Mick Jagger, born Sir Michael Philip Jagger, is an iconic English singer, songwriter, actor, and producer, best known as the lead vocalist of The Rolling Stones. With a net worth of $500 million, Jagger’s fame and wealth are the result of a career that has spanned more than six decades. He has played a pivotal role in the band’s success, which has seen them sell over 200 million records worldwide.
Jagger’s rise to fame began in the early 1960s when he co-founded The Rolling Stones with his childhood friend Keith Richards, along with Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, and Bill Wyman. As the band’s lead vocalist, Jagger’s unique voice and electrifying stage presence made them stand out in the burgeoning rock scene, earning them global recognition. Throughout the decades, the Stones remained one of the highest-grossing musical acts in the world, continuing to tour into the present day.
Throughout his career, Jagger’s ability to adapt to changing musical trends while maintaining his unique style has been a hallmark of his success. In the 1960s, The Rolling Stones gained massive popularity with their self-titled debut album in 1964, followed by iconic hits like “Paint It Black” and “Satisfaction.” The 1970s saw them release groundbreaking albums like “Sticky Fingers” and “Exile on Main St.,” solidifying their place in music history.
In addition to his work with the Rolling Stones, Jagger also pursued a solo career, releasing his debut solo album She’s the Boss in 1985. This allowed him to experiment with different musical genres, expanding his versatility as an artist. His other solo albums, including Primitive Cool (1987) and Wandering Spirit (1992), showcased his willingness to explore new musical territories. In 2011, he formed the supergroup SuperHeavy, releasing one album with the group.
In 2022, Jagger demonstrated his songwriting prowess once again, co-writing the song “Strange Game” for the TV series Slow Horses, which earned him an Emmy nomination.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Mick Jagger was born on July 26, 1943, in Dartford, Kent, to a family with academic roots. His father was a physical education teacher, and his grandfather was a teacher as well. Despite this, Jagger was always passionate about music, often listening to records and singing in the church choir. This love for music overshadowed any interest in pursuing a traditional career.
Jagger’s path crossed with that of Keith Richards at Wentworth Primary School in Dartford, and the two became lifelong friends. In their teenage years, the two rekindled their friendship when Richards spotted Jagger carrying albums by blues legends Chuck Berry and Muddy Waters. This shared interest in music led them to form The Rolling Stones alongside Brian Jones, laying the foundation for one of the most influential bands in history.
After finishing school, Jagger initially enrolled at the London School of Economics, studying business with a government grant. However, his passion for music soon took over, and he left the school to focus on music, eventually joining Richards and Jones to form The Rolling Stones.
The Rolling Stones
Jagger, along with Richards, was responsible for writing many of The Rolling Stones’ biggest hits. The band quickly rose to prominence after securing their first major gig in 1962, and by 1963, they were well on their way to becoming an influential force in rock music. The Stones played a central role in the British Invasion of the 1960s and became synonymous with youth rebellion and counterculture.
Throughout their long career, The Rolling Stones released over 100 albums, including 30 studio albums, and performed more than 2,000 concerts worldwide. The band’s success is reflected in its massive financial earnings, with over $1.5 billion in gross revenue generated from 1989 to 2001 alone.
Solo Career
In the 1980s, while still performing with The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger ventured into a solo career. His first album, She’s the Boss, was released in 1985 and marked his departure from the traditional rock sound. Jagger’s collaboration with Michael Jackson on “State of Shock” further showcased his musical diversity.
Despite the commercial failure of his second solo album, Primitive Cool (1987), Jagger continued to explore different musical styles. His third album, Wandering Spirit, released in 1992, was met with critical praise, while his fourth, Goddess in the Doorway (2001), added to his solo discography.
Jagger’s foray into the supergroup scene came in 2011 with the formation of SuperHeavy, a collaboration with musicians such as Dave Stewart, Joss Stone, and A.R. Rahman. The group’s sole album was released that same year.
Acting and Other Ventures
Jagger’s career also includes ventures into acting. He appeared in notable films like Performance (1968) and Ned Kelly (1970). However, his acting career was hindered by scheduling conflicts, resulting in missed opportunities such as the film Fitzcarraldo (1982).
Jagger also delved into film production, founding Jagged Films with Victoria Pearman in 1995. The company’s first project was the 2001 World War II drama. In the same year, the company also released a documentary titled Being Mick, which offered a look into Jagger’s personal and professional life.
In 2023, Jagger expanded his ventures further by launching a line of harmonicas in collaboration with Whynow Music and Lee Oskar, proving his entrepreneurial spirit.
Mick Jagger’s personal life has been marked by high-profile relationships. He has been married once, to Bianca Perez-Mora Macias in 1971, though they divorced in 1978. Jagger’s relationships were often the subject of media attention, and he fathered eight children with five different women.
From 1977 to 1999, Jagger was in a relationship with model Jerry Hall, and they had a long-standing partnership, including an unofficial marriage in Bali in 1990. He also had relationships with other women, including Brazilian model Luciana Gimenez Morad and Carla Bruni, the future First Lady of France.
From 2001 to 2014, Jagger was in a relationship with fashion designer L’Wren Scott, who tragically took her own life in 2014. Jagger subsequently established the L’Wren Scott scholarship at London’s Central Saint Martins College, where she had studied. Since 2014, Jagger has been in a relationship with American dancer Melanie Hamrick.
Real Estate
Mick Jagger has built an impressive real estate portfolio, valued at around $250 million. He owns several luxurious properties around the world, including multi-million dollar mansions in New York and London. A standout among his holdings is a beachfront compound on the private island of Mustique, which he rents out for $30,000-$50,000 per week.
Jagger’s properties extend beyond these islands to a castle in the South of France and other notable locations. In 2020, he purchased a $1.98 million home in Florida for his girlfriend, Melanie Hamrick.
Jagger’s wealth, musical legacy, and ventures into other industries show just how versatile and enduring his influence has been in both music and business.
