Charlie Watts
On 02/06/1941: Charlie Watts was born. He was brought up in Wembley at 23 Pilgrims Way. His neighbour Dave Green was a childhood friend. They used to listen to records together. Most of records Charlie used to listen to were Jazz 78rpm records of artists like Jelly Roll Morton and Charlie Parker. When he was 13 he started to try drumming. In 1955 his parents gave him his first drum kit. By 1958 they were both playing in jazz band the Jo Jones All Stars.After completing school, he went to Harrow Art School studying there till 1960. He then worked at Charlie Daniels Studios as a graphic designer.
In 1961 he met Alexis Korner, who asked him to join Blues Incorporated. Whilst playing with Blues Incorporated he also had a job with advertising company Charles, Hobson and Grey.
In 1962 he met Brian Jones, Ian Stewart, Mick Jagger and Keith Richards.
In 1963 he joined The Rolling Stones who he would become a permanent member of. The Rolling Stones would become a great success, releasing many classic records and becoming one of the most popular touring acts in the world.
Along with drumming, Charlie contributed graphic art to early Rolling Stones records and would also design stages for later tours.
Outside of the Rolling Stones, he has collaborated with artists, mainly in jazz related projects. In the late seventies along with Ian Stewart he formed boogie-woogie band Rocket 88. In the eighties, he toured with a big band that included Jack Bruce, Courtney Pine and Evan Parker. In 1991 he formed a jazz quintet as a tribute to Charlie Parker. In 1993 and 1996 he released albums with his band the Charlie Watts Quintet. He also collaborated with Jim Keitner on the Charlie Watts/Jim Keitner project.
In 2009 he toured with ABC&D of Boogie Woogie, Axel Zwingenberger, Ben Waters and Dave Green.
In 1989, The Rolling Stones were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Charlie Watts considered one of the most influential drummers in rock and jazz history.