Mick Jagger credits James Brown as inspiration for his stage moves

Mick Jagger has repeatedly said that the legendary performer James Brown shaped his early stage style. In interviews with Rolling Stone and Time, Jagger explained that he "used to aspire to be like James Brown in the way he moved" and that he "copied all his movements" during the Rolling Stones' first years.

Jagger recalled the impact of Brown’s performance at the 1964 T.A.M.I. Show in Santa Monica, where Brown’s dynamic dancing left Jagger "biting his nails" and profoundly influenced his own stage presence. Gene Simmons of Kiss later described the same moment, noting how Brown’s control of his body stunned the young Stones.

While Jagger has since developed a distinct performance style, he continues to acknowledge Brown as a key influence on his iconic rock‑stage persona.