Few musical partnerships have stood the test of time like Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. Over 50 years, their collaboration with The Rolling Stones has become legendary. But their story began long before fame, in a tale that feels almost like a romantic comedy.
Jagger and Richards’ bond is often described as fate. Their journey is more than a history of songwriting; it’s a deep, lasting friendship that began in their childhood.
Known as ‘The Glimmer Twins,’ Jagger and Richards transformed rock and roll with their dynamic songwriting and unforgettable performances. While their style may not always have aligned with traditional critical acclaim, their ability to energize audiences and create timeless music is unmatched. Their impact is undeniable, but their origins are equally captivating.
To appreciate their journey, we must rewind to the 1940s in the outskirts of London. Young Mick Jagger and Keith Richards first crossed paths, setting the stage for one of music’s most successful collaborations.
In a 1995 interview with Rolling Stone, Jagger shared details about their early connection. Despite his usual reluctance to discuss the past, he spoke fondly of their first meeting.
Jagger said, “I can’t remember when I didn’t know him,” highlighting the depth of their friendship. Living just a street apart and attending the same primary school from ages 7 to 11, their bond was strong from the start.
As they grew older, their paths diverged when they went to different secondary schools. However, Jagger kept tabs on Richards through his mother. “I used to see him coming home from his school, which was less than a mile away from where I lived,” Jagger remembers, reflecting on their simple early lives.
Their transition from childhood friends to bandmates happened at a train station. Jagger brought his prized rhythm and blues records—rare in England at the time—and Richards was intrigued.
Jagger recalls, “We met at the train station. I had these incredibly valuable rhythm and blues records. ‘Oh, yeah, these are really interesting,’ he said. That’s how it all began.”
Their shared passion for music led to regular visits, where they played records and talked about their favorite artists. Jagger notes, “Keith was a steady guitarist, when he was just five. He was into cowboys and country music. Keith once had an electric guitar, and after he played it for me, I said, ‘Well, you know, I sing.’ It was very obvious.”
What began as a simple musical connection evolved into a powerful partnership. Jagger’s energetic stage presence and Richards’ guitar skills created a new era of rock and roll.
Despite his parents’ disapproval, Jagger’s wild performances became a hallmark of his career. “I used to do mad things—go on my knees and roll on the ground—when I was 15 or 16. My parents were extremely disapproving,” he admits.
Little did they know, this energetic collaboration would lead Jagger and Richards to become two of rock’s most influential figures. Their partnership not only shaped their own destinies but also left a lasting impact on the world of music.
