Mick Jagger, born Michael Philip Jagger on 26 July 1943 in Dartford, Kent, is one of the most iconic figures in rock and roll history. Known for his energetic stage presence, distinct voice, and commanding charisma, Jagger’s journey from a middle-class upbringing to international stardom with the Rolling Stones is a story of talent, perseverance, and controversy.
This article delves into Jagger’s early life, education, and the foundational years of the Rolling Stones, exploring how his background and early experiences shaped his legendary career.
Early Life and Education
Mick Jagger was born into a stable, middle-class family. His father, Basil Fanshawe “Joe” Jagger, was a gymnast and physical education teacher credited with helping popularise basketball in Britain. His mother, Eva Ensley Mary (née Scutts), originally from Sydney, was a hairdresser and a politically active member of the Conservative Party. Jagger’s parents married in 1940 at Holy Trinity Church in Dartford, and Mick grew up with his younger brother, Chris Jagger, who would also pursue a career in music.
A Budding Performer
From a young age, Jagger displayed a natural inclination toward music. He recalled:
“I always sang as a child. I was one of those kids who just liked to sing… Some kids sing in choirs; others like to show off in front of the mirror.”
Jagger sang in the church choir and avidly listened to music on the BBC and Radio Luxembourg. His passion for performing would later drive his pursuit of a music career, despite initial expectations to follow in his father’s footsteps.
Meeting Keith Richards
Jagger’s musical journey took a pivotal turn in 1950 when he met Keith Richards as a classmate at Wentworth Primary School in Dartford. Although the two lost contact when their families moved, they reconnected on 17 October 1961 at Dartford railway station. Their mutual love for rhythm and blues, revealed by the Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters records Jagger carried that day, sparked a lifelong friendship and collaboration.
The Road to the Rolling Stones
Early Musical Ventures
Jagger formed a garage band with his friend Dick Taylor in the mid-1950s, playing covers of songs by blues legends like Muddy Waters, Chuck Berry, and Bo Diddley. By late 1961, their informal jam sessions had expanded into a quintet called the Blues Boys, which included Alan Etherington and Bob Beckwith.
Around the same time, Jagger began attending the London School of Economics, studying finance and accounting on a government grant. Despite excelling academically, he considered careers in journalism or politics, comparing the latter to being a pop star.
The Formation of the Rolling Stones
Jagger’s destiny changed when he, Richards, and guitarist Brian Jones joined Alexis Korner’s group, Blues Incorporated, at the Ealing Club. By 1962, Jagger, Richards, and Jones had begun practicing independently, laying the groundwork for the Rolling Stones.
The band played their first gig as the “Rollin’ Stones” on 12 July 1962 at the Marquee Club in London, borrowing equipment from Alexis Korner. The original lineup included Jagger, Richards, Jones, Ian Stewart on piano, Dick Taylor on bass, and Mick Avory on drums.
1960s: Rise to Fame
Early Struggles and Success
In their early days, the Rolling Stones played rhythm and blues covers in small venues, often borrowing equipment. Their break came with a five-month residency at the Eel Pie Island Hotel, credited by the BBC as pivotal in shaping their career.
The band’s first UK No. 1 hits were cover songs: Bobby Womack’s It’s All Over Now and Willie Dixon’s Little Red Rooster. Encouraged by their manager, Andrew Loog Oldham, Jagger and Richards began writing their own material, marking the start of their prolific songwriting partnership.
The Breakthrough
The duo’s first major hit, (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction, released in 1965, solidified the Rolling Stones as a global sensation. Its rebellious tone and raw energy contrasted sharply with the polished image of the Beatles, branding the Stones as the quintessential bad boys of rock.
Jagger later reflected on the era:
“I wasn’t trying to be rebellious… but someone older might have thought it was just the most awful racket… People didn’t think [the songs] were tame, but I thought they were tame.”
Drug Controversies
By 1967, Jagger, Richards, and Brian Jones were embroiled in legal troubles over their recreational drug use. A scathing exposé in News of the World falsely accused Jagger of drug possession, though the journalist had mistaken him for Jones.
The controversy escalated when Jagger and Richards were arrested on drug charges following a police raid at Richards’ home. Jagger was sentenced to three months in prison for possessing amphetamines, while Richards received a one-year sentence for permitting cannabis use on his property.
Public outcry over the harsh sentences was epitomised by The Times’ editorial, Who Breaks a Butterfly Upon a Wheel? Following an appeal, Jagger’s sentence was reduced to a conditional discharge, and Richards’ conviction was overturned.
Brian Jones’ Departure
As the Rolling Stones soared to international fame, Brian Jones struggled with substance abuse and personal issues. In June 1969, he left the band after admitting he could no longer keep up with its demands. Less than a month later, Jones tragically drowned at his home.
The Rolling Stones paid tribute to Jones with a concert at Hyde Park on 5 July 1969, which marked their first performance with new guitarist Mick Taylor. Jagger read a poem by Percy Bysshe Shelley and released thousands of butterflies in Jones’ memory.
The Legacy of Mick Jagger
From his humble beginnings in Dartford to becoming the lead singer of one of the greatest rock bands in history, Mick Jagger’s journey is a testament to his talent, resilience, and cultural impact. The 1960s were a defining decade for Jagger, not only for the music he created but also for the controversies he weathered and the legacy he began to forge as a global icon.
