Remembering Rolling Stones Drummer, Rock Great Charlie Watts

NORTH BELLMORE, NY — The world of music is reeling with the loss of Charlie Watts, the legendary drummer for the Rolling Stones. No cause of death was reported, but earlier this month Watts withdrew from tour dates due to a medical procedure, Variety reported.

Watts, who joined Mick Jagger and Keith Richards in early 1963, remained the backbone of the iconic band through the decades.

Watts' death was confirmed by his publicist, who called him "one of the greatest drummers of his generation," Rolling Stone reported.

At New York Music Emporium in North Bellmore thoughts were on Watts.

"I've heard other drummers that I know call him the quietest drummer in Rock and Roll," Worker Alex Epstein told Patch. "He's there when you need him."

Watts, 80, would prove a perfect counterbalance to the wild gyrations of Jagger and the legendary licks by Richards, who in the 2003 "Oral History of the Rolling Stones" described "the sensibility" of his longtime bandmate as: "one of the best-hidden assets I’ve had," according to Variety.

"I think his legacy is safe for future generations," Epstein says.

Working at New York Music Emporium, Epstein and his colleagues are helping to promote the past rock greats, including Watts. There are drums on display for future musicians to attain their own fame.

"We've got to keep his memory alive at this point," Epstein says.