Charlie Watts was rolling stone’s world-renowned drummer, and producer.
Upon his death, beloved Charlie Watts had an estimated net worth of $250 million. He made his fortune through his successful career as a drummer and other business ventures such as horsemanship.
Charlie Watts Early Life
Charlie Watts was born on June 2, 1941, in London, England.
Charlie always had a passion for art. He started displaying his creative talent early on during his school years at Harrow Art School. Not only was he artistic, but also skilled in football and cricket. At the time, Britain was still trying to recover from World War II’s destruction–especially in bombed-out parts of London where people lived in prefabricated homes.
He began playing the drums at a young age and soon developed a passion for jazz music. He joined The Rolling Stones in 1963 and quickly became one of the most important members of the band.
Similar: Ozzy Osbourne Net Worth
Joining The Rolling Stones
After graduating from art school, Charlie Watts didn’t choose to pursue music as a career like he originally wanted. He was good at playing the drums but decided to become a graphic designer instead. Even though his passion lay in music, he only played for different bands during his spare time.
Eventually, through London’s music scene, he met singer Mick Jagger, Ronnie Wood, and Brian Jones, before eventually being invited by guitarist Keith Richards to become the rolling stones drummer in 1963—the band that would change his life forever.
Other rolling stones band members included Mick Taylor, Ian Stewart, and Bill Wyman.
He was rolling stone’s longtime drummer and rocked the stage for almost six decades with the group and became one of the most respected drummers in the world. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammy Awards in 2016.
Also read: Dave Grohl Net Worth
Musical Career: Hit After Hit With Rolling Stone
It’s no shocker that Charlie Watts’s net worth was high. During his time with The Rolling Stones, Charlie Watts proved to be an essential member of the band. He helped write and produce some of their most iconic hits, such as “Satisfaction”.
Widely considered one of the best songs ever recorded, “Satisfaction” quickly topped the US Billboard Hot 100 charts and cemented The Rolling Stones’ place as a force to be reckoned with.
After rolling stones released other successful singles like “Brown Sugar” “Honky Tonk Women” and “Ruby Tuesday,” Watts was established as one of Rock’s top drummers.
While the band experimented with different musical styles over the years, Watts’ drumming was always the consistent heartbeat that held everything together. He had a unique style that combined jazz, swing, and rock ‘n’ roll–which can be heard on The Rolling Stones’ classic albums “Beggars Banquet,” “Let it Bleed,” “Exile on Main St.” and more.
Watts’ skills as a drummer and producer helped make The Rolling Stones one of the most successful and enduring rock bands in history.
Watts got his first taste of success as a member of The Rolling Stones in 1965 with the release of their hit single “Satisfaction.” Widely considered one of the best songs ever recorded, “Satisfaction” quickly topped the US Billboard Hot 100 charts and cemented The Rolling Stones’ place as a force to be reckoned with.
Charlie Watts’s Most Iconic Stage Moments
One of the most iconic moments in rock and roll history took place on June 2nd, 1965, at the Rolling Stones concert at the Fillmore Auditorium in San Francisco. The band was in the midst of their encore, playing their signature hit “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” when suddenly Keith Richards’ guitar went dead.
The crowd was stunned, but Charlie Watts kept going, powering through the rest of the song with his steady drum beat. It was a moment of pure rock and roll magic, and it cemented Charlie Watts as one of the greatest drummers of all time.
Similar: Tommy Lee Net Worth
Marriages and Family
Charlie Watts was to Shirley Ann Shepherd, with whom he had one daughter- Seraphina Delphine. The couple was together until his time of death.
He preferred a quiet life and lived in rural England.
Personality And Lifestyle
Unlike his bandmates, Charlie Watts had a calmer, more subdued lifestyle; however, he still struggled with drugs and alcohol in the 1980s. This caused problems at home and almost ruined his relationship with his wife. After going through a “mid-life crisis,” he became addicted to these substances.
Although often cast into the role of the rockstar, Charlie Watts strived to break away from that image. Often termed as the least impressionable member and often pictured just playfully looking on as the rest of the band caused havoc, it was this image that he attempted to dispel.
In an interview with Rolling Stone in 1995, he stated: “I hate being called a legend… It makes me realize how old I am.” He was also quoted in 2003 saying: “I’m not a star. I’m just a drummer in a rock and roll band. I do my job and go home.”
Watt’s demanded respect and he wasn’t one for talking to the press instead preferred a more private lifestyle. For instance, while his bandmates would take advantage of sexual favors offered by groupies but Watts remained dedicated to his wife – even going as far as isolating himself in an empty room when invited to Hugh Hefner‘s Playboy Mansion.
Charlie Watts, though he tried to stay out of the public eye, was impossible to miss due to his fashion style. His style- which favored English suits- was inspired by his early love of Jazz, and he always wore them with self-assurance.
Vanity Fair named the drummer one of the world’s best-dressed men, and GQ featured him as a style icon. Although he didn’t look for attention, his sophisticated taste made him stand out among his Rolling Stones bandmates–which is ironic for a man who preferred to stay out of the limelight.
Check out: Jason Alexander Net Worth
Charlie Watt’s Love For Horses
Charlie Watts was an avid horseman and horse owner. He enjoyed riding and took part in many competitions, even winning a few.
He was known to be an Arabian horse breeder and spent from €500,000 to €1 million on his hobby. His polish Arabian horse farm with more than 250 horses at its peak and is located in Dolton, Devon, England.
Cancer And Death
Despite Charlie Watt’s choice to quit smoking in the 1980s, he still battled throat cancer in 2004. However, with radiation therapy treatment, he beat the disease and rejoined The Rolling Stones for their 2016 album release “Blue & Lonesome.”
Charlie Watts died on 24 August 2021 at a London hospital with his family by his side. He was 80 years old. Watts’s cause of death was never disclosed.
In Conclusion
A legendary drummer, Charlie Watts was an amazing drummer and an even more amazing person. He will be missed by many.
Related: Post Malone Net Worth,