Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Mick Jagger
How Mick Jagger built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Sir Michael Philip Jagger, known as Mick Jagger, is an iconic English musician, primarily recognized as the lead singer and a founding member of the Rolling Stones. Spanning over six decades, his career is marked by his distinctive voice, energetic stage presence, and influential frontmanship in rock music history. The songwriting partnership between Jagger and Keith Richards has produced some of rock's most enduring songs, becoming a trademark of the band's sound. Beyond his musical achievements, Jagger was known early in his career for his personal life, including romantic relationships and drug use, solidifying his image as a countercultural figure.
1955: Inspiration for "The Last Time"
In 1955, the Staple Singers recorded "This May Be the Last Time", a traditional Negro spiritual song which inspired The Rolling Stone's song, "The Last Time".
October 1961: Re-encounter with Keith Richards
On 17 October 1961, Mick Jagger met Keith Richards again on Platform Two of Dartford railway station. Jagger was carrying Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters records, revealing a shared interest in rhythm and blues, leading to a musical partnership.
July 1962: First Appearance as The Rollin' Stones
On 12 July 1962, The Rollin' Stones (later changed to the Rolling Stones) performed their first gig at the Marquee Club in London, playing for no money at a basement club.
1967: Cecil Beaton photographs Jagger's naked buttocks
In 1967, Cecil Beaton photographed Mick Jagger's naked buttocks.
1968: Prince Rupert Loewenstein as Business Advisor
In 1968, Prince Rupert Loewenstein began acting as the Rolling Stones' business advisor and financial manager, a role he held until 2007.
1968: Production of the Film Performance
In 1968, the film Performance, which stars Mick Jagger, was produced. The film wasn't released until 1970.
July 1969: Brian Jones Leaves the Band
In July 1969, Brian Jones left the Rolling Stones. He drowned in his swimming pool less than a month later, on 3 July 1969.
July 1969: Hyde Park Concert
On 5 July 1969, two days after Brian Jones' death, the Rolling Stones played a free concert at Hyde Park, dedicating it to Jones. They introduced new guitarist Mick Taylor and released butterflies in Jones' memory. They also played "Honky Tonk Women", released as a single the previous day.
December 1969: Release of Let It Bleed
In December 1969, the Rolling Stones released the album "Let It Bleed", which contained the songs "Midnight Rambler" and "Love in Vain".
1970: Purchase of Stargroves and Film Release
In 1970, Mick Jagger bought Stargroves, a manor house and estate. Also in 1970, the film Performance, in which Jagger starred, was released.
1970: Film Debut
In 1970, Mick Jagger starred in the films Performance and Ned Kelly, receiving mixed reviews for his acting.
1971: Move to Southern France
In 1971, Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones moved to Southern France as tax exiles. Also in 1971, Jagger assumed control of the band's business affairs after their split with Allen Klein.
1971: Guitar Contribution and Album Release
In 1971, while in France, Mick Jagger learned to play guitar and contributed guitar parts for songs on the album Sticky Fingers.
May 1972: Release of Exile on Main St.
In May 1972, the Rolling Stones released the album "Exile on Main St.", which contained the song "Loving Cup".
November 1972: Recording Sessions for Goats Head Soup
In November 1972, the Rolling Stones began recording sessions in Kingston, Jamaica, for the album Goats Head Soup.
1972: Backing vocals on Carly Simon song
In 1972, Mick Jagger was reported to be a contender for the anonymous subject of Carly Simon's hit song "You're So Vain", on which he sings backing vocals.
1972: American Tour and Album Influence
In 1972, Mick Jagger wore glam-rock clothing and glitter makeup on stage for the Rolling Stones' American tour. Their interest in the blues influenced the album Exile on Main St., released in May 1972. The album includes the song "Let It Loose".
1972: Release of Jamming with Edward!
In 1972, Mick Jagger, Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, Nicky Hopkins, and Ry Cooder released "Jamming with Edward!", an album recorded during the Let It Bleed sessions.
October 1973: European tour
In October 1973, the Rolling Stones embarked on a European tour, which intentionally bypassed France due to Keith Richards' arrest in England on drug charges.
1973: Release of Goats Head Soup
In 1973, the Rolling Stones released the album "Goats Head Soup", which includes the song "Angie".
December 1974: Mick Taylor's departure
In December 1974, Mick Taylor left the Rolling Stones, leading to a search for a new guitarist.
