Mick Jagger, 80 years young: his amazing life in photos

Mick Jagger, the charismatic frontman of The Rolling Stones, has passed the 80-year-old mark and remains one of the wealthiest rockstars ever. The singer has certainly been added to the rock legends category, but do you know his story? We look back at 80 years of Mick Jagger in photos.

We dive into the fascinating journey of Mick Jagger, tracing his humble beginnings to his rise as a rock and roll icon - and even a 'Sir', after being knighted by the late Queen in 2002. But he grew up far away from wealth and royalty.

Born on July 26, 1943, in Dartford, England, Mick Jagger (left in the photo at 8 years old with his brother, Chris) showed an early passion for music. Growing up in a working-class family, he was introduced to blues music at a young age, which would ultimately shape his distinctive vocal style.

Inspired by artists like Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry, Mick formed his first band, 'Little Boy Blue and the Blue Boys', during his teenage years.

In 1962, Mick Jagger crossed paths with guitarist Keith Richards and formed a legendary partnership. Despite their rocky relationship over the years, they created something in their lifetimes that changed the landscape of rock music forever

The two rock legends initially met at Dartford train station on 17 October 1961. They went on to form a band the following year that would earn them world fame.

Alongside Brian Jones, Ian Stewart, D i c k Taylor on bass, and Mick Avory on drums, they founded The Rolling Stones. In this 1968 image, the band had changed already slightly - clockwise from the top left we see Charlie Watts, Bill Wyman, Brian Jones (1942-1969), Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards.

The first two UK No. 1 hits the group had were cover versions: 'It's All Over Now' by Bobby Womack and 'Little Red Rooster' by Willie Dixon. Their third number one was their original 'The Last Time' before they released the anthem, '(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction'.

The band's rebellious attitude, combined with Mick's magnetic stage presence, quickly earned them a reputation as the "bad boys" of rock and roll.

Throughout the 1960s and 1970s, The Rolling Stones dominated the music scene with their electrifying performances and chart-topping hits. Mick Jagger's dynamic vocals and provocative lyrics became synonymous with the band's sound. 'Paint it Black' being another iconic song from the group.

As the years went by, Mick Jagger's influence continued to reverberate across generations. The Rolling Stones became one of the most enduring and influential bands in history, with Mick leading the charge. Their music continues to be celebrated and cherished by fans worldwide.

Mick Jagger, the legendary frontman of The Rolling Stones, has had a highly successful solo career alongside his iconic role in the band. Since his first solo album released in 1985, Jagger has demonstrated his versatility as a musician, exploring various genres and collaborations with other artists.

Jagger has collaborated with Tina Turner, Joss Stone, David Bowie, The Jacksons, Bono, Carly Simon, Lenny Kravitz, Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pete Townshend and the Eurythmics' Dave Stewart, to name a few of his musical contacts.

One of Jagger's notable solo albums is "She's the Boss" (1985), which featured the hit single "Just Another Night". This album showcased his ability to blend rock with elements of pop and dance music, earning him a top spot on the charts.

Despite his undeniable success with The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger's talents extend beyond music. He ventured into acting, showcasing his versatility in films like "Performance" and "The Man From Elysian Fields."

The 90s brought more music for both The Rolling Stones and Mick Jagger. And then they performed to the masses for their A Bigger Bang Tour in 2007. According to Reuters, the band grossed US$437 million, earning the band an entry in the 2007 edition of Guinness World Records for the most lucrative music tour ever.

But, sadly, time was also rolling. Would their huge successful tour mean they were going to retire? Jagger said on the matter: "I'm sure the Rolling Stones will do more things and more records and more tours. We've got no plans to stop any of that really," as the BBC reported.

But he was stopped from performing in 2019, when, as CNN reports, the Rolling Stones tour of the US and Canada from April to June had to be postponed as Jagger needed a transcatheter aortic valve replacement.

He recovered and was described as 'in great health' by Billboard, until then, in 2022, he cought COVID 19 and had to postpone another tour. Again, he recovered and the performing resumed - at the age of 79. Age is no barrier to his legendary stage presence.

In addition to his musical achievements, Mick Jagger is also known for his activism and philanthropy. He has been involved in various charitable causes and has used his platform to raise awareness for issues such as climate change and poverty.

As Marca details, Mick Jagger now has a Net worth of $520 million, making many think he would be living a relatively luxurious retirement. With eight children, it seems he hasn't got his peace just yet.

Mick Jagger boasts eight children with five women. he also has at least five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. And yet, strangely, the rockstar has only been married and divorced once.

Of course the most famous relationships Jagger has had are with Bianca Jagger, with whom he was with for for seven years; and Jerry Hall. Their more than twenty year relationship also came to an end - both destroyed by Jagger's infidelity.

After a dabble with Sophie Dahl, shockingly, Jagger's next partnership with fashion designer L'Wren Scott ended with her suicide. She left her estate worth $9m to Jagger.

Scott died in 2014 and Jagger has been in a relationship since then with American ballet dancer Melanie Hamrick. She gave birth to their son in 2016, Deveraux Octavian Basil Jagger, and Jagger was 73 at the time.

There are some pretty remarkable things named after Mick Jagger. Let's start with the Jaggermeryx naida ("Jagger's water nymph"). In 2014, this 19-million-year-old species of 'long-legged pig', was named after the legend.

On Jagger's 75th birthday, scientists also named seven fossil stoneflies after past and present members of the Rolling Stones. These include Petroperla mickjaggeri. He really is going down in the history - and science - books.

But what he will most be remembered for is his impact on music, rock n roll and pop culture. With a career spanning over half a century, Jagger remains a true rock and roll legend. A legacy to be celebrated.