Charles Robert Watts (born 2 June 1941 - 24 August 2021) was an English drummer, best known as a member of the Rolling Stones since 1963. 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.
Watts died on 24 August 2021, aged 80.
Kieth Richards started writing songs with Mick in 1963 and is still in the group today. Bill Wyman even had solo success in 1981 with
The groups first UK single hit in the 1970s
“ | If I could stick my pen in my heart, And spill it all over the stage; Would it satisfy ya, would it slide on by ya, Would you think the boy is strange? | ” |
“ | If I could win ya, if I could sing Would it be enough for your cheating heart, If I broke down and cried? If I cried? I said I know it's only rock 'n roll but I like it | ” |
“ | Suicide right on the stage... | ” |
Respectable got to no. 23 in 1978.