Photo: Steve Raymond/ Hackney Diamonds concert
An established Rock N' Roll star may be hard to get a hold of but a rising star simply doesn't have the time to make the time. Such was the case, apparently with his first born child, Karis, born on November 7, 1970. Mick was 27 years old with building success in the music business when he denied his active role as a first time daddy. Sir Mick, who at the time was in a relationship with Marianne Faithful, began his affair with singer and actress Marsha Hunt, who at the time was performing as the lead vocalist in the Broadway musical "Hair". He met her in 1969, but she was married at the time herself. Jagger and Hunt still carried on the relationship. Hunt became pregnant with Karis when they decided to split in June, 1970. Karis was born five months later.
Mick wrote the classic Brown Sugar about Hunt and their tryst. Rock star life is quite stressful for the children and Karis and Mick's co-existence was not good. He decided to disown her when she was born. He began a relationship and marriage with Bianca Jagger a short while later. Daughter Jade was next in line and the line would continue to roll. Hey, "It's Only Rock And Roll (and he liked it)!"
Today, Mick is a father to eight children, five grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He was married and divorced once (Bianca), and moved on with other relationships. So whatever happened between Mick and Karis? They came together as father and daughter a few years later. The singer finally accepted her as his daughter when she was 12. Mick's future partner, Jerry Hall, would invite Karis to family outings and events. She attended her dad's knighthood proclamation from Prince Charles and she was also present for her grandfather's funeral (Mick's dad) in 2006. Dad Mick attended his daughter's graduation and wedding. The 53-year old Karis is happy and thriving as a volunteer teacher and a philanthropist, like her father. Mick Jagger turns 81 on July 26th. Maybe a great time of personal reflection to go with his long-standing rock n roll prowess? He is still a relevant force in music and songwriting. Hackney Diamonds is a high-octane effort and collection of new songs and the man shows no signs of slowing down. Happy birthday, Sir Mick.