Mick Jagger in his own words by Mick Jagger

by Barry Miles

Mick In His Own Words. Compiled by Miles (Barry Miles). 1982 paperback published by Delilah/Putnam. Illustrated with black-and-white photographs.

128 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Barry Miles is an English author best known for his deep involvement in the 1960s counterculture and for chronicling the era through his prolific writing. He played a key role in shaping and documenting the London underground scene, becoming a central figure among the poets, musicians, and artists who defined the decade’s rebellious spirit. A close associate of figures such as Allen Ginsberg and Paul McCartney, Miles not only witnessed the cultural revolution firsthand but also actively participated in it through ventures like the Indica Gallery and the alternative newspaper International Times.
In the early 1960s, Miles began working at Better Books in London, a progressive bookshop that became a hub for the avant-garde. While there, he was instrumental in organizing the International Poetry Incarnation at the Royal Albert Hall in 1965, an event that marked the emergence of the British underground movement and featured prominent poets like Allen Ginsberg. The same year, Miles co-founded the Indica Bookshop and Gallery, which became a gathering place for creatives and countercultural icons. It was here that John Lennon first met Yoko Ono, at one of her art exhibitions.
Miles also played a role in launching International Times, one of the UK’s first underground newspapers, which Paul McCartney discreetly funded. Miles introduced McCartney to the people behind the project and facilitated many of his early connections with the underground scene. In 1967, he co-organized The 14 Hour Technicolor Dream, a legendary multimedia event at Alexandra Palace featuring Pink Floyd, Yoko Ono, and John Lennon, among others.
Later in the decade, Miles took on the management of Zapple Records, an experimental subsidiary of Apple Records. During this time, he produced poetry albums, including one by Richard Brautigan. However, his personal relationship with Brautigan became strained after Miles became romantically involved with Brautigan’s partner, Valerie Estes. The fallout led to communication only through legal representatives. Although Zapple closed before releasing the Brautigan album, it was eventually issued by another label in 1970.
Miles also produced a recording of Allen Ginsberg’s musical interpretation of William Blake’s Songs of Innocence and Experience, which was released in 1970. He briefly lived with Ginsberg in New York before returning to England following the breakdown of his first marriage. He later married travel writer Rosemary Bailey and continued to live and work in London.
In addition to his memoirs In the Sixties and In the Seventies, Miles has written definitive biographies of cultural icons such as Paul McCartney (Many Years From Now), Frank Zappa, William S. Burroughs, Jack Kerouac, Charles Bukowski, and Allen Ginsberg. He is also the author of Hippie, a visual and narrative exploration of the 1960s counterculture. His writings often reflect a mix of personal experience and historical documentation, offering insight into the worlds of rock, literature, and art.
Miles is known not only for his historical accounts but also for his critical views, including pointed commentary on musicians like Rush and Frank Zappa, examining the political and commercial aspects of their work. With a career that spans over five decades, Barry Miles remains one of the most insightful chroniclers of the countercultural and musical revolutions of the 20th century.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Exactly one hour long, but worth it to hear Mick's young voice that somehow sounds even younger as the years go by.

[John Lyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished writing my review and my iPad erased it which is angering.

I had this book on my shelf for a few years, very glad I finally read it. It was cool to hear what Mick thinks/thought about a wide range of topics. Although not a regular autobiography it still gives insight into Mick's experiences and views. More details about where and when interviews took place would've been nice. I wonder how many opinions Mick still holds. It's been 40 years now, 60 for some comments, I think.

[Cora · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was interesting. It gave a different perspective of fame but my favourite were this oldest interviews when he said he didnt think he would still be rocking in his 40s. Here we are decades later and he is still rocking and a HUGE icon. It is great to see how humble he was at the beginning and some of the things he was saying about drugs and alcohol are still relevant today.

[Terence Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if Mick really wrote this book (or ghostwriter for him) but i really liked it. I really enjoyed reading it and remembering the great time of rock and roll in the 60s. It's fun read, no wisdom or specific philosophy just good ol' fun. I do recommend this book for kids of 60s, 70s and 80s.

[Piper Winchester · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading about Mick.
He needs to write a memoir

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an audiobook because I wanted to hear Mick. Unfortunately the sound was terrible with most of these old tapes. It was staggered and difficult to follow.
Oh well.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really entertaining audiobook. Jagger sounds cool and strives hard to be sincere. He comes off very likable.

[Thomas Stroemquist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quotes upon quotes from Mick. Some very revealing, some feels snatched from all thinkable context. But most are very entertaining!