Charlie Watts Swings

I recently came across this clip of Charlie Watts, one of the greatest rock drummers. Ever. But in the video, he shows a completely different side to his artistry by diving into… jazz (I hear he also loves Big Band music). Watching him reinvent a Rolling Stones classic with some amazing jazz players is a revelation. And despite being lauded as one of the most accomplished players of our time, he is in no way resting on his substantial laurels. Listen to him talk about his desire to get better, learn more, to continually be inspired. Fifty years of fans screaming out their adulation, and he’s still got his eye on that elusive prize of perfection. Dig it.

– Cindy Grogan

Photo Credit: Charlie Watts of The Rolling Stones by Daily Express/Hulton Archive/Getty Images

PS. You may also enjoy our post “Perfection is Not an Accident,” a tribute to the late Glenn Frey and his pursuit of greatness.  And read more about another rocker trying something new in Iggy Pop: A Real Wild Child Returns.