Mick Jagger, born Michael Philip Jagger on July 26, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, England, is a British musician, singer, songwriter, actor, and producer. He is best known as the lead vocalist and co-founder of the iconic rock band The Rolling Stones.
Jagger formed The Rolling Stones in 1962 with guitarist Keith Richards, pianist Ian Stewart, guitarist Brian Jones, drummer Charlie Watts, and bassist Bill Wyman. The band quickly rose to prominence as one of the leading figures in the British Invasion of the United States during the 1960s. Their raw energy, rebellious attitude, and provocative lyrics made them a symbol of rock ‘n’ roll.
As the frontman of The Rolling Stones, Jagger became known for his electrifying stage presence, charismatic personality, and distinctive voice. He has written or co-written many of the band’s most famous songs, including “Satisfaction,” “Paint It Black,” “Sympathy for the Devil,” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.”
In addition to his work with The Rolling Stones, Jagger has pursued a successful solo career, releasing several solo albums and collaborating with other artists. He has also appeared in numerous films, both as an actor and a producer, and has ventured into business ventures, including founding his own music label.
Jagger is regarded as one of the greatest frontmen in the history of rock music and has received numerous awards and accolades for his contributions to the music industry. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Rolling Stones in 1989 and was knighted for his services to music in 2003. Despite his decades-long career, Jagger continues to perform and record music with The Rolling Stones, maintaining their status as one of the most enduring and influential bands in rock history.
1. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is a classic rock song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1965 as a single and later included on their album “Out of Our Heads.” The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band, respectively.
“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is one of The Rolling Stones’ most iconic and enduring songs, known for its instantly recognizable guitar riff, played by Richards, and its rebellious and provocative lyrics. The song’s lyrics express frustration with consumer culture and the pressures of advertising, with Jagger singing about his inability to find satisfaction despite the constant bombardment of messages telling him what he should want.
Upon its release, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” became an instant hit, reaching the top of the charts in numerous countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It was The Rolling Stones’ first number-one single in the United States, solidifying their status as one of the leading rock bands of the 1960s.
The song’s infectious groove, memorable melody, and defiant attitude made it a favorite among fans of rock music and established it as an anthem of the counterculture movement. “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” remains one of The Rolling Stones’ most beloved and enduring songs, often cited as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
2. Paint It Black
“Paint It Black” is a song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1966 as a single and later included on their album “Aftermath.” The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band, respectively.
“Paint It Black” is known for its distinctive sitar riff, played by Brian Jones, and its dark and brooding lyrics. The song’s lyrics explore themes of grief, loss, and depression, with Jagger singing about the narrator’s struggle to cope with the death of a loved one and his desire to “paint it black” as a symbol of mourning and despair.
Upon its release, “Paint It Black” became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It was The Rolling Stones’ third number-one single in the United States, further solidifying their status as one of the leading rock bands of the 1960s.
The song’s haunting melody, evocative lyrics, and innovative use of instruments, including the sitar, made it a favorite among fans of rock music and established it as one of The Rolling Stones’ signature songs. “Paint It Black” remains one of the band’s most beloved and enduring tracks, often cited as one of the greatest rock songs of all time.
3. Gimme Shelter
“Gimme Shelter” is actually a song by The Rolling Stones, not Mick Jagger individually. It was released in 1969 on their album “Let It Bleed.” Mick Jagger is the lead vocalist on the track, but it’s a collaborative effort by the band.
“Gimme Shelter” is known for its powerful vocals by Mick Jagger and the haunting background vocals by Merry Clayton. The song’s lyrics express themes of turmoil, uncertainty, and the need for shelter from the storms of life. It’s often interpreted as a reflection of the social and political unrest of the late 1960s.
The song’s distinctive guitar riff, driving rhythm, and intense atmosphere have made it one of The Rolling Stones’ most iconic and enduring songs. “Gimme Shelter” has been widely praised by critics and is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time. It has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials over the years.
4. Sympathy for the Devil
“Sympathy for the Devil” is a song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1968 on their album “Beggars Banquet.”
The song is characterized by its distinctive rhythm, featuring congas and maracas, and Mick Jagger’s sardonic lyrics. In the song, Jagger adopts the persona of the Devil, recounting various historical events and asking for sympathy and understanding. The lyrics explore themes of power, temptation, and the darker aspects of human nature.
“Sympathy for the Devil” has become one of The Rolling Stones’ most famous and enduring songs. It has been praised for its innovative musical arrangement, thought-provoking lyrics, and Mick Jagger’s charismatic vocal performance. The song has been covered by numerous artists and has been featured in various films, TV shows, and commercials over the years.
Despite its controversial subject matter, “Sympathy for the Devil” has been widely acclaimed by critics and is considered one of the greatest rock songs of all time. It has had a lasting impact on popular culture and continues to be celebrated by fans of The Rolling Stones and rock music in general.
5. Angie
“Angie” is a ballad by The Rolling Stones, released in 1973 as a single and later included on their album “Goats Head Soup.” The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band, respectively.
