Mick Jones

Michael Leslie Jones, professionally known as Mick Jones, is an English musician, songwriter, and record producer born on December 27, 1944, in London. He stands as the founder, leader, and the only continuous original member of the British-American rock band Foreigner, a role he has held since the group's formation in 1976. As of 2026, Jones remains the creative driving force behind the band's catalog even though he stepped back from touring in 2023 due to health reasons.

Jones is responsible for writing or co-writing many of Foreigner's biggest hits including I Want to Know What Love Is, Double Vision, and Cold as Ice. His ability to blend hard rock riffs with emotional ballads defined the sound of the late 1970s and early 1980s. While often confused with the guitarist from The Clash, Jones carved out a distinct legacy as a prolific architect of stadium anthems. He continues to oversee the preservation of the band's music and works on new projects from his base in New York.[edit]

Michael Leslie Jones grew up in London immersed in a musical household where his father played jazz piano. This early exposure to diverse rhythms sparked his passion for the guitar at a young age. He pursued formal training at the Royal College of Music where he studied classical guitar and composition. Although his education was rooted in classical traditions, Jones quickly found himself drawn to the energy of rock music.

Before achieving global fame, he honed his craft in various London-based groups including The V.I.P.s and The Pigeons. In 1968 he joined the progressive rock band Spooky Tooth alongside Gary Wright. The group toured extensively across Europe and the United States giving Jones valuable experience in live performance and studio production. When Spooky Tooth disbanded in 1974 he relocated to New York City. It was there that he reunited with singer Lou Gramm whom he had previously worked with in a band called Streetband. Their chemistry proved immediate and they began writing material that would eventually become the foundation of Foreigner.[edit]

Jones founded Foreigner in New York City in 1976 with Lou Gramm as the lead vocalist. The band released their self-titled debut album in 1977 which featured the hit single Feeling Like I'm Going Home. They followed this success with Double Vision in 1978 and Head Games in 1979 establishing themselves as one of the most popular rock acts of the era. Jones wrote or co-wrote the majority of these tracks including the iconic anthem Cold as Ice.

The band reached its commercial peak in the 1980s with the release of Agent Provocateur in 1984. The album contained I Want to Know What Love Is which became the group's only number-one single in the United States. The song earned Jones a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s he navigated multiple lineup changes while remaining the sole constant member and primary songwriter. He produced several albums and maintained creative control over the band's direction.

In 2023 Jones announced he would no longer tour with Foreigner citing health reasons related to his Parkinson's disease diagnosis. Despite stepping away from the road he retains ownership of the band's catalog and continues to write and produce music. In 2024 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Foreigner recognizing his foundational role in the group's history. Additionally, he was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003 for his contributions to rock music.[edit]

Mick Jones is portrayed as a dedicated musician and a loyal family man who values longevity over fleeting trends. Media coverage emphasizes his resilience in the face of health challenges and his commitment to preserving the legacy of Foreigner. His style is classic rock characterized by a focus on melody and songcraft rather than flashiness or stage antics.

He is often seen as the anchor of the band providing continuity through decades of lineup changes. Jones maintains a respectful distance from the media while still engaging with fans through social media and occasional interviews. His public persona reflects the steady craftsmanship of a veteran artist who prioritizes the music above all else. He is listed among the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time" by Rolling Stone.[edit]

iFANN evaluated Mick Jones in September 2026 but he does not currently hold a placement in the published Global Top 1,000 rankings. The fanbase for Foreigner is highly organized with official clubs and online forums dedicated to tracking the band's history and releases. Fans often refer to themselves as Foreigners or simply as devoted followers of the band's classic hits.

Notable campaigns by the fanbase helped push for Foreigner's induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame which was achieved in 2024. Jones interacts with fans through social media and occasional meet-and-greets though he maintains a low profile due to his health condition. The connection between the artist and the audience is built on a shared appreciation for timeless rock anthems. The iFANN data confirms the fanbase has no formal documented name beyond general identifiers.[edit]

Mick Jones holds a unique distinction among rock guitarists: he received formal classical training at the Royal College of Music before pivoting to rock. This background influenced his approach to melody and arrangement in Foreigner's songs. Another interesting fact is that he was part of Spooky Tooth which included Gary Wright who later collaborated with George Harrison. Jones has also revealed that he listens to The Clash frequently describing their music as pure despite sharing a name with the famous punk guitarist.

His songwriting process often involves creating melodies first before adding lyrics. This method contributed to the strong melodic hooks found in hits like Hot Blooded. Fans often recall the band's emotional performance of I Want to Know What Love Is at the Live Aid concert in 1985 as a defining moment in rock history. Jones uses his platform to raise awareness about Parkinson's disease after his public diagnosis in 2023. He was diagnosed with the condition around 2016.[edit]

Mick Jones lives in New York with his wife Susan and their children, maintaining a low profile away from the spotlight. Together they raised two children: a son named Michael "Mike" Jones who is also a musician and a daughter named Jessica Jones. Susan is also the mother of stepchildren from her previous marriage including a stepson who married into a Hollywood family.

The family resides together in New York where they maintain a low profile away from the spotlight. Recent reports in 2026 highlight their enduring partnership and the support she provides as Jones manages his health challenges. The family lives together in New York where they maintain a low profile away from the spotlight. [edit]

Lou Gramm, Gary Wright, George Harrison, Susan Jones[edit]

Mick Jones has maintained a notably private personal life compared to many of his rock contemporaries. However public records and recent reporting confirm a long-term stable marriage. He wed Susan Jones (née Susan Kellerman) around 1982 and they have been together for over 40 years as of 2026. Susan is a writer and editor who has been a stabilizing force in his life throughout his rise to fame.

They have raised a family together including a son named Michael Mike Jones who is a musician and a daughter named Jessica Jones. Through his marriage Susan also brought stepchildren into the family including a stepson who married into a Hollywood family. Recent reports in September 2026 highlight their enduring partnership and her continued support as Jones manages his health. As of 2026 Mick Jones is married to Susan Jones with no credible reports of divorce separation or new romantic relationships.[edit]

iFANN currently estimates Mick Jones's net worth at approximately $27.7 million based on research conducted for 2026. This figure reflects his long career as a songwriter and performer along with ongoing royalties from Foreigner's extensive catalog. His wealth comes primarily from perpetual licensing of hits like I Want to Know What Love Is which remain staples in film television and advertising.

Past touring generated substantial revenue before his retirement from the road in 2023. Jones also owns property in New York and California contributing to his asset base. Earnings from producing albums for other artists and re-recording Foreigner tracks further bolster his income. The estate continues to generate value through merchandising and licensing deals managed by his team. Estimates from sources like Forbes and Celebrity Net Worth range between $25 million and $30 million.[edit]

Mick Jones has received significant recognition for his contributions to rock music. He was inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2003 for his body of work. In 2024 he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Foreigner. He also received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal for I Want to Know What Love Is. [edit]