Charlie Watts was born in London during World War II and grew up in a prefab home in Wembley.
He joined The Rolling Stones in 1963, where he remained the drummer until his death in 2021.
Watts was married to Shirley Ann Shepherd for 57 years, and they had one daughter, Seraphina.
Biography
Early Life
Charles Robert Watts was born on June 2, 1941, in Bloomsbury, London, to Charles Richard Watts, a lorry driver, and Lillian Charlotte, a factory worker. Growing up in Wembley, he experienced the aftermath of World War II, living in a prefab home due to the destruction of local houses. Watts developed a passion for music early on, influenced by his childhood friend Dave Green, with whom he shared a love for jazz records. This early exposure to music laid the foundation for his future career.
Career
Watts began his musical journey in the late 1950s, playing in jazz bands while working as a graphic designer. His big break came in 1962 when he joined Alexis Korner's band, Blues Incorporated. In January 1963, he officially became the drummer for The Rolling Stones, a role he would hold until his death in 2021. Known for his calm demeanor and unique drumming style, Watts contributed significantly to the band's sound, often opting for a restrained approach that emphasized the music over flashy solos. His first public performance with the band was at the Ealing Jazz Club on February 2, 1963.
Personal Life
Watts married Shirley Ann Shepherd on October 14, 1964, and they had one daughter, Seraphina. The couple enjoyed a long and stable marriage, lasting 57 years until Watts's passing. He lived in North Devon, where he owned an Arabian horse stud farm and had a passion for cricket, collecting memorabilia related to the sport. Despite his fame, Watts preferred a quieter life, often expressing a love-hate relationship with touring, which he found taxing. He was known for his loyalty to the band and his unique perspective on fame, often shunning the rock star lifestyle.
Collected from open sources (4) · facts link to sources · AI-processed
Discography
Anthology2023
- 1.Stompin’ at the Savoy4:45
- 2.Flying Home7:27
- 3.Practising, Practising, Just Great5:51
- 4.Bluebird2:47
- 5.Relaxing at Camarillo3:37
- 6.Going, Going, Going, Gone5:01
- 7.Black Bird – White Chicks5:09
- 8.Cool Blues3:11
- 9.Lover Man6:22
- 10.Perdido6:51
- 11.You Go to My Head4:27
- 12.If I Should Lose You4:05
- 13.My Ship4:48
- 14.Long Ago (And Far Away)5:05
- 15.Good Morning Heartache4:57
- 16.Never Let Me Go3:17
- 17.Roy Haynes4:13
- 18.Airto6:11
- 19.Elvin Suite12:17
- 20.Roll ’em Charlie7:31
- 21.What’s New8:10
- 22.Tin Tin Deo11:31
- 23.Sunset at the Mockingbird7:00
- 24.Take the “A” Train4:49
- 25.Rockhouse Boogie5:13
- 26.Ain’t Nobody Minding Your Store2:50
- 27.Swindon Swing4:25
Charlie Watts Meets The Danish Radio Big Band2017
- 1.Elvin Suite Part. 19:17
- 2.Elvin Suite Part. 25:53
- 3.(Satis) Faction6:13
- 4.I Should Care7:56
- 5.You Can't Always Get What You Want7:12
- 6.Paint It Black7:42
- 7.Molasses7:36
The Magic of Boogie Woogie2010
- 1.Shepperton Strut2:53
- 2.Lagonda Ride4:04
- 3.Heathrow Jet3:40
- 4.Windsor Park Walk4:53
- 5.High Barn Stampede2:50
- 6.Blues, Indeed4:33
- 7.Honky Tonk Train Blues4:48
- 8.V-Disc Stomp3:06
- 9.Smashingly Blue5:51
- 10.Second Line Bounce2:49
- 11.Bass Goin’ Crazy3:19
- 12.Careless Love Swing3:39
