Mick Jagger needs no introduction – he’s been in the spotlight for almost five decades now, known throughout the world as one of the most recognizable rockers in music history. While most famous as the frontman for the Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger has extended his talented range from his own forays as a solo artist, to acting, movie producing, achieving knighthood, and having his share of well-publicized romantic entanglements. Simply, he’s an icon – one who’s defined (and defied) the times he’s lived in, a figure so ingrained in the public consciousness it would seem he has no privacy left. But he does, and he revels in shunning that ceaseless spotlight, preferring mystery to speak for the present, and the past to speak for itself. When he has something to say, it’s in his music – an artist to the end, a prophet to the people. Where would we be without him?
Born in England in 1943, Mick grew up near Keith Richards, and the two went to school together during their childhood years. Years later, they would meet again, but singing and music was something Mick only did on weekends. He was on course for a life in business, studying at the London School of Economics. But the promising band Mick played with called the Rolling Stones forced a major decision he knew he would have to make: commitment to music or to school; an uncertain future or a stable, secure career. Mick’s decision disappointed his parents, but now there was no looking back. He was making a go in music and the decision would pay off in the 60s when Mick would become a major force to be reckoned with.
Achieving cult status by the end of the 60s, Mick took to movies in the early 70s, but commitment to the Stones limited his other interests. It wouldn’t be until the 80s when he gave a solo career a shot, releasing two albums, recording with other artists, and teaming with David Bowie on “Dancing in the Streets” for the 1985 Live Aid benefit concert. Mick released another solo effort in 1993 and again in 2001 with Goddess in the Doorway, generally considered the best of the four solo albums. In 2004, his song contributions for the movie “Alfie” landed him a Golden Globe for “Old Habits Die Hard.”
Mick is father to seven children, and his romances are as well known as they are vast. His longtime relationship with Jerry Hall has been widely documented as well as his involvement with many others. But unlike celebrities who thrive off such gossip, Mick has always made it clear his music is top priority. For someone with no formal musical training, Jagger is a charismatic figure with amazing drawing power. His tours are touted as some of the best live shows of all time, and his legendary status is ensured into the new century. While a product of where he came from, Mick Jagger is beyond any one place or time. And that’s what it means to be an icon.
Mick on the Screen & Radio
Mick made his first appearance in narrative film in 1970 with the role of Turner in “Performance,” and later as Australian outlaw Ned Kelly in the self-titled film released the same year. He concocted the story of a rocker who meets his 13-year-old son for the first time in “Blame It on the Night” in 1984. Three years later, Mick would star, executive produce, co-write, and compose original music for “Running Out of Luck.” “Freejack” in 1992 saw Jagger team with Emilio Estevez and Anthony Hopkins in the sci-fi thriller, and he plays a transvestite in “Bent,” a horror film set in a Nazi death camp starring Clive Owen. In the late 90s, Mick formed a production company, Jagged Films, and “Enigma” was the company’s first release, with Mick serving as producer. “Old Habits Die Hard,” from the “Alfie” soundtrack in 2004, brought Mick Jagger a Golden Globe. He and the Stones are the subjects of numerous documentaries; most notably Jean-Luc Godard’s seminal 1968 film “Sympathy for the Devil,” and now Martin Scorsese’s “Shine a Light.” Mick’s solo albums were met with mostly mixed reviews. She’s the Boss was the first in 1985, followed closely with Primitive Cool two years later. A third, Wandering Spirit, was released in 1993. Goddess in the Doorway proved to be the most successful release, featuring the song “Visions of Paradise,” as well as a host of appearances including Lenny Kravitz and Bono.
Mick Says
On what he believes:
“A good thing never ends.”
On his career choice:
“I came into music just because I wanted the bread. It’s true. I looked around and this seemed like the only way I was going to get the kind of bread I wanted.”
On his persona:
“People think they know you. They know the things about you that you have forgotten.”
On what he wants:
“You wake up in the morning and you look at your old spoon, and you say to yourself, ‘Mick, it’s time to get yourself a new spoon.’ And you do.”