Happy Birthday Mick Jagger; five of the Rolling Stones lead singer’s best collaborations as he turns 80 today

The two struck a bond over their shared love for rhythm and blues. Their musical partnership would eventually lead to the formation of one of the greatest rock bands in history: The Rolling Stones. With Jagger as the lead vocalist and frontman, and Richards as the talented guitarist, the band's distinct sound and rebellious spirit began to take shape. 

In 1962, The Rolling Stones officially formed, and Jagger's charismatic stage presence quickly earned him the title of "rock's greatest frontman." His raw energy and magnetic charisma on stage made him an instant icon. Together with the band, Jagger was considered a pioneer of this era’s “rock and roll”, defining the genre at that stage with their mix of rhythm and blues, soul, and rock influences.

As the years passed, The Rolling Stones solidified their place in music history. With Jagger's powerful vocals and mesmerizing performances, the band produced a string of timeless hits, including "Satisfaction," "Paint It Black," "Jumpin' Jack Flash," and "Start Me Up." Despite the passage of time, Jagger's energy and showmanship on stage have not waned. He continues to deliver electrifying performances that leave audiences in awe. His distinctive voice and dynamic presence have become synonymous with the essence of rock and roll itself.

Beyond his musical talent, Jagger has also been a prominent cultural and fashion icon; his flamboyant style and swagger have left an indelible mark on the world of fashion and perhaps too his daughter, Jade Jagger, who has gone on to become a designer. 

A signal boost from Mick Jagger is always seen as a sign of an “elder statesman” approving of a musical group or act - so as he celebrates turning 80 with no signs of slowing down, PeopleWorld looks at some of his greatest collaborations throughout his musical career.

What are some of Mick Jagger’s most successful collaborations?

"Dancing in the Street" with David Bowie (1985)

We couldn’t start really anywhere else but the collaboration between two of England’s finest musicians; “Dancing In The Street” was originally written and recorded by Marvin Gaye and Martha and the Vandellas in 1964 but gained new life when Jagger and Bowie decided to team up for a special cause. In 1985, the two artists came together to record a version of the song as part of the Live Aid charity effort to raise funds for famine relief in Africa.

"Dancing in the Street" became a commercial success, achieving chart-topping positions in both the United States and the United Kingdom. In the US, the song reached No. 7 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, becoming Jagger's highest-charting solo hit in the country. It also reached No. 1 on the Billboard Dance Club Songs chart. In the UK, the song reached No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, giving both Jagger and Bowie another No. 1 single to their names.

"State of Shock" with The Jacksons (1984)

Released in 1984, the song was originally intended to be a duet between Jackson and Freddie Mercury of Queen. However, due to scheduling conflicts, Mick Jagger stepped in to record the track alongside Jackson. The result was a powerful and dynamic performance that showcased the impressive vocal abilities of both artists from different sides of the musical spectrum.

"State of Shock" achieved commercial success upon its release, reaching No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the US. The song's popularity was also boosted by an energetic and highly choreographed music video featuring both Jagger and Jackson. Despite being a hit and receiving a positive reception from fans, "State of Shock" did not appear on any studio album by The Jacksons or Mick Jagger. Instead, it was included on The Jacksons' compilation album, "Victory," and later included in reissues of Jagger's solo album, "She's the Boss."

"Old Habits Die Hard" with Dave Stewart (2004)

"Old Habits Die Hard" is a soulful and bluesy duet featuring Mick Jagger and Dave Stewart, released in 2004 and was recorded for the soundtrack of the film "Alfie," which starred Jude Law and featured, coincidentally enough, Jagger's daughter, Jade Jagger. The track was written by Jagger and Stewart, with Jagger providing his unmistakable lead vocals and Stewart contributing backing vocals and playing guitar.

"Old Habits Die Hard" was met with critical acclaim, earning both Jagger and Stewart a Golden Globe Award for Best Original Song in 2005. It reached No. 45 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and peaked at No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart, making it a top-ten hit in the UK. The song's popularity was also bolstered by a stylish and stylish music video that featured Jagger and Stewart performing against a backdrop of scenes from the "Alfie" film.

"T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" with will.i.am and Jennifer Lopez (2011) 

A fusion of various musical genres the three artists have worked in, “T.H.E” included hip-hop, pop, and electronic dance music, showcasing their diverse talents The collaboration between Mick Jagger, will.i.am, and Jennifer Lopez was a surprising combination, but the song's production and catchy chorus made it a radio-friendly hit, appealing to a wide range of audiences. Jagger's iconic voice added a rock edge to the track, while will.i.am's production skills and Lopez's vocal prowess contributed to the song's commercial success.

"T.H.E. (The Hardest Ever)" received mixed reviews from critics, with some praising its catchy and energetic nature, while others felt it was too formulaic. However, the song's popularity on the charts and airplay on radio stations demonstrated its appeal to audiences rather than critics. It reached No. 36 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in the United States and peaked at No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart, becoming a top-five hit in the UK.

"Goddess in the Doorway" with Bono (2001) 

Released in 2001 as part of Jagger's solo album of the same name, the collaboration between Mick Jagger and Bono was highly anticipated, as both artists are considered iconic in the music industry - whether you love or loathe U2. The song received positive reviews from critics, who praised the chemistry between Jagger and Bono and the song's poignant lyrics.

Commercially, "Goddess in the Doorway" achieved moderate success on the charts. While it did not become a major hit, the song received significant airplay and attention due to the star power of both Mick Jagger and Bono.