Introduction
Who was Charlie Watts? Nicknamed Charlie, Charles Robert Watts was a legendary English drummer best known as the backbone of The Rolling Stones. Watts’ career with The Rolling Stones spanned nearly six decades, solidifying his place as one of the greatest drummers of all time. This guide will delve into Charlie Watts cause of death, his personal life, career, and much more.
| Category | Details |
| Real Name | Charles Robert Watts |
| Popular Name | Charlie Watts |
| Profession | Drummer |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Date | June 2, 1941 |
| Age | 80 years |
| Birthplace | Bloomsbury, London |
| Date of death | August 24, 2021 |
| Place of death | London, UK |
| Charlie Watts Cause of Death | Cancer and other health issues |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | Tylers Croft Secondary Modern School |
| Spouse | Shirley Ann Shepherd |
Early Life
Charlie Watts was born at University College Hospital in Bloomsbury, London, on June 2, 1941. After his family relocated to Kingsbury, he studied from 1952 to 1956 at Tylers Croft Secondary Modern School. Raised in a working-class family, Watts, at 13, developed an early passion for jazz music, a genre that would influence his drumming style throughout his career.
Early Career
In the early days after school, he played drums in local coffee shops and clubs. He began his musical career in 1958 by joining a band named Jo Jones All Stars till 1959. He Joined another band, “Incorporated Blues,” in 1962, besides his job in an advertising firm.
Career with the Rolling Stones
Charlie Watts’ career with The Rolling Stones spanned nearly six decades, during which the band became one of the most successful and enduring acts in rock history. Some of his career highlights include:
- “Satisfaction” (1965): Watts’ drumming on this iconic track helped define the sound of the 1960s.
- “Jumpin’ Jack Flash” (1968): His tight, driving beat is a key element in this classic Rolling Stones anthem.
- “Sympathy for the Devil” (1968): Watts’ jazz-influenced drumming added depth to one of the band’s most famous songs.
- “Exile on Main St.” (1972): This album, often regarded as the band’s masterpiece, features some of Watts’ most celebrated work.
Other Activities
Charlie Watts had a rich musical life beyond The Rolling Stones, deeply rooted in his love for jazz. He published a cartoon, Ode to a High Flying Bird, in 1964 as a tribute to Charlie Parker. Throughout his career, he engaged in various jazz projects, including joining the boogie-woogie band Rocket 88 in the late 1970s and leading the Charlie Watts Orchestra in the 1980s. He also formed the Charlie Watts Quintet in 1991 and released albums featuring Great American Songbook standards. Later, he collaborated on the Charlie Watts/Jim Keltner Project and performed with the ABC&D of Boogie Woogie starting in 2009.
Charlie Watts Cause of Death
Charlie Watts passed away on August 24, 2021, at the age of 80, at a London hospital. His death marked the end of an era for The Rolling Stones and the wider music world. The official cause of death was not publicly disclosed, but it was known that Watts had been dealing with health issues leading up to his passing.
Cancer and Advocacy
Watts’s moderate usage of drugs and alcohol became excessive in the mid-1980s, which he battled and quit in the late 1980s. Despite of being quitting, he was diagnosed with throat cancer in June 2004. Following the course of radiotherapy, the cancer was declared to be in remission.
Later Health Struggles
In early August 2021, it was announced that Watts would not participate in the band’s upcoming tour due to an unspecified medical procedure he had recently undergone. This announcement raised concerns about his health, but the full extent of his condition was kept private. Just weeks after this announcement, the world was shocked by the news of his death. While the specifics of his illness were not made public, it is widely believed that complications related to his recent medical procedure and his advancing age contributed to Charlie Watts’ cause of death.
Personal Life
Charlie Watts’ life was filled with a supportive and caring family. Charlie’s parents were Charles Richard Watts, a lorry driver, and Lillian Charlotte, a factory worker. He had a sister, Linda, with whom he was close. On October 14, 1964, he married Shirley Ann Shepherd, whom he met before joining Rolling Stones. They had a daughter together named Seraphina. Charlie and Shirley were married for 57 years until his death.
Physical Appearance
Here are some of the distinctive features of Chalie Watts’ personality:
- Height: 5 feet, 6 inches
- Weight: 62 kg
- Age: 80 years
Charlie Watts was known for his distinctive and understated style, both on and off the stage. Watts had light, neatly kept hair that turned silver-gray as he aged. His deep-set eyes, typically described as calm and contemplative, added to his reserved and thoughtful demeanor. Watts preferred a more sophisticated and tailored look, often wearing well-fitted suits, dress shirts, and ties, reflecting his affinity for jazz culture. Charlie Watts’ physical appearance, combined with his quiet charisma, made him a unique and memorable figure in the world of music.
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Conclusion
Charlie Watts was more than just the drummer of The Rolling Stones; he was a pillar of the band and a legendary figure in the world of music. Known for his jazz-inspired drumming style, Watts provided the steady rhythm that became the backbone of The Rolling Stones’ iconic sound. His dedication to music extended far beyond rock, as he pursued various jazz projects and maintained a sophisticated, low-key presence both on stage and off. Charlie Watts’ cause of death left a void, and his passing in 2021 marked the end of an era, but his legacy as one of the greatest drummers in history will continue to resonate through the countless artists he influenced and the timeless music he helped create.
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FAQs
Charlie Watts’ specific cause of death was Cancer and other health issues, but it was known that he had undergone a recent medical procedure likely due to cancer issues and had been dealing with other health issues.
Charlie Watts was the drummer for The Rolling Stones. His steady, unflashy drumming style was a crucial element of the band’s success.
In addition to his work with The Rolling Stones, Charlie Watts led several jazz ensembles, including the Charlie Watts Orchestra and the Charlie Watts Quintet.
