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Mick Jagger and Raphael Saadiq Conjure Solomon Burke's Spirit at Grammys

Matt Sayles, AP

In his Grammy debut, Mick Jagger conjured the outsized spirit -- and wardrobe -- of soul singer Solomon Burke, who died last year. The show-stopping performance came immediately after the show's annual In Memoriam segment.

Jagger, in a tribute to "The King of Rock 'n' Soul," strutted onstage wearing a luscious gold cape, a nod to the traditional royalty garb Burke loved performing in. He and Raphael Saadiq dove into a performance of one of Burke's most well-known hits, 'Everybody Needs Somebody to Love' and strutted across the stage, thrusting his fists toward the audience and at one point pulled the standing crowd into a series of call and responses.

At times, it was easy to forget that Jagger fronts a rock band and not a blistering soul group, watching him bow and stutter-step and swing his way across the stage with the interminable energy of a superstar soul singer. At one point, he drew guitarist Raphael Saadiq into the fray, chasing him around the stage and finished the song with an extended chorus refrain that felt -- if Grammy producers had been willing -- as if it could have carried well toward the dawn.

The only other time Jagger has appeared at the Grammys was via satellite a quarter-century ago when the Rolling Stones accepted a lifetime achievement award. Maybe he knew his first time in person needed to be something unforgettable. He delivered.

Mick Jagger's Grammy Tribute to Solomon Burke


Grammys 2011 Grammy Red Carpet

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Robert J Anderson

Saadiq was outstanding. Loved the way he played a few Steve Cropper licks halfway through. The interplay was clearly part of the act- Mick's been doing this for years. Check out his live performances with Peter Tosh and Ron woods.

February 15 2011 at 12:29 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Mick

At almost 68 years of age, Mick moves around better than most performers in their 20's. What a performance!!! I grew up listening to the Stones and at age 64 still think they're the best group of all time. And being as physically fit as Jagger, I hope I'm as energetic in 4 years!

February 14 2011 at 7:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to Mick's comment
Taltos1667

I was very happy to see Mick looking as good as ever. I believe that he, Keef and Mr. Burke had spent some time together over the last decade, and, therefore, it was quite appropriate that Mick be asked to perform Mr. Burke's tribute. I was hoping that Keef might have been an extra special guest star, but...

Basically - this performance ROCKED! As a youngster of only 57 :-)), Mick, I agree with you completely! They are my favourite group of all time (Beatles not withstanding, but that is another discussion) and I wish I had the energy now to keep up with Mick Jagger. A performer's performance. Exceptional!

February 14 2011 at 7:57 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Safe Journey Gary

Mick Jagger...Legend!! Mick Jagger forever!! A REAL rock star.

February 14 2011 at 3:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Long

It was an energetic and enjoyable performance. Though it looks like Mick Jagger gave Raphael Saadiq two good pushes on stage before Saadiq high-tailed back to the band area.

May be I misinterpreted the act...

February 14 2011 at 12:24 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
6 replies to Long's comment
myskye

LOVED the performance. Mick Jagger is a bad mama jama. But i was PISSSSED they didn't announce Raphael Saadiq was collaborating on the performance! How stupid are they for not announcing his name as well?!

February 14 2011 at 12:05 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to myskye's comment
cashew

I agree!!! i had no idea Raphael Saadiq was performing with Mick Jagger until I saw him on stage and was like "is that Raphael Saadiq?!!!" he deserved much more credit..nonetheless the performance was a favorite and it was awesome!

February 14 2011 at 2:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Tina Murray

AGREED I second this!! And he's a multiple grammy winner!! Where is the LOVE grammy's?? Before Valentines Day?? Whacked!

February 15 2011 at 1:30 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply