Charlie Watts - drums The Rolling Stones. For many years, he united the musicians of the group and was the pulsating heart of the team. He was called "Man of Mystery", "Quiet Rolling" and "Mr. Reliability". Almost all admirers of the rock band know about him, but, according to music critics, his talent throughout his life was underestimated.
The fact that Charlie Watts cannot be called a "typical rocker" deserves special attention. The man loved music and the sound of rock. But, he was never a fan of the cheeky life. Until the end of his days, the artist remained faithful to his wife and daughter. Outwardly, he looked like an exemplary English gentleman. A Q journalist described the musician as follows:
“A mop of silver hair is slicked back to show off his angular face, and his slender body is dressed in a charcoal gray suit, complete with a crisp white shirt and red tie…”
Charlie Watts childhood and youth
The artist's date of birth is June 2, 1941. He was lucky to be born in London. The guy's parents had the most remote relation to creativity. The head of the family worked on the railroad, and his mother worked in the medical industry.
Almost immediately after the birth of Charlie, the family moved to a new city. The childhood and youth years of the future idol of millions passed in the town of Kingsbury in Warwickshire. By the way, Charlie's happy childhood passed in the company of his sister Linda.
Charlie grew up as an incredibly versatile and creative child. He was well versed in art, and also loved to play football and cricket. He spent several years teaching at Tyler Croft High School.
He began to get involved in music in his teens. Together with his friend David Green, who lived next door, he listened to the best examples of classical and jazz. Records of famous jazzmen often sounded in Watts' house.
Around the same period of time, he was lured by the sound of percussion musical instruments. The father and mother, who doted on their son, supported his passion by donating a drum kit.
Despite the fact that the young man dreamed of a career as a musician, he became a student at the Harrow School of Art. After receiving his education, Charlie worked for some time in an advertising firm, and in the evenings played drums in local bars and restaurants.
The creative path and music of Charlie Watts
Watts' creative career as a musician began when he joined the Jo Jones All Stars. For a novice artist, the experience gained was an excellent impetus for the implementation of grandiose plans.
In the early 60s, he had a burning desire to move to Denmark, but his acquaintance with Alexis Korner "forced" to move plans. The promoter of rhythm and blues persuaded the musician to move into his group. Actually, that's how Charlie ended up in the Blues Incorporated.
And the very next year he became part of The Rolling Stones. He finally joined the group in 1963. Charlie gave more than 40 years to the development of the cult team.
He conquered the fans not only with his virtuoso drumming, but also with the observance of a clear rhythm. Charlie in a few seconds could light the entire hall. Despite his natural modesty, he seemed to attract the attention of the audience like a magnet. In the early 70s of the last century, Charlie was noted for his participation in the Rocket 88 team.
Founding of The Charlie Watts Quintet
In the 90s, when The Rolling Stones gained worldwide fame, the drummer, like almost any creative person, wanted to experiment. Watts felt that he had grown significantly and honed his skills to a professional level. He founded his own musical project, which was called The Charlie Watts Quintet.
He dedicated the band to his favorite jazzman Charlie Parker. During the period of activity of the brainchild of Charlie Watts, the discography of the group was replenished with several full-length LPs.
In the new millennium, the drummer met Jim Kellner. Acquaintance first grew into a strong friendship, and then into the release of a joint instrumental LP of plays. The artists dedicated the disc to iconic jazz drummers.
Charlie Watts: details of personal life
He took place not only as a talented musician, but also a decent family man. His only wife was Shirley Ann Shefferd. He met a woman even before gaining popularity. She worked as a sculptor. In the mid-60s, the couple legalized the relationship and began to plan children. After 4 years, a charming daughter was born in the family.
Charlie was always surrounded by beauties who were ready to go to bed with them in one "click". They demanded nothing but love pleasures. However, Watts never took advantage of his position. He valued his wife and daughter too much.
In 1972, when Watts, along with the musicians from the Rolling Stones, was on an extended tour, he once again proved that he was not called an avid family man for nothing. The musicians settled in the mansion of Playboy editor-in-chief Hugh Hefner. While the band members were having fun in the company of sexy girls, Charlie was peacefully spending time in the game room.
Until the very death of Charlie, the couple was always together. They supported and cared for each other. Even in moments when they had a hard time, the husband and wife fought for the family.
When Charlie got addicted to drugs and alcohol, his wife was there. After some time, Watts will thank his wife, and attributed his own stupidity to a midlife crisis.
During his lifetime, Charlie managed to babysit his only granddaughter, Charlotte. Grandmother and grandfather doted on the charming girl, and spoiled her in every possible way with gifts and attention.
The deteriorating health of Charlie Watts
The last years of the cult drummer's life were spent in the small settlement of Dolton. He did not deny himself the pleasure of making music. Among other things, the man bred horses.
In the "zero" he was given a disappointing diagnosis. He was diagnosed with cancer, namely throat cancer. He underwent treatment, and the disease receded, although the health of the drummer was greatly shaken.
Interesting facts about Charlie Watts
- Watts' drums are featured on all the Rolling Stones records that have been released.
- Together with The Rolling Stones, Charlie Watts became one of the first musicians included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- He adored German Shepherds.
- The education he received in his youth definitely came in handy. The drummer is the designer of several covers of The Rolling Stones LPs.
Death of Charlie Watts
He passed away in mid-August 2021. He died surrounded by family, in one of the London clinics. At the time of his death, the musician was 80 years old. He most likely had health problems, since in August 2021 he refused to participate in the tour of The Rolling Stones for the first time.
