Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts Dies At 80
Charlie Watts was the most elegant and dignified drummer in rock and roll. He played exactly what was needed – no more – no less. He is one of a kind.
So sad to hear the news of the loss of legendary Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts. His unforgettable rock solid backbeat will be remembered forever. Sending our thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.”
The quiet, elegantly dressed Charlie Watts was often ranked with Keith Moon, Ginger Baker and a handful of others as a premier rock drummer, respected worldwide for his muscular, swinging style as the band rose from its scruffy beginnings to international superstardom.
Very sorry to hear of the passing of The Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts.
My deepest condolences to his family, the band and the fans.
No cause of death was given,
— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) August 24, 2021
Charles Robert Watts (2 June 1941 – 24 August 2021) was an English drummer who achieved international fame as the drummer for the Rolling Stones. He was one of the band’s longest serving members, joining in January 1963 and remaining a member until his death in 2021.
Charles Robert Watts was born at University College Hospital in Bloomsbury, London, to Charles Richard Watts, a lorry driver for the London, Midland and Scottish Railway, and his wife Lillian Charlotte (née Eaves). He had a sister, Linda.
Background information
Birth name Charles Robert Watts
Born 2 June 1941
Bloomsbury, London, England
Origin Wembley, Middlesex, England
Died 24 August 2021 (aged 80)
London, England
Genres
Rock jazz blues
Occupation(s) Musician, composer, producer
Instruments Drums
Years active 1959–2021
Labels Decca, Rolling Stones, Virgin
Associated acts Blues Incorporated, The Rolling Stones, the Charlie Watts Tentet
Originally trained as a graphic artist, he started playing drums in London’s rhythm and blues clubs, where he met Brian Jones, Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards. In January 1963, he joined their fledgling group, the Rolling Stones, as drummer, while doubling as designer of their record sleeves and tour stages. Watts, Jagger and Richards are the only members to have been featured on all of the band’s studio albums. He cited jazz as a major influence on his drumming style. He toured with his own group, the Charlie Watts Quintet, and appeared in London at Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club with the Charlie Watts Tentet.
In 2006, Watts was elected into the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame; in the same year, Vanity Fair elected him into the International Best Dressed List Hall of Fame. In the estimation of music critic Robert Christgau, Watts was “rock’s greatest drummer”. In 2016, he was ranked 12th on Rolling Stone’s “100 Greatest Drummers of All Time” list.
Rest In Peace Charlie Watts. Drummer and important member of The Rolling Stones. We love u Charlie Broken heart
“Charlie was a rock, and a fantastic drummer, he will be missed.”
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