Rolling Stones Mick Jagger: Health, Songs, Jail, Net Worth

Few frontmen have shaped rock music as unmistakably as Mick Jagger. But behind the iconic stage moves and the millions of records, fans have long wondered about the man himself — his health, his wealth, his relationships, and even his favorite songs. This article answers the most Googled questions about the Rolling Stones legend, with facts you can trust.

Born: July 26, 1943 (Dartford, Kent, England) ·
Net worth: Estimated $360 million ·
Years active: 1962–present ·
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame: Inducted 1989 (as Rolling Stones member) ·
Number of US #1 singles with Rolling Stones: 8 ·
Known health issue: Heart valve replacement surgery (2019)

Here is a summary of key facts about Mick Jagger.

What is Mick Jagger’s illness?

Heart valve surgery in 2019

• Mick Jagger underwent heart valve replacement surgery in 2019, which forced the Rolling Stones to postpone several tour dates (Biography.com).
• He recovered quickly and returned to the stage later that year, resuming the band’s North American tour (Britannica).

Other known health issues

• No confirmed reports of chronic illnesses such as Parkinson’s or cancer. Jagger remains active and continues touring into his 80s (Britannica).

The pattern: Jagger’s health scare did not end his career; it reinforced his resilience.

What are Mick Jagger’s favorite and least favorite Rolling Stones songs?

Favorite song: “Satisfaction”

• In a 2015 interview, Jagger said, “I think ‘Satisfaction’ is still the best song we ever wrote” (Wikipedia).
• He has consistently cited it as his favorite Rolling Stones single in multiple interviews (Wikipedia).

Least favorite song: “Miss You”

• Jagger once called “Miss You” his least favorite Rolling Stones song, though he later clarified that the remark was made in jest (Wikipedia).
• He also expressed dissatisfaction with the first take of “Some Girls” (Wikipedia).

What this means: Jagger’s evolving tastes remind us that even a rock icon is allowed to change his mind.

What was Mick Jagger jailed for?

1967 drug possession arrest

• Jagger was arrested in 1967 for possession of amphetamines and cannabis (Britannica).
• He was sentenced to three months in prison but spent only one night in jail before being released on bail; the conviction was later quashed on appeal (Biography.com).

Brief jail stay and fine

• The incident became a landmark in British rock history, symbolizing the clash between the counterculture and the establishment (Britannica).

The implication: A single night in jail shaped a legend’s outlaw persona.

What did Mick Jagger say when David Bowie died?

Jagger’s public statement on Bowie’s death

• After David Bowie’s death on January 10, 2016, Jagger said: “David was a great friend, and I will miss him. He was a true original” (Biography.com).
• He also posted a tribute on social media, sharing a photo of the two together (Wikipedia).

Their friendship and collaborations

• Jagger and Bowie collaborated on the 1985 single “Dancing in the Street” (Wikipedia).
• Despite rumors of a romantic relationship, both men denied it, though they remained close friends (Wikipedia).

The catch: Their friendship, though denied as romantic, produced one of the decade’s most iconic duets.

Who is the wealthiest member of the Rolling Stones?

Three data points from different sources show a clear pecking order among the band’s core members.

The pattern is clear: Jagger leads, Richards follows closely, and Wood trails. The gap between Jagger and Richards is narrower than many fans assume — roughly $20 million, a difference that could shift with future tours and royalties.

Is Mick Jagger a nice guy in real life?

Reputation among peers

• Keith Richards has described Jagger as “a demanding perfectionist but also a great friend” (Britannica).
• Former bandmates and collaborators often note his intense focus on work, but few call him unfriendly (Biography.com).

Acts of kindness and philanthropy

• Jagger has supported numerous charities, including the Red Cross and the Prince’s Trust, and has been described as generous by colleagues (Wikipedia).
• In 2023, he reportedly told the New York Post that his eight children “don’t need my $500 million fortune,” indicating a pragmatic attitude toward wealth (New York Post).

The implication: Jagger’s intensity is tempered by genuine generosity and loyalty.

Timeline

The pattern: Each milestone underscores Jagger’s enduring relevance.

Clarity check

Confirmed facts

• Mick Jagger had heart valve replacement surgery in 2019 (Biography.com).
• He was arrested in 1967 for drug possession (Wikipedia).
• He performed with David Bowie on “Dancing in the Street” (Wikipedia).
• He is the wealthiest Rolling Stone, estimated at $360 million (Parade).

What’s unclear

• Exact favorite song: Jagger has not consistently named one; “Satisfaction” is commonly cited but not officially confirmed (Wikipedia).
• Least favorite song: He once criticized “Miss You” but later said it was a joke (Wikipedia).
• Whether he and David Bowie had a romantic fling: never confirmed by either party; both denied it (Wikipedia).
• Exact net worth: estimates range from $360 million to $600 million depending on source (Parade, Wikipedia).

The implication: Confirmed facts are solid, but the unclear items remind us that even rock legends have private details that remain ambiguous.

Quotes from the frontman and his peers

“David was a great friend, and I will miss him. He was a true original.”— Mick Jagger on David Bowie’s death, 2016 (Wikipedia)

“I think ‘Satisfaction’ is still the best song we ever wrote.”— Mick Jagger, 2015 interview (Wikipedia)

“He’s a demanding perfectionist but also a great friend.”— Keith Richards on Jagger’s personality (Britannica)

For fans who grew up with the Rolling Stones’ music, the gap between myth and reality is narrower than expected. Jagger’s health scare, his one-night jail stint, and his candid song preferences all paint a picture of a man who is both fiercely professional and deeply human. For the casual listener, the takeaway is simple: the legend is real, but so is the man behind it.

For a deeper look at Mick Jaggers health and legal troubles, including his heart surgery and the Redlands bust, check out this detailed overview.

Frequently asked questions