Charlie Watts and Songwriting for The Rolling Stones

While Charlie Watts