Tina Turner’s first impressions of The Rolling Stone’s lead singer Mick Jagger weren’t complementary. Her first observations viewed Jagger as just a boy with big lips, not a studly lead singer. Turner thought Jagger looked awkward on stage with what she called his tambourine strut. When he solicited dancing advice, Tina and the other Ikettes taught him moves like the Pony. Tina Turner jokingly wrote in her book My Love Story, that Jagger would master the dance motions in his own fashion. Turner felt the lessons had an influence on his moves, but Mick Jagger wouldn’t admit it, saying his mother taught him to dance and Little Richard had a huge influence on him. Former Rolling Stones business manager Allen Klein said that Jagger envisioned himself being a highly energetic Tina Turner when performing. Many artists, including Keith Richards, complement Jagger for his command of the stage, being the front person, and making a huge arena filled with over fifty thousand people seem like an intimate setting. The one exception was Ike Turner. He wasn’t too fond of Mick Jagger but bonded with fellow guitarist Keith Richards. The Stones enjoyed the way The Ike and Tina Turner Revue energized the audience during their tour together. As a result, the The Revue opened up for the Rolling Stones during their 1969 United States tour.
©2023 Tim Sheehan