The music world lost a rock ‘n’ roll legend on Tuesday with the death of Rolling Stones’ drummer Charlie Watts at the age of 80. Known for his stellar rhythmic timing, no-frills playing and snappy style of dress, he was an elegant foil to his bandmates’ irreverent showmanship. A lover of jazz, he drew inspiration from heroes like Charlie Parker, Miles Davis and Dexter Gordon. He is revered as one of the greatest rock drummers of all time, with his percussive chops powering Stones classics like “Paint It, Black,” “Gimme Shelter” and “Brown Sugar.” 

In addition to being the vital beat to which the Stones kept rolling, Watts was a gifted composer in his own right. With fellow drum legend Jim Keltner, he co-wrote the entire Charlie Watts Jim Keltner Project album, a musical love letter to the master jazz drummers that inspired them, with each track named and written for another respected great. One piece from the album, “Elvin Suite,” was later re-recorded for the 2009 album Charlie Watts Meets The Danish Radio Big Band record. His spur-of-the-moment compositional sense also earned him co-writing credits on Jamming with Edward – an improvisational style joint with Rolling Stones bandmates Mick Jagger and Bill Wyman, accompanied by Nicky Hopkins and Ry Cooder from 1972.

Whether he’s being remembered for his masterful musicianship, sartorial flair, keen ear or unique personality, Charlie Watts’s impact on the world – musical and at large – is greatly felt, as is his absence.