Charlie Watts RIP

 The Rolling Stones' drummer was arguably the biggest paradox in rock.  He was a core member of inarguably the most successful (financially speaking) rock band of all time, even though he didn't particularly care for rock and roll.  In interviews, if you could manage to get him to speak about anything at length, it was most likely jazz.  The artistic and canonical worth of the Stones' music wasn't something he'd brag about.  Is there another musician who approached his level of success who cared so little about his musical "legacy"?  The guy just loved drumming, did a masterful job holding down the rhythm section for the Stones, but his passion was whatever jazz ensemble he was leading on the side between tours for Mick and Keith.

The Stones were known for debauchery, it was even used as a marketing counterpoint to the more clean cut Beatles in the early and mid-60's.  But Watts was as straight as an arrow, never fooled around on the road, stayed married to the same woman for nearly his entire tenure with the Stones.  He had some problems with drugs in the 80's but was otherwise above all the rest of the Stones-related gossip.  

Watts' work for the Stones was solid and unspectacular, but as a jazz aficionado you always got the feeling that he was "dumbing it down" to fit the relatively simple rhythms and fills of rock. His drumming looked powerful but never muscular.  With a nonplussed look on his face from the beginning to the end of their concerts, he made drumming for the Stones look smooth, classy, and effortless.

There have been many deaths in the Stones' circle over the years and the juggernaut always finds a way to continue.  They were already planning to tour without Watts even when he out sick.  I'm sure they'll be just as successful without Watts for as long as they plan on continuing.  But his loss will be felt deep.