1974: Release of 'It's Only Rock 'n Roll'
In 1974, The Rolling Stones released the album 'It's Only Rock 'n Roll', which was recorded at Musicland Studios in Munich. The album reached No. 2 in the UK and No. 1 in the US. Jagger and Richards produced the album credited as "the Glimmer Twins". The album and the single of the same name were both hits.
1975: Quote about 'Satisfaction'
In 1975, Mick Jagger quipped to People magazine, "I'd rather be dead than sing 'Satisfaction' when I'm 45".
1975: Ronnie Wood joins The Rolling Stones
In 1975, Ronnie Wood, previously the guitarist for Faces, joined the Rolling Stones and sometimes functioned as a mediator in the group.
1976: Release of 'Black and Blue'
In 1976, The Rolling Stones released the album 'Black and Blue', which reached No. 2 in the UK and No. 1 in the US.
1978: Release of 'Some Girls'
In 1978, The Rolling Stones released the album 'Some Girls', which featured forays into disco and punk, primarily led by Mick Jagger.
1980: Release of Emotional Rescue
In mid-1980, The Rolling Stones released the album 'Emotional Rescue'. During recording, a rift began between Jagger and Richards over touring. The album and title track reached top chart positions.
1981: Release of Tattoo You
In 1981, The Rolling Stones released 'Tattoo You', featuring outtakes including "Start Me Up". The album reached No. 2 in the UK and No. 1 in the US.
1982: Abandoned role in Fitzcarraldo
In 1982, Mick Jagger was slated to appear in the film Fitzcarraldo and even shot some scenes, but he had to leave for a Rolling Stones' tour and his character was eliminated.
February 1985: Release of 'She's the Boss'
On February 19, 1985, Mick Jagger released his first solo album, 'She's the Boss'. The album, produced by Nile Rodgers and Bill Laswell, featured various artists and sold well. The single "Just Another Night" was a top ten hit.
1985: Performance at Live Aid
In 1985, Mick Jagger performed without The Rolling Stones at Live Aid in Philadelphia's JFK Stadium. He performed a duet of "It's Only Rock and Roll" with Tina Turner and "Dancing in the Street" with David Bowie. The video was shown simultaneously on the screens of both Wembley and JFK Stadiums. The song reached No. 1 in the UK the same year.
1985: Duet with David Bowie
In 1985, Mick Jagger released the single "Dancing in the Street", a duet with David Bowie. It reached No. 1 in the UK and Australia and was a top-ten hit in other countries.
March 1986: Release of Dirty Work
In March 1986, The Rolling Stones released 'Dirty Work'. Mick Jagger's strained relationship with Keith Richards led to him refusing to tour with the band to support the album.
1986: Exclusion from Dirty Work Album
In 1986, the Rolling Stones released the album "Dirty Work". Mick Jagger did not contribute guitar parts to this album.
1987: Release of Primitive Cool
In 1987, Mick Jagger released his second solo album, 'Primitive Cool', which was critically well-received but commercially less successful than his first.
1988: Reunion in Barbados
In 1988, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards reunited in Barbados and produced dozens of new songs.
1988: Solo Concert Tour in Japan
In 1988, between March 15 and 28, Mick Jagger performed a solo concert tour in Japan, playing in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka.
August 1989: Release of 'Steel Wheels'
On August 29, 1989, the Rolling Stones released their 19th UK and 21st US album, 'Steel Wheels'.
1989: Induction into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
In 1989, Mick Jagger was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Rolling Stones.
1989: Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour Begins
In 1989, The Rolling Stones began their Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour, their first world tour in seven years.
1989: Start of Fortune Revenue Calculation
Starting in 1989 and up to 2001, The Rolling Stones generated more than US$1.5 billion in total gross revenue, surpassing other artists.
1990: Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour
In 1990, The Rolling Stones continued the Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour.
1991: Release of Flashpoint and Live at the Max
In 1991, recordings from The Rolling Stone's Steel Wheels/Urban Jungle Tour were released in a concert album, Flashpoint, and the concert film 'Live at the Max'.
January 1992: Begin Wandering Spirit Sessions
In January 1992, Mick Jagger started the recording sessions for his third solo album, Wandering Spirit, in Los Angeles, with Rick Rubin as co-producer.
