Charlie Watts

Charlie Watts was an English musician who achieved international fame as the drummer of the Rolling Stones from 1963 until his death in 2021. Originally trained as a graphic artist, Watts developed an interest in jazz at a young age and joined the band Blues Incorporated. He also started playing drums in London's rhythm and blues clubs, where he met future bandmates Mick Jagger, Keith Richards and Brian Jones. In January 1963, he left Blues Incorporated and joined the Rolling Stones as drummer, while doubling as designer of their record sleeves and tour stages. Watts' first public appearance as a permanent member was in February 1963; he remained with the group for 58 years until his death, at which time he, Jagger and Richards were the only members of the band to have performed on every one of their studio albums. Nicknamed "The Wembley Whammer" by Jagger, Watts cited jazz as a major influence on his drumming style. Aside from his career with the Rolling Stones, Watts 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 1989, Watts was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Rolling Stones, and in 2004, he was inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame, also with the Rolling Stones. He is often regarded as one of the greatest drummers of all time. He was known for his modest and elegant personality, his impeccable sense of style, and his devotion to his family and horses. He was married to Shirley Shepherd for 57 years until his death; they had one daughter, Seraphina, who gave them a granddaughter named Charlotte. Watts lived in Halsdon near Dolton, a rural village in west Devon, where he owned an Arabian horse stud farm. He was diagnosed with throat cancer in 2004 but fully recovered after a course of radiotherapy. He died in 2021 at the age of 80 due to complications of a twisted intestine. He was widely mourned by his fans, friends and fellow musicians.