Charlie

Charlie Watts, the quiet, inimitable drummer of The Rolling Stones died today at the age of 80.

Originally trained as a graphic artist, he started playing drums in London's rhythm and blues clubs, where he met Brian Jones, Mick Jagger, and Keith Richards. In January 1963, he joined their fledgling group, as drummer, while doubling as designer of their record sleeves and tour stages.

The true heartbeat of the band, Watts steady hands and timeless beats kept the band rolling along, year after year. As if lurking in the shadows of the larger-than-life presence of Jagger and Richards, Watts light touch and singular rhythm sense can be heard on every track – from “Paint it Black” and “Gimme Shelter” to “Miss You” and “Tumbling Dice”.

“Charlie Watts gives me freedom to fly onstage.” Keith Richards once told this sentiment to everybody.

Outside of his work with the Stones, he cited jazz as a major influence on his drumming style, even touring with his own group, the Charlie Watts Quintet (if you can seek out the album Live at Fulham Town Hall – get it).

Tributes will pour in, read them all. Listen to your favorite Stones song. Appreciate Charlie for what he did and who he was. He was truly the coolest damn drummer ever.