When it comes to rock legends, it’s fair to say Mick Jagger is up there with some of the best.
The musician, known for fronting The Rolling Stones, is responsible for some of the greatest rock songs of the last few decades. Now 81, he’s still adored by fans across the world but, when it comes to music, it turns out he has his own favourites too.
Fans recently got talking about the topic on Reddit when a user asked: “Who do you think is Mick Jagger’s favourite singer?” The question got a lot of people talking, and they were quick to share their ideas.
What some may not know though, is there is a simple answer to the question. One replied: “James Brown and Little Richard.”
Another had similar thoughts, writing: “James Brown would be high on the list.” A third also chimed in with: “Howlin’ Wolf, Muddy Waters and Elvis, at least when he was starting out.”
When it comes to his favourite singer though, the answer is simple. In fact, he previously spoke to Rolling Stone about it.
It turns out, back in 1950, Jagger and his future bandmate – Keith Richards – met at school. It wasn’t long before they became close friends but, four years later, Jagger’s family relocated and moved to Kent.
Then, 10 years later, they met each other by chance at Dartford Railway station and, as they chatted, it became clear they both shared a passion for American rhythm and blues music.
One artist in particular captivated them both – Little Richard. It’s a love that never died, and massively inspired The Rolling Stones in some ways.
Jagger told Rolling Stone: “His music still has the same raw electric energy when you play it now as it did when it first shot through the music scene in the mid-1950s.” He described Little Richard as the “biggest inspiration of [his] teen years”, but also noted he had a big impact on his career too.
Little Richard
Little Richard, who’s real name was Richard Wayne Penniman, was an American singer, pianist and songwriter. He was hugely influential in the world of music for decades until he passed away in 2020 at the age of 87.
He was dubbed the “Architect of Rock and Roll”, and his work dates way back to the 1950s when his charismatic showmanship and captivating music helped set the standard for rock and roll.
Richard’s clever, emotive vocalizations and uptempo rhythmic music was vital in helping other genres to grow, including soul and funk. He also played a vital role in shaping the development of rhythm and blues.
Some of his most famous hits include “Tutti Frutti” (1955) and “Long Tall Sally” (1956). The artist has inspired various musicians over the years, and continues to do so today.