Mick Jagger, the legendary frontman of The Rolling Stones, is not just known for his electrifying stage presence but also for his sharp business acumen. Despite amassing a fortune worth hundreds of millions, the rock icon recently hinted that his wealth might not automatically flow into the hands of his eight children. Instead, he’s considering a different legacy—one focused on philanthropy and global impact.
An Iconic Career Spanning Over Six Decades
Since The Rolling Stones formed in London in 1962, Jagger has been the face of one of the most iconic rock bands in history. With 122 singles, 31 studio albums, and 77 music videos under their belt, the band has sold over 200 million records worldwide. Billboard even ranked them as the second-greatest artist of all time, trailing only The Beatles.
After 61 years of rocking the global stage, it’s no surprise that Jagger and his bandmates have accumulated immense wealth. Yet, in a recent interview with the Wall Street Journal, Jagger made it clear that his children shouldn’t expect a windfall from The Rolling Stones’ lucrative music catalog.
No Plans to Sell The Rolling Stones’ Music Catalog
In recent years, many legendary artists have chosen to sell the rights to their music catalogs for astronomical sums. Bob Dylan famously sold his entire discography to Universal Music for a reported $300 million. Katy Perry followed suit with a similar deal, and Dolly Parton has hinted she might consider it too.
However, Jagger seems uninterested in following this trend. When asked about the possibility of selling The Rolling Stones’ post-1971 catalog, he explained that he has no plans to cash out. More importantly, even if such a deal were struck, the proceeds wouldn’t be handed down to his children.
“The kids can live comfortably without $500 million. Come on,” Jagger told the Wall Street Journal. Instead of focusing on generational wealth, Jagger suggested that the funds could be directed toward charitable causes. “You might make a difference in the world,” he added, underscoring his belief in using wealth to drive meaningful change rather than simply passing it down.
A Rock Legend and a Father of Eight
Mick Jagger’s personal life has been as eventful as his professional career. The singer has eight children with five different women, ranging in age from six to fifty-two.
His eldest daughter, Karis, was born in 1970 during his relationship with Marsha Hunt. Just a year later, his second daughter, Jade, was born during his marriage to Bianca Jagger, which lasted from 1971 to 1978.
From his long-term relationship with actress and model Jerry Hall, Jagger fathered four children: Elizabeth (39), James (38), Georgia May (31), and Gabriel (25). Following his relationship with Hall, Jagger had his seventh child, Lucas (24), with Brazilian model Luciana Gimenez Morad.
In 2016, Jagger became a father again at the age of 73 when his current partner, former ballerina and choreographer Melanie Hamrick, gave birth to their son, Deveraux, now six years old.
With such a large and diverse family, one might expect Jagger to prioritize inheritance. But the singer has made it clear that his children are well-provided for and don’t need hundreds of millions to live fulfilling lives.
Why Jagger Prefers Philanthropy Over Family Inheritance
Jagger’s perspective reflects a growing trend among ultra-wealthy individuals who believe in encouraging self-sufficiency and purpose among their children. By not handing down an enormous fortune, Jagger is effectively ensuring that his children build their own lives without being overshadowed by wealth they didn’t earn.
Instead, Jagger seems keen on leaving behind a legacy that extends beyond his family. His suggestion to use proceeds from a catalog sale for charitable purposes aligns with his long-standing support for social and environmental causes.
This approach isn’t entirely new among celebrities. Billionaires like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett have also publicly stated their intention to donate the majority of their fortunes to philanthropy rather than passing them down to their heirs.
The Bigger Picture: Wealth, Legacy, and Impact
Jagger’s stance raises important questions about wealth, privilege, and legacy. In an era where income inequality continues to widen, his choice to prioritize philanthropy over inheritance sends a powerful message. While his children will undoubtedly have comfortable lives thanks to their father’s wealth and influence, Jagger seems determined to ensure his fortune serves a larger purpose.
At 80 years old, Mick Jagger remains as sharp and thoughtful offstage as he is charismatic onstage. Whether he eventually decides to sell The Rolling Stones’ music catalog or not, one thing is clear: Jagger’s focus is on creating a legacy that goes beyond his family name—a legacy that aims to make a real difference in the world.
In the end, perhaps Jagger’s message echoes one of The Rolling Stones’ most famous songs: “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find you get what you need.”