David Stevens, who played with Mick Jagger, dies aged 93

2RRR radio presenter David Stevens, who played in a band alongside Mick Jagger and had an extraordinary knowledge of music has died, aged 93.

David Stevens playing on the Corso in 2016.

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2RRR radio presenter David Stevens, who played in a band alongside Mick Jagger and had an extraordinary knowledge of music has died, aged 93.

The radio station life member and secretary died on Monday, leaving his fellow friends and volunteers praising a life defined by music.

In 1960s London, he played with Jagger in band Blues Incorporated before he became the Rolling Stones frontman.

David Stevens, with fellow musicians Simon Stribing and Lauri Lyster, was happiest playing music for others. Picture: Braden Fastier

“I never thought in a million years he would get anywhere. I didn’t think any of us would,” Mr Stevens told the Manly Daily in 2016.

The jazz program presenter also played with Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts and Ginger Baker, who co-founded the band Cream with Eric Clapton.

Despite his talent tickling the ivories, he chose a solid career as an accountant to provide for his family.

Mick Jagger performs in Berlin last June. Picture: Tobias Schwarz/AFP

Bruce Flarrety, who also presents a jazz program at 2RRR, praised Mr Stevens, who was a volunteer at the Henley station for more than 10 years.

“David was an extraordinarily kind man,’’ he said.

“He made a point of caring and visiting others, some who were in assisted care facilities.”

Mr Stevens, of Manly, migrated to Australia in the 1970s, during the Rolling Stones’ heyday but he was too modest to regale others with tales of working with Jagger.

“He didn’t kind of make a point of it,’’ Mr Flarrety said.

David Stevens on piano with a youthful Mick Jagger singing at the front.

“He loved playing the piano, he was never happier playing the piano for others.”

Mr Stevens prerecorded his last program last week and was broadcast on Wednesday.

“He had an extraordinary library of books and he had an extensive knowledge of jazz, both in his capacity and knowledge of jazz itself,’’ Mr Flarrety said.

“I have heard him sing and he was quite good.”

He was also a regular busker at the Corso and played his last professional gig at Dural this month.

“Playing for other people’s something that made his very happy,’’ Mr Flarrety said.

He also used his accountancy skills to draft the Henley station’s financial accounts.

Mr Stevens is survived by his wife Anita, three children and six grandchildren.

His friends are invited to celebrate his life at The Ashfield Club on Friday, May 31, at noon.