Charlie Watts: Rolling Stones Drummer for Nearly Six Decades Dies at 80

Charlie Watts was an English drummer, best known as the steady, jazz-inflected heartbeat of the Rolling Stones for 58 years. Born Charles Robert Watts on June 2, 1941, in London, he was a jazz lover who became one of rock's most respected musicians.

Watts joined the Rolling Stones in 1963 and stayed with the band until his death, and he never missed a concert. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Stones in 1989 and into the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2004. Rolling Stone ranked him among the greatest drummers of all time.

Watts married Shirley Ann Shepherd in 1964, and they had a daughter, Seraphina. He worked as a graphic designer before turning professional and never held a driver's license. He died in London on August 24, 2021, at age 80. Remembered for his elegance and his unflappable groove, he was the calm center of one of rock's wildest bands.

Achievements: Joined the Rolling Stones (1963), inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1989), inducted into the UK Music Hall of Fame (2004), played with the Stones for 58 years.

Birth: June 2, 1941 - Bloomsbury, London, England.

Profession: Drummer and graphic designer.

Interesting Facts: He never missed a Rolling Stones concert. He never held a driver's license.