Mick Jagger is not typically known for his diplomatic nature. The Rolling Stones frontman is more often seen as a rock and roll rebel, unafraid to speak his mind. However, there’s a softer side to the iconic frontman. Amidst the bravado and rock ‘n’ roll swagger, Jagger has shown a surprising amount of respect and admiration for his peers.
One such instance of Jagger’s unexpected tenderness involves his defense of another legendary musician: Bob Dylan. While Dylan’s songwriting prowess is universally acclaimed, his singing voice has often been a subject of debate. But not for Mick Jagger.
In a rare display of championing a fellow artist, Jagger stood up for Dylan’s vocal style, offering a unique perspective that only a true music icon could provide.
Mick Jagger’s Admiration for The Bard
The iconic Rolling Stones frontman has always been a keen observer of the music industry. In a candid Dutch interview conducted several years ago, the conversation turned to the inevitable topic of aging and its impact on a performer’s career.
Intriguingly, Jagger brought up the name of Bob Dylan, another legendary figure in the world of music. He expressed genuine admiration for Dylan’s ability to maintain a captivating stage presence despite the passage of time. As Jagger put it, “[Bob Dylan] is over 60, and I quite like watching his shows. I think it’s quite fun. And I enjoy watching him performing.”
Jagger’s comments reveal a deep respect for Dylan’s artistry and his capacity to connect with audiences even as the years go by. By acknowledging Dylan’s enduring appeal, Jagger offered a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of aging in the spotlight.
A Defense of Dylan’s Unique Voice
The interviewer, while acknowledging Dylan’s artistic merits, expressed a less enthusiastic opinion about his singing voice. This prompted Jagger to step in as a staunch defender of his fellow musician.
“It’s a funny voice, it’s like a voice that’s never been one of the great tenors of our time, but it’s got a timbre, a projection, and it’s got a feeling to it,” Jagger explained. He further elaborated on the natural evolution of a singer’s voice over time, suggesting that Dylan’s unique vocal quality held a certain appeal.
Dylan is widely acclaimed for being a brilliant songwriter. Nevertheless, there are people who do not like his unique voice. However, this has not stopped him from having an impact on music thereby confirming him as one of the greatest singer-songwriters of the last century.
An Enduring Admiration for Bob Dylan
Jagger’s admiration for Dylan extends far beyond the Dutch interview. The rock legend has consistently expressed fondness for the “Blowin’ In The Wind” singer-songwriter in more recent years. Jagger’s musical journey began in the early 1960s, coinciding with Dylan’s initial rise as a protest singer.
“I was playing Bob Dylan records at my parents’ house when he was still an acoustic folk singer,” Jagger shared with The Guardian in 2021. He emphasized not only the profound lyrics but also Dylan’s unique vocal delivery, highlighting the accentuation and emotional nuances he brought to his music.
Jagger’s recognition of Dylan’s talent emphasizes mutual respect between two iconic figures who have permanently marked the world of music. Watch the Dutch interview below.