Charles Robert Watts (2 June 1941 - 24 August 2021)
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 has been the only Rolling Stones member other than Jagger or Richards to have been featured on all of their studio albums.
He cites jazz as a major influence on his drumming style. He has 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 noted music critic Robert Christgau, Watts is "rock's greatest drummer." In 2016, he was ranked 12th on Rolling Stone's "100 Greatest Drummers of All Time" list.
Deepest sympathy to his wife, his family and the band.
You kept the beat to the soundtrack of our lives!
Rest in Power!
Charlie Watts / Jumpin' Jack Flash
