Jagger by Marc Spitz

Jagger by Marc Spitz

As the Rolling Stones celebrate their fiftieth anniversary, their legendary front man remains an enigma; he hasn't given an in-depth interview in a decade and a half. Drawing on firsthand recollections from rockers, filmmakers, writers, and other artists who have been transformed by Mick Jagger's work, acclaimed music journalist Marc Spitz has created a unique examination of the Jagger legacy. Combining biography with cultural history, Jagger unfolds like a captivating documentary, a series of episodes tracing the icon's rise from his childhood in middle-class postwar London to his status as a jet-setting knight.

Culturally astute, often funny, and painstakingly researched, Jagger offers a far richer potrait than biographies published previously. The book reveals much about his relationships (with Marianne Faithfull and ex-wives Bianca Jagger and Jerry Hall); his complex, creative partership with Keith Richards; his friends, including John Lennon and David Bowie; and his enemies, such as Hells Angels leader Sonny Barger. Spitz goes even deeper, exploring Jagger's many roles: authentic soul man; powerful social commentator; sexual liberator; would-be movie star; and a shrewd businessman with an enthusiasm for much younger women. The myth of Mick is examined and rebooted for the twenty-first century.

Marc Spitz is the author of We Got the Neutron Bomb: The True Story of LA Punk (co-written with Brendan Mullen), How Soon Is Never: A Novel, David Bowie: A Biography, and Mick Jagger: Rebel, Rock Star, Rambler, Rogue. Spin, Rolling Stone, Maxim, Uncut, Nylon, Vanity Fair, New York Magazine, and the New York Times have all published his rock 'n' roll and popular culture writing. Marc Spitz writes a blog at marcspitz.com. Spitz is a New York City resident.