In Memoriam: Charlie Watts

Written by Jon Williams

The music world is mourning the death of legendary Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 80.

Although not a founding member of the band, Watts joined the Stones very early on—the band played their first show in July of 1962, and Watts took over as permanent drummer in February of 1963. He quickly became the foundation upon which the band’s success was built. Guitarist Keith Richards himself said, “Everybody thinks Mick [Jagger] and Keith are the Rolling Stones. If Charlie wasn’t doing what he’s doing on drums, that wouldn’t be true at all. You’d find out that Charlie Watts is the Stones.”

The band’s discography kicked off with their self-titled debut in 1964 (titled England’s Newest Hit Makers in the U.S.). Since then, they’ve released 23 British albums and 25 in North America, most recently the covers album Blue & Lonesome in 2016. Other notable releases include their incredible run from 1968 through 1972—Beggars Banquet, Let It Bleed, Sticky Fingers, and Exile on Main St.—to name just a few. They also released a number of live albums, with 1970’s Get Yer Ya-Ya’s Out being perhaps the best example of the band at the top of their game. In addition to serving as the band’s drummer, Watts often helped to design their tour stages, album sleeve art, and more.

Before he joined the Rolling Stones, Charlie Watts was primarily a jazz drummer, and his own musical tastes inclined more in that direction. He would often play with big bands and his own quintet, which he formed in 1991. Recordings of these efforts can be hard to find, but one example is Charlie Watts Meets the Danish Radio Big Band, recorded in 2010.

Whether they’re revisiting old favorites or discovering it for the first time, make sure your patrons can experience the timeless music of the Rolling Stones and Charlie Watts. SmartBrowse ‘the Rolling Stones’ on our website for all their studio and live albums, greatest hits compilations, concert video, and more. And if your library offers hoopla, patrons can find the Stones’ music there as well, so they can explore the band’s music at home or on the go.