Book Review: Charlie’s Good Tonight
Love Me Do reviews Charlie’s Good Tonight by Paul Sexton, the official biography of Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts.
Paul Sexton’s Charlie’s Good Tonight: The Life, the Times, and the Rolling Stones is a heartfelt, meticulously researched, and deeply respectful biography of Charlie Watts, the legendary drummer of the Rolling Stones. Published in 2022, the book offers an intimate portrait of a man who was often described as the quiet, steady backbone of one of the world’s most iconic rock bands.
Sexton, a seasoned music journalist and broadcaster who has spoken to all the band members many times, brings a wealth of knowledge and a genuine admiration for his subject to the page, crafting a biography that is as much a celebration of Watts’ quirky character as it is a chronicle of his life and career.
Charlie’s Good Tonight
The book’s title, Charlie’s Good Tonight, is a nod to the phrase often uttered by Mick Jagger during concerts, a simple yet profound acknowledgment of Watts’ unwavering reliability and skill. This phrase encapsulates the essence of Charlie Watts: a man of understated brilliance, humility, and consistency in a world often defined by excess and chaos.
Sexton’s biography delves into the many facets of Watts’ life, from his early years in post-war London to his rise as one of the most respected drummers in rock history, and finally to his enduring legacy as a musician, family man, and cultural icon.
A Portrait of the Man Behind the Drums
One of the most striking aspects of Charlie’s Good Tonight is its focus on Watts’ personality and values. Unlike many rock biographies that revel in tales of debauchery and scandal, Sexton’s work highlights Watts’ quiet dignity, his love for jazz, his passion for art and design, and his deep commitment to his family.
Watts was a man who seemed almost out of place in the rock ‘n’ roll world, preferring the sophistication of jazz to the raucous energy of rock. Sexton captures this dichotomy beautifully, painting a picture of a man who was both a part of the Rolling Stones and apart from them. He often said that he never listened to the Stones’ music at home, although he did also seem to have an intimate knowledge of almost every track they recorded.
The Early Life
Watts’ early life is explored in detail, providing context for the values that would define him. Born in 1941 in Wembley, London, Watts grew up in a working-class family with a love for music. His introduction to jazz as a teenager was a formative experience, shaping his approach to drumming and his lifelong passion for the genre.
Sexton does an excellent job of tracing Watts’ musical journey, from his early days playing in jazz clubs to his eventual recruitment by the Rolling Stones in 1963. The book highlights how Watts’ jazz background influenced his drumming style, bringing a unique sense of rhythm and subtlety to the band’s sound.
The Rolling Stones Years
A significant portion of the book is naturally devoted to Watts’ time with the Rolling Stones. Sexton provides a detailed account of the band’s rise to fame, their creative process, and the dynamics between its various members as they changed over the years.
Watts’ role as the band’s anchor is a recurring theme. While Mick Jagger and Keith Richards were the flamboyant frontmen and songwriters, Watts was the steady presence who kept the band grounded. His drumming was never flashy, but it was always precise, tasteful, and perfectly suited to the music.
Sexton also addresses the challenges Watts faced as part of the Rolling Stones, including the pressures of fame, the strain of touring, and the band’s notorious lifestyle. However, Watts’ approach to these challenges was markedly different from his bandmates. He avoided the excesses of drugs and alcohol that plagued many of his peers (except for a year or so when he went off the rails), instead finding solace in his family, his art, and his love of jazz. This contrast is one of the most fascinating aspects of the book, offering a fresh perspective on the Rolling Stones’ story.
Beyond the Band
One of the strengths of Charlie’s Good Tonight is its exploration of Watts’ life outside the Rolling Stones. Sexton devotes considerable attention to Watts’ personal interests, including his passion for art and design. Watts was an accomplished artist and collector, with a particular love for mid-century modern design and vintage cars (despite the fact that he never learned to drive!) Sexton’s descriptions of Watts’ art and his meticulous approach to collecting provide a deeper understanding of the man behind the drum kit.
The book also delves into Watts’ family life, particularly his relationship with his wife, Shirley, whom he married in 1964. Their enduring marriage is portrayed as a source of stability and happiness for Watts, a rare constant in the ever-changing world of rock ‘n’ roll. Sexton’s portrayal of their relationship is touching and adds a layer of humanity to the biography.
A Fitting Tribute
Charlie’s Good Tonight is not just a biography; it is a tribute to a man who was universally admired and respected. Sexton’s writing is infused with a sense of reverence for his subject, but it never veers into hagiography. He presents Watts as a complex, multifaceted individual, acknowledging his flaws and struggles while celebrating his many virtues.
The book also serves as a reminder of Watts’ immense contribution to music. His drumming was the backbone of the Rolling Stones’ sound, providing the foundation for some of the greatest rock songs ever recorded. Sexton’s detailed analysis of Watts’ drumming style and his influence on the band’s music is both informative and engaging, offering new insights for even the most dedicated Stones fans.
Charlie’s Good Tonight: Conclusion
In Charlie’s Good Tonight, Paul Sexton has crafted a biography that is as elegant and understated as its subject. It is a deeply human story, filled with warmth, insight, and respect. For fans of the Rolling Stones, it offers a fresh perspective on the band’s history, highlighting the vital role played by its quietest member. For those who knew little about Charlie Watts, it is an introduction to a man whose talent, integrity, and humility made him one of the most beloved figures in rock music.
Ultimately, Charlie’s Good Tonight is a celebration of a life well-lived and a legacy that will endure. It is a fitting tribute to a man who was, indeed, good tonight—and every night.
Buying Charlie’s Good Tonight.
The book is available on Amazon.
Buying Charlie’s Good Tonight.
The book is available on Amazon.
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