“Angie” is characterized by its gentle acoustic guitar melody, plaintive vocals by Jagger, and emotive lyrics. The song’s lyrics are rumored to be inspired by Jagger’s breakup with his then-wife, Bianca Jagger, although this has never been confirmed. The lyrics convey a sense of heartache and longing, with Jagger singing about his feelings of love and loss for someone named Angie.
Upon its release, “Angie” became a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It was The Rolling Stones’ seventh number-one single in the United States, further solidifying their status as one of the leading rock bands of the 1970s.
The song’s tender melody, poignant lyrics, and Jagger’s soulful vocals made it a favorite among fans of The Rolling Stones and established it as one of the band’s most beloved and enduring ballads. “Angie” remains a classic of the rock genre and continues to be celebrated as one of The Rolling Stones’ signature songs.
6. Miss You
“Miss You” is a song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1978 on their album “Some Girls.”
“Miss You” is a disco-influenced rock song with a funky rhythm, characterized by its prominent bassline, rhythmic guitar riff, and catchy chorus. The song features Mick Jagger’s soulful vocals and lyrics that express longing and loneliness, with Jagger singing about missing someone special and yearning for their company.
“Miss You” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It became one of The Rolling Stones’ most successful singles and remains one of their most iconic songs.
The song’s infectious groove and memorable melody have made it a favorite among fans of The Rolling Stones and disco music alike. “Miss You” has been covered by various artists and has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials over the years. It remains a classic of the rock and disco genres and a staple of The Rolling Stones’ live performances.
7. Start Me Up
“Start Me Up” is a rock song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1981 as the lead single from their album “Tattoo You.” The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band, respectively.
“Start Me Up” is characterized by its catchy guitar riff, energetic rhythm, and infectious chorus. The song’s lyrics depict themes of desire, passion, and excitement, with Jagger singing about his longing for a romantic partner and his eagerness to get started.
Upon its release, “Start Me Up” became a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the charts in numerous countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It was The Rolling Stones’ last major hit single of the 1980s, further cementing their status as one of the greatest rock bands of all time.
The song’s dynamic arrangement, memorable hooks, and Jagger’s dynamic vocal performance made it a favorite among fans of The Rolling Stones and established it as one of the band’s most enduring and iconic songs. “Start Me Up” continues to be celebrated as a classic of the rock genre and remains a staple of The Rolling Stones’ live performances.
8. Brown Sugar
“Brown Sugar” is a song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1971 as the opening track and lead single from their album “Sticky Fingers.”
“Brown Sugar” is a blues rock song with a driving rhythm and catchy guitar riff. The song features Mick Jagger’s energetic vocals and controversial lyrics, which touch on themes of slavery, interracial relationships, and sexual innuendo.
Despite its controversial subject matter, “Brown Sugar” was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom. It became one of The Rolling Stones’ most famous and enduring songs.
The song’s infectious melody and memorable chorus have made it a favorite among fans of The Rolling Stones and classic rock music. “Brown Sugar” has been covered by various artists and has been featured in numerous films, TV shows, and commercials over the years. It remains a classic of the rock genre and a staple of The Rolling Stones’ live performances.
9. Beast of Burden
“Beast of Burden” is a song by The Rolling Stones, released in 1978 as part of their album “Some Girls.” The song was written by Mick Jagger and Keith Richards, the lead vocalist and guitarist of the band, respectively.
“Beast of Burden” is characterized by its soulful groove, bluesy guitar riffs, and Jagger’s emotive vocals. The song’s lyrics convey themes of love, devotion, and trust, with Jagger singing about being willing to shoulder the burdens of a romantic partner and asking for reciprocity in return.
Upon its release, “Beast of Burden” became a fan favorite and received critical acclaim for its infectious melody and Jagger’s heartfelt delivery. Although it was not released as a single, the song has since become one of The Rolling Stones’ most beloved and enduring tracks.
“Beast of Burden” has been covered by numerous artists and has appeared in various films, television shows, and commercials. Its soulful sound and timeless lyrics continue to resonate with listeners, making it a classic of the rock genre and a staple of The Rolling Stones’ live performances.
10. Dancing in the Street (with David Bowie)
“Dancing in the Street” is a song originally recorded by Martha and the Vandellas in 1964. However, you are referring to the version performed by David Bowie and Mick Jagger, released in 1985.
The collaboration between David Bowie and Mick Jagger on “Dancing in the Street” was a cover of the original song by Martha and the Vandellas. It was recorded as part of the Live Aid charity single project in 1985. The single was released to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.
Bowie and Jagger’s version of “Dancing in the Street” is characterized by its upbeat tempo, energetic vocals, and lively instrumentation. The accompanying music video features Bowie and Jagger performing the song in various locations, showcasing their dynamic stage presence and chemistry.
The collaboration was a commercial success, reaching the top of the charts in several countries. While it received mixed reviews from critics, the song remains a memorable moment in music history, capturing the spirit of the Live Aid event and the camaraderie between two iconic artists.
Edward Tomlin is a frequent contributor to Singers Room. Since 2005, Singersroom has been the voice of R&B around the world. Connect with us via social media below.