- 13.Boogie Train Mystique4:24
- 14.Lady Be Good4:22
- 15.Boogie Asado3:26
- 16.How Long Blues4:34
- 17.Boogie Woogie Rhythm Shop4:43
- 18.Sympathy for the Drummer4:28
- 19.Farewell Smile4:50
Charlie Watts Jim Keltner Project2000
- 1.Shelly Manne2:53
- 2.Art Blakey5:18
- 3.Kenny Clarke3:23
- 4.Tony Williams11:43
- 5.Roy Haynes4:09
- 6.Max Roach4:07
- 7.Airto6:21
- 8.Billy Higgins4:36
- 9.Elvin Suite12:21
Live at Fulham Town Hall1986
- 1.Stomping at the Savoy4:54
- 2.Lester Leaps In11:32
- 3.Moonglow6:02
- 4.Robbins Nest10:18
- 5.Scrapple From the Apple3:42
- 6.Flying Home7:37
Jamming With Edward!1972
- 1.The Boudoir Stomp5:16
- 2.It Hurts Me Too5:49
- 3.Edward’s Thrump Up7:40
- 4.Blow With Ry11:12
- 5.Interlude a la el Hopo2:03
- 6.The Loveliest Night of the Year0:29
- 7.Highland Fling4:20
The London Howlin’ Wolf Sessions1971
- 1.Rockin’ Daddy3:47
- 2.I Ain’t Superstitious3:32
- 3.Sittin’ on Top of the World3:55
- 4.Worried About My Baby2:59
- 5.What a Woman!3:03
- 6.Poor Boy3:08
- 7.Built for Comfort2:12
- 8.Who’s Been Talking?3:07
- 9.The Red Rooster (false start and dialogue)2:04
- 10.The Red Rooster3:59
- 11.Do the Do2:24
- 12.Highway 492:50
- 13.Wang Dang Doodle4:31
Anthology2023
Tracklist not collected yet.
Gallery
Label
- Record label
- Decca
- Record label
- Virgin Records
- Record label
- Rolling Stones Records
Groups
- Charlie Watts Quinteteponymouscurrent
- Charlie Watts and the Tenteteponymouscurrent
- Charlie Watt’s All-Star Jazz Orchestraeponymouscurrent
- Nanker Phelgecurrent
- Rock Therapydrums (drum set)current
- Rocket 88current
- The ABC&D of Boogie Woogieoriginalcurrent
- Willie and the Poor Boyscurrent
- The Rolling Stonesdrums (drum set), percussion · 1963–2021
Played together with
Bill WymanThe Rolling Stones · 1962–1993 · background vocals, bass guitar, keyboard, marimba, percussion
Brian JonesThe Rolling Stones · 1962–1969 · accordion, acoustic guitar, autoharp, background vocals, bass guitar, cello, electric guitar, hammered dulcimer, harmonica, keyboard, mandolin, marimba, original, percussion, recorder, saxophone, sitar, slide guitar
Darryl JonesThe Rolling Stones · 1994 · bass
Dick TaylorThe Rolling Stones · 1962–1962 · bass guitar
Ian StewartThe Rolling Stones · 1962–1985 · keyboard, original, percussion
Keith RichardsThe Rolling Stones · 1962 · acoustic guitar, background vocals, bass guitar, electric guitar, keyboard, lead vocals, original
Mick AvoryThe Rolling Stones · 1962–1962 · drums (drum set)
Mick JaggerThe Rolling Stones · 1962 · acoustic guitar, background vocals, bass guitar, electric guitar, harmonica, keyboard, lead vocals, original, percussion
Mick TaylorThe Rolling Stones · 1969–1974 · acoustic guitar, background vocals, bass guitar, electric guitar, slide guitar
Ronnie WoodThe Rolling Stones · 1975 · acoustic guitar, background vocals, bass guitar, electric guitar, lap steel guitar, membranophone, pedal steel guitar, saxophone, slide guitar
Steve JordanThe Rolling Stones · 2021 · drums (drum set)- Tony ChapmanThe Rolling Stones · 1962–1963 · drums (drum set), original
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Identifiers & aliases
Also known as: Charles Robert Watts
Charles Robert Watts was an English musician who was the drummer of the Rolling Stones from 1963 until his death in 2021.
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