Mick Jagger - the early years 

Jul 26, 1943: Michael Philip Jagger born in Dartford, Kent.
He is pictured above at age three

1950-54: Jagger and Keith Richards become friends at Wentworth Primary School. Jagger later attends Dartford Grammar School

1961: Jagger studies business at London School of Economics.
Rekindles friendship with Richards over mutua interest in U.S. rhythm
and blues

Apr 1962: Attending gig by Alexis Korner’s Blues Incorporated, Jagger and Richards are impressed by jazz-influenced drummer Charlie Watts and guitarist Brian Jones. Jagger and Richards join Jones in fledgling blues-based band

Jul 12: Band debuts as Rollin’ Stones at London’s Marquee Club, with Jagger as singer, Richards and Jones on guitar, Dick Taylor on bass, Ian Stewart on keyboards and Mick Avory – later of The Kinks – on drums

Dec: Bill Wyman joins Rolling Stones after Taylor leaves to attend art school

1963: Charlie Watts joins Stones as drummer

Apr: Promoter Andrew Loog Oldham and Eric Easton sign Rolling Stones to management contract.
By mid-May, Decca Records offer recording contract

Jun 7: Stones release debut single – cover of Chuck Berry’s “Come On”

Jul 3, 1969: Jones drowns in pool at his home at age 27

Jul 5: Stones dedicate free concert in Hyde Park to Jones. Line-up, left to right (above); Charlie Watts, new guitarist Mick Taylor, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Bill Wyman

Jul 26, 2023: Still performing more than 50 years on, Mick Jagger celebrates his 80th birthday

Sources: AllMusic, USA Today Pictures: Bertrand Guay/AFP, Len Trievnor/Express, Stones Archive via Getty Images © GRAPHIC NEWS