Mick Jagger made Grammy history on February 13, 2011, when he stepped onto the stage for his first-ever live performance at the 53rd Annual Grammy Awards. His debut wasn’t just a personal milestone—it was a heartfelt salute to the late, great Solomon Burke, as he tore through a soulful and electrifying rendition of “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love.”
Backed by Grammy-winning artist Raphael Saadiq and his band, Jagger brought undeniable swagger and soul to the spotlight. Dressed in sleek black and moving with the energy of a man half his age, he delivered a performance that pulsed with vitality, reverence, and celebration—all in honor of Burke’s enduring legacy in both soul and rock music.
Originally co-written and recorded by Solomon Burke in 1964, “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love” started modestly on the charts but evolved into a musical staple. The Rolling Stones gave it their own spin in 1965, and its cultural reach expanded even further when it roared back into the mainstream via The Blues Brothers film in 1980.
Jagger’s tribute wasn’t just a performance—it was a passing of the torch, connecting generations of artists and audiences. With Saadiq adding his own modern flair, the moment became a reminder that true soul music never fades—it only finds new voices. The crowd’s response was instant and thunderous, recognizing not only Jagger’s showmanship but the timeless power of the song and the legend behind it.
