. A well-oiled machine kept for decades by original members Jagger, Keith Richards and Charlie Watts (1941-2021), together with Ronnie Wood who joined the Stones in 1974. And the Stones could not exist without Mick Jagger, his charisma, pose, influential and distinctive moves, his scandals and his voice. He saw multiple Rockers that he influenced becoming themselves Rock legends, such as Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie and Jim Morrison among so many others, and then disappearing, but Jagger always stayed. And still stays. He saw the fall and death of Rolling Stone founder and guitarist Brian Jones at age 27 and he saw the band falling apart and get back on track…In a way, Jagger’s life ends up imitating the narrative told on “Sympathy for the Devil”. He saw it all.
The 1960’s saw Mick Jagger going to absolute stardom and with it, several scandals related with drugs and sex, which made popular the now famous “Sex, Drugs and Rock N’ Roll”, helping to create the prototype for the classic stereotype of the Rock Star lifestyle. Together with his Glimmer Twin Keith Richards he was arrested in 1967 on several occasions including for drug possession and for attempting against the good morals. Also with Richards, he has been the main songwriter for the band, having penned some of Rock’s greatest songs ever. Too many to mention. He has also been a man of “some girls”. Jagger had his first child in 1970, from American singer Marsha Hunt. He has eight children with five different women and his two marriages, with Bianca Jagger and Jerry Hall have ended in controversy adding more to the legendary and restless story of Mick. He’s the very definition of unbeatable and to prove it, just recently shortly a month after a heart surgery, Jagger returned to the stage to continue with the current Rolling Stones world tour. Hopefully, he’ll “be around for a long long time”.
A brief look back on the life of a legend
Mick Jagger was born Michael Philip Jagger on July 26, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, England. He grew up in a middle-class family; his father, Basil Fanshawe “Joe” Jagger, was a teacher, and his mother, Eva Ensley Mary, was an active member of the Conservative Party. Jagger showed an early interest in music, singing in the church choir and listening to American blues and rock and roll records.
Jagger attended the London School of Economics, where he initially considered a career in finance or politics. However, his passion for music led him to form a band with his childhood friend Keith Richards. Along with Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, and Bill Wyman, they formed The Rolling Stones in 1962. The band’s raw energy and rebellious image quickly made them a popular counterpoint to The Beatles’ more polished style.
The Rolling Stones’ early hits like “Satisfaction,” “Paint It Black,” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” established them as one of the leading bands of the 1960s. Jagger’s charismatic stage presence, distinct voice, and energetic performances became the band’s trademark.
The Rolling Stones continued to evolve musically throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with Jagger leading the charge. Albums like “Sticky Fingers” (1971), “Exile on Main St.” (1972), and “Some Girls” (1978) showcased the band’s versatility and Jagger’s growing prowess as a songwriter. Despite occasional tensions within the band, Jagger and Richards’ partnership remained the cornerstone of their success.
Jagger also pursued a solo career, releasing his first solo album, “She’s the Boss,” in 1985. Although his solo work received mixed reviews, it demonstrated his ability to explore different musical styles and collaborate with a range of artists.
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, The Rolling Stones continued to tour and release new music, maintaining their status as one of the greatest rock bands in history. Jagger’s stage presence and endurance remained undiminished, captivating audiences worldwide.
Mick Jagger’s personal life has been as high-profile as his music career. He has been married twice and has eight children with five different women. His relationships and lifestyle have often been the subject of media attention. Despite this, Jagger has managed to maintain a degree of privacy, balancing his public persona with his personal life.
In addition to his musical career, he has pursued interests in acting and film production, demonstrating his versatility and creativity.
In 1989, Jagger was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2004 into the UK Music Hall of Fame with the Rolling Stones. As member of the Stones, and as solo artist, he reached number one on the UK and US singles charts with 13 singles, the Top 10 with 32 singles and the Top 40 with 70 singles. In 2003, he was knighted for his services to popular music. Today this absolute and unique living legend that we cannot imagine living without, turns 81, we’ve compiled some of Mick Jagger’s and the Rolling Stones highlights in their career on this special to celebrate his birthday, also we included a Rolling Stones lyric quiz and a Top 10 Mick Jagger Solo songs. Please to meet you.
Watch more Rolling Stones related videos
Images and photographs can be from different ranges of sources such as Pinterest, Tumblr etc. except when/where noted. If you are the copyright holder and would like them removed or credited, please get in touch.