September 1992: End Wandering Spirit Sessions
In September 1992, Mick Jagger completed the recording sessions for his third solo album, Wandering Spirit, in Los Angeles.
1992: Vanity Fair Profile
In 1992, Mick Jagger was profiled in Vanity Fair by Stephen Schiff. In the profile, Jagger discussed the Rolling Stones' image.
January 1993: Bill Wyman's Departure
In January 1993, Bill Wyman's departure from the Rolling Stones was made official after years of deliberation.
February 1993: Releases of Wandering Spirit and The Very Best of Mick Jagger
In February 1993, Mick Jagger released Wandering Spirit, and The Very Best of Mick Jagger, a compilation album, both by Atlantic Records. Wandering Spirit was commercially successful.
1993: Darryl Jones Joins The Rolling Stones
In 1993, Darryl Jones joined the Rolling Stones as Wyman's replacement for the recording of Voodoo Lounge.
September 1994: Performance at MTV Video Music Awards
On September 8, 1994, The Rolling Stones performed at the 1994 MTV Video Music Awards and received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
1994: Release of Voodoo Lounge
In 1994, The Rolling Stones released Voodoo Lounge, which was well received critically and proved commercially successful.
1994: Jagger's influence noted
In 1994, the New York Times noted that Mick Jagger's "influence hangs heavily over contemporary British rock."
1996: End of Voodoo Lounge Tour
In 1996, The Rolling Stones' Voodoo Lounge Tour concluded, grossing $320 million and becoming the world's highest-grossing tour at the time.
1997: Release of Bridges to Babylon
In 1997, The Rolling Stones released the album 'Bridges to Babylon' to mixed reviews.
1999: No Security Tour
In 1999, The Rolling Stones staged the No Security Tour in the US and continued the Bridges to Babylon tour in Europe.
2001: End of Fortune Revenue Calculation
From 1989 up to 2001, The Rolling Stones generated more than US$1.5 billion in total gross revenue, surpassing other artists.
2001: Film Production Company
In 2001, Jagger co-founded Jagged Films, a film production company, and produced the historical drama Enigma through the company.
2001: Release of Goddess in the Doorway and Concert for New York City
In 2001, Mick Jagger released his fourth solo album, Goddess in the Doorway. Following the 11 September attacks, Jagger and Richards performed at the Concert for New York City.
2003: Knighthood
In 2003, Mick Jagger was knighted for his services to popular music.
2004: Induction into UK Music Hall of Fame
In 2004, Mick Jagger was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame with the Rolling Stones.
2004: Soundtrack for Alfie
In 2004, Mick Jagger, along with David A. Stewart, wrote and performed the soundtrack to the film 'Alfie', including the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song-winning single "Old Habits Die Hard".
November 2006: Death of Basil "Joe" Jagger
In November 2006, Mick Jagger's father, Basil "Joe" Jagger, died of pneumonia at the age of 93. Despite being on tour with the Rolling Stones, Jagger flew to Britain to see him before returning to Las Vegas to perform, proceeding with the show even after learning of his father's death.
2007: A Bigger Bang Tour Gross
In 2007, the Rolling Stones' 'A Bigger Bang Tour' grossed US$437 million, earning the band a Guinness World Record.
2007: End of Business Relationship with Prince Rupert Loewenstein
Prince Rupert Loewenstein's role as the Rolling Stones' business advisor and financial manager, which began in 1968, concluded in 2007.
October 2009: Performance at Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert
In October 2009, Mick Jagger joined U2 at the 25th Anniversary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Concert, performing "Gimme Shelter" with Fergie and will.i.am, and "Stuck in a Moment You Can't Get Out Of" with U2.
2009: Supergroup Member
From 2009 to 2011, Mick Jagger was a member of the supergroup SuperHeavy.
May 2011: Formation of SuperHeavy
On May 20, 2011, Mick Jagger announced the formation of the supergroup SuperHeavy, including Dave Stewart, Joss Stone, Damian Marley, and A.R. Rahman.
2011: Supergroup Member
From 2009 to 2011, Mick Jagger was a member of the supergroup SuperHeavy.
February 2012: Release of T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)
On February 4, 2012, Mick Jagger was featured on will.i.am's 2011 single "T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" along with Jennifer Lopez, officially released to iTunes.
2015: Ranked among best rock front men
In 2015, Billboard ranked Mick Jagger among the best rock front men of all time, recognizing his swagger and sexiness in rock music.
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