Michael Philip Jagger was born on July 26, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, England. He initially met future musical collaborator and Rolling Stones guitarist, Keith Richards, in primary school when he was four or five years of age. They soon lost track of each other until one day, while Mick was in his late teens, he bumped into him while the two were waiting on a train platform and renewed their acquaintance. Jagger also attended the London School of Economics for nearly two years but did not graduate, choosing instead to pursue a musical career. He began performing at the age of 19 as a singer in local clubs and while in high school formed his own band, “The Blue Boys.”
The two young men combined with four other friends, Brian Jones, Bill Wyman, Ian Stewart and Charlie Watts and soon formed “The Rolling Stones”, the name of which was based on Muddy Waters tune, “Rollin’ Stone.” Stewart was soon dropped from the band because he didn’t fit the image as envisioned by manager, Andrew Loog Oldham. Still, he continued to tour as a pianist with the band until his death in 1985. It was Oldham’s idea for Michael to become “Mick” and it stuck.
In 1976, Jagger and Richards were arrested and charged with drug possession in a highly publicized raid on Richard’s country house. The subsequent trial made headlines all around the world and both men were found guilty. The severity of the sentences they received caused a huge public outcry. Their convictions were soon overturned and they were subsequently released. In 1969, Jagger took over as the leader of the Rolling Stones. Founder Brian Jones was spiraling out of control with his drug use, accidentally drowning in his own swimming pool.
Mick has fathered seven children with four different wives and various paramours. He was knighted on December 12, 2003, for his “services to popular music” and keeps on rocking.
Way to go, Mick!
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