Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts has died

The Charlie Watts was born in London during the Second World War. He started listening to jazz music from his childhood years. His main influences were Miles Davis and John Coltrane. Turning a banjo into a snare drum, he played drums for the first time. At sixteen he left school and enrolled at Harrow art school. In 1963 he was playing in Alexis Corner's jazz group Blues Incorporated, when the Rolling Stones asked him to play in their band. After repeated refusals, he finally agreed. Despite the Rolling Stones' massive success, Watts never stopped playing and recording jazz.

In 1993, when the other members of the Rolling Stones asked him to pick the band's new bassist himself, he chose Darryl JonesThe bassist had become famous playing with Miles Davis.

pic.twitter.com/wi6333F6QF— The Rolling Stones (@RollingStones) August 24, 2021

His love for jazz

He then devoted himself to his great love, jazz, recording a series of albums. Among them, «From One Charlie» stands out (a title referring to a dedication from one Charlie to another). The record was recorded in 1991 as a tribute to his idol, Charlie Parker.

The news was announced by his agent. "With immeasurable sorrow, we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts. He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today, surrounded by his family." 

The sad news came a few weeks after the announcement that Watts would not be taking part in the tireless rockers' American tour. He was in the recovery stage, with no health issue having been specified. As a member of the band, he contributed to the deification of the Rolling Stones, who became, along with the Beatles, one of the most important bands in the history of rock 'n' roll, shaping the scene and serving as a point of reference for those who followed. 

His death has spread grief around the world, as he is considered one of the greatest drummers of his generation.