As a boy, Charlie Watts collected jazz and blues 78s, and he got his first drum kit at 14.
Watts went to art school, then worked as a graphic designer, playing jazz and blues at night in London clubs. He joined the Rolling Stones in 1963 and played with the band for 58 years.
Watts contributed graphic art to early Stones albums and, with Jagger, designed elaborate stages for their many themed tours, such as Steel Wheels and A Bigger Bang.
Charlie Watts is considered one of rock’s greatest drummers, and his unique style made the Rolling Stones' formula unique. Unlike most rock bands, where the drums lead the way, Watts allowed Keith Richards’ guitar to set the tone and tempo. In comparison to other leading drummers of his day like John Bonham of Led Zeppelin and Keith Moon of The Who, Watts had a gentle touch and left more space. At the same time, his playing was authoritative and driving.
Watts was musically active outside of the Stones, playing with original Rolling Stone Ian Stewart in the '70s and in the 1980s pursuing his first love — jazz — with his own big band The Charlie Watts Orchestra.
Watts’ personal life was much quieter than that of his flamboyant bandmates. A faithful husband, he had a love/hate relationship with touring. He said he “loved playing with Keith and the band” but wasn’t interested in being a pop idol.
His ability to change with the times sets Charlie Watts apart from other rock drummers, as the Stones successfully navigated the disco, punk and techno eras.
An example of Watts’ typically subtle yet brilliant drumming can be heard on the song "Beast of Burden."
Remembering drummer Charlie Watts of the Rolling Stones, who died in August. He was 80 years old.
