Sir Michael Philip Jagger is an English singer. He is the front man and one of the founder members of the rock band the Rolling Stones. Jagger has written most of the band's songs alongside lead guitarist Keith Richards; their songwriting partnership is one of the most successful in history, and they continue to collaborate musically. His career has spanned over six decades, and he has been widely described as one of the most popular and influential front men in the history of rock music. His distinctive voice and energetic live performances, along with Richards' guitar style, have been the Rolling Stones' trademark throughout the band's career. Jagger gained notoriety for his romantic involvements and illicit drug use, and has often been portrayed as a countercultural figure.
Jagger in 2022
The Rolling Stones in 1964, including (from left to right): Brian Jones, Charlie Watts, Jagger, Bill Wyman, and Keith Richards
Jagger performing in Zuiderpark Stadion in The Hague, Netherlands, in May 1976
Jagger performing in Rotterdam in 1982
The lead vocalist in popular music is typically the member of a group or band whose voice is the most prominent melody in a performance where multiple voices may be heard. The lead singer sets their voice against the accompaniment parts of the ensemble as the dominant sound. In vocal group performances, notably in soul and gospel music, and early rock and roll, the lead singer takes the main vocal melody, with a chorus or harmony vocals provided by other band members as backing vocalists. Lead vocalists typically incorporate some movement or gestures into their performance, and some may participate in dance routines during the show, particularly in pop music. Some lead vocalists also play an instrument during the show, either in an accompaniment role, or playing a lead instrument/instrumental solo role when they are not singing.
David "Hoag" Kepner (left) sings as the lead vocalist while playing the drums during a performance in the Drop Zone at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico, while a rhythm guitarist sings backup vocals
Diana Ross (front) performing lead vocals on the Supremes' "My World Is Empty Without You" with Florence Ballard and Mary Wilson harmonizing
Queen performs in a typical rock band layout during a 1984 concert. Lead singer (front man) Freddie Mercury stands centre-stage in front of drummer Roger Taylor and positioned between bass guitarist John Deacon and lead guitarist Brian May.
Lead singers, such as Nickelback's Chad Kroeger, are often perceived as the public face of a band.