The biography of Charlie Watts, a legendary drummer best known for his work as a member of the iconic British rock band, The Rolling Stones.
He was born on June 2, 1941, in London, England. Also, he began his musical career in the early 1960s, playing jazz in various London clubs.
He joined The Rolling Stones in 1963 and remained with the band until his death in August 2021.
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Early Life and Musical Career
Charlie Watts was born in London to a working-class family. He grew up listening to jazz and began playing drums at a young age.
He started his professional music career in the early 1960s, playing with various jazz bands in London.
In 1963, he joined The Rolling Stones as their drummer, replacing their previous drummer, Tony Chapman.
Charlie Watts was born to a working-class family in Dagenham, Essex, on February 15, 1941.
The young Charlie Watts attended Dagenham County Technical School, where he started performing with local bands.
At age 14, he joined his first band – The Blackjacks – which later changed its name to the skiffle group The Quarrymen.
When John Lennon joined the band as drummer after Christmas 1953 and guitarist George Harrison followed soon afterward, they called themselves The Beatles.
Born in the East End of London in 1940, Charlie Watts was the youngest of six children.
He was walking to school when WWII broke out, and instead of finding shelter from the bombing, he found a drum kit in an attic loft.
Soon afterward, he started picking up the guitar and playing air guitar to Bessie Smith songs on a phonograph.
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Career With the Rolling Stones
Charlie Watts’ drumming style was an integral part of The Rolling Stones sound, and he was a band member for over 50 years.
He played on many of the band’s biggest hits, including “Satisfaction,” “Jumpin’ Jack Flash,” and “Brown Sugar.”
He was also known for his understated but powerful drumming style, which provided the perfect foundation for the band’s bluesy rock sound.
Charlie Watts joined the band The Rolling Stones in 1962 and has been with them ever since.
He has also played with many other bands, including The Faces, The Rolling Stones’ final line-up, highly successful versions of the blues with John Mayall, and The band featuring ex-Rolling Stones guitarist Eric Clapton.
Charlie Watts was born in 1958, the son of a ballroom dancer. He began his musical career as part of The Rolling Stones, first appearing on their 1969 album Let It Bleed and performing on some of their most popular hits, including “Gimme Shelter” and “Jumpin’ Jack Flash.”
Even though he did not begin playing drums until 1971, Charlie proved an invaluable asset to The Rolling Stones when they toured in Europe shortly afterward.
He joined them full-time in 1972 and stayed with them until 1989, playing on such classics as Gimme Shelter, (What’s So Funny ‘Bout) Peace Love And Understanding, and Paint It Black.
Personal Life and Legacy
The biography of Charlie Watts would not be complete without stating his impact.
Charlie Watts married Shirley Ann Shepherd for over 50 years, and they had one daughter together.
He was known for his quiet and reserved personality and was often described as the “quiet Beatle” of The Rolling Stones. He was also an avid collector of vintage cars and was a keen horse racing enthusiast.
Watts’ death on August 24, 2021, at the age of 80, was a huge loss for the music world.
He had been an integral part of The Rolling Stones sound and had influenced generations of drummers.
He was widely respected for his talent, professionalism, and humility, and his legacy will continue to inspire musicians for generations to come.
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Recognition
Among the other three members of the rock group The Rolling Stones, Charlie Watts has been a key member since the band started.
He is known as a perfect counterbalance to Mick Jagger’s theatrics, and his distinct drumming style has become a staple of classic Stones tracks like “Honky Tonk Women” and “Play with Fire.”
Born in Luton, England, in 1939 and raised in a working-class family, Charlie Watts was already playing drums when he was just eight years old.
By age 14, Charlie has formed his first band, the Blackjacks. Charlie has worked with legendary musicians such as George Harrison and Eric Clapton on the Cats of their Eyes album.
His influence on other drummers like Keith Moon, Cozy Powell, and Dave Grohl is enormous.
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