Since the mid-20th century, Great Britain has been the home of world rock music. One of the most successful bands is The Rolling Stones. And the most talented drummer in this group is Charlie Watts.
Childhood and youth
There is not the slightest doubt that the British are a serious people. However, in everyday life, they can afford the most unexpected eccentricities. In the family where the famous drummer was born and raised, five people bore the name Charlie. It was not easy even for close relatives to determine which of them was being discussed. Aunt's grandfather, father, uncle, and husband responded to this name. My father worked on the railroad. The mother took care of the sick at a clinic at the University of London. The boy was born on July 2, 1941. The house was already in full control of her two-year-old sister Linda.
The early childhood of the future musician passed to the sound of sirens warning of another air raid by fascist vultures. It is important to note that the head of the family devoted a lot of time to communicating with children and in every possible way instilled in them good habits. My father always had two weekend suits. On weekends, he dressed very neatly and looked like a real fashionista. The railway employee sewed the costumes at his personal tailor. Before going out with the children, he carefully examined the clothes of his son and daughter. The shirt must be fresh. Trousers are ironed. Boots - polished.
When it came time to get an education, the parents enrolled the boy in an ordinary high school. Charlie studied well. He was fond of playing football and cricket. For some time he was invited to the school team. Watts gave particular preference to drawing lessons. He is one of the whole class who is seriously interested in drawing. The astute drawing and design teacher advised parents to transfer the teenager to the famous Harrow School of the Arts. For four years, starting in 1956, Charlie has been learning the tricks of perspective, color, and the golden ratio.
Watts made a good living doing interior design orders. The creativity of the young designer was appreciated and invited to a popular advertising agency. He spent his free time with a childhood friend in one of the London clubs, where he played percussion instruments as part of an instrumental trio. At one of the parties, the drums operator was noticed by the already popular musicians from the rock band "The Rolling Stones". Charlie for a long time did not agree to the offer to move into the category of professional performers. But in 1963 he formulated a positive answer.
On the professional stage
The further course of events showed that Charlie Watts was in good company. Each member of the group had tremendous creative potential and contributed to the common cause. One came up with an idea. The second was busy with the arrangement right away. The third was painting the score. And the result was a composition that in the shortest possible time became a hit in all civilized countries. It is important to emphasize that the performers spent a significant part of their time on tour. And in between trips we recorded albums. Initially, Watts designed several album covers as a designer.
Charlie demonstrated a creative approach to the tasks set in preparation for his next tour of the United States. According to the current rules, the producer put together a press conference, where he announced the route of the group's movement. Once in New York, a truck drove up to the waiting reporters, in which the rock band performed their hit "Brown Sugar". Watts came up with this, if I may say so. After this precedent, it was successfully used by other musicians.
Character traits
Fans who track all of The Rolling Stones' official and private events have long noted the drummer's special demeanor. Charlie Watts admits that he doesn't like rock. He loves jazz. But why does a musician love one thing and play another? Charlie simply answers - it's my job. Likewise, he doesn't like touring. According to his habits, he is a couch potato. And he never uses the things and toiletries that are offered in hotels. The drummer prefers to carry his everything with him. Also, Watts is not in favor of female fans. He does not take part in the feasts after the concert and remains faithful to his wife.
The drummer is easily distinguished from other band members by his clothes. Charlie always sticks to the classic look. A fresh shirt, tie and formal jacket. Hair parted. Once at a concert, fans made their way onto the stage and began to snatch musical instruments from the performers' hands. And only to Watts no one dared to approach. And the drummer quite impassively tapped out the rhythm of a song that no one else was singing.
Personal life score
When Charlie got money, he bought an old castle in the village of Dalton. Here he breeds thoroughbred horses. In 1999, a mare from his stable became the first in the English Championship. Another popular musician loves to tinker with dogs. As a self-respecting dog handler, he regularly attends meetings of the Kennel Club in Wales.
The personal life of a professional drummer has developed steadily and happily. In the fall of 1964, he entered into a legal marriage with Shirley Shepherd. The husband and wife raised and raised their daughter. On holidays, both granddaughters and great-grandchildren visit the Watts house. In 2004, Charlie was diagnosed with throat cancer. But he was able to overcome this disease, and the disease receded.
