Charlie Watts

Charlie Watts, born Charles Roberts Watts on June 2, 1941, was an English musician and drummer. Watts, whose career dates back to 1958, achieved international fame and success as the Rolling Stones drummer. He was a talented musician, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, and an excellent performer, which are only a few reasons to celebrate him on his birthday today.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Charles Robert Watts

Nickname:

Charlie

Birth date:

June 2, 1941

Death date:

August 24, 2021 (age 80)

Zodiac Sign:

Gemini

Height:

5' 8"

Net Worth:

$250 million

Charles's Social Media:

Background

Charles Robert Watts, A.K.A. Charlie Watts, is a name that holds reverence in the music industry. Watts’ talent, techniques, and performances earned him swarms of supportive fans worldwide. He was born on June 2, 1941, in Bloomsbury, London. His father was a lorry driver while his mother was a factory worker. He was of English and Scottish descent and a Gemini. Growing up, Watts was influenced by jazz music and he owned many records. His family moved to Kingsbury and from 1952 to 1956, he attended the Tyler Croft Secondary Modern School. When Watts declared his interest in drumming in 1955, his parents bought him a drum kit. He later attended Harrow Art School until 1960.

Watts worked as a graphic designer after leaving art school. He got employed by an advertising company, however, he still played drums on the side. He joined a band with his childhood friend, Dave Green. Watts joined Blues Incorporated in 1962 while maintaining his graphic design job at Charles, Hobson, and Gray. He met Brian Jones, Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, and Ian Stewart by mid-1962 and officially joined the Rolling Stones in January 1963. With his background in graphic design, Watts contributed to the comic strips of the band. He created record sleeves and designed their tour stages. Watts performed with the Rolling Stones for 58 years, he toured countries and went the whole nine yards. Jagger nicknamed him ‘The Wembley Whammer.’

Watts was an entertainer who gave his heart and soul to every performance, song, and album. He was a phenomenal drummer who breathed his last on August 24, 2021. Watts was survived by his wife, Shirly Ann Shepherd, whom he married in 1964, their daughter, Seraphina, and granddaughter, Charlotte. He lived a full life and he is missed every day.

Career timeline

1962
Blues Incorporated

Watts joined this band while still working as a graphic designer.

1963
He Joined the Rolling Stones

Watts joined the Rolling Stones in January and debuts as a bandmate in February.

1989
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Watts was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

1991
The Charlie Watts Quintet

Watts created a jazz quintet as a tribute to Charlie Parker.

1996
His Quintet Released a Record

The second record by Watts’ quintet, “Long Ago and Far Away,” dropped.

2019
His Last Rolling Stones Concert

Watts performed at his last live concert with the band in Miami, Florida.

Why We Love Charlie Watts

  1. He was a phenomenal drummer

    Watts played his heart out in every show. He was a great drummer.

  2. He was an empath

    Watts was very empathetic towards people, especially his friends. With his tributes, favors, and condolences, one can tell he truly cared for people.

  3. He always looked good

    Watts was elected into “Vanity Fair’s” ‘International Best Dressed Hall of Fame’ list. He always looked dapper.

5 Surprising Facts

  1. He performed on every album

    Watts performed on every Rolling Stones album.

  2. He was a published cartoonist

    Watts published a cartoon as a tribute to Charlie Parker, titled “Ode to a High Flying Bird.”

  3. He didn’t attend his induction ceremony

    When Watts got inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he skipped the ceremony.

  4. He disliked touring

    The Rolling Stones toured frequently, and Watts loved playing with his bandmates but he disliked dealing with the groupies.

  5. He was always faithful to his wife

    Watts was faithful to his wife and never cheated on her during tours.

Charlie Watts FAQs

What did Mick Jagger say about Charlie Watts?

Jagger called Watts “the heartbeat of the band.”

What was the official cause of death for Charlie Watts?

The official cause of Watts’ death is unknown.

Where was Charlie Watts laid to rest?

Watts’ final resting place is in Devon.

Charlie Watts’s birthday dates

YearDateDay
2024June 2Sunday
2025June 2Monday
2026June 2Tuesday
2027June 2Wednesday
2028June 2Friday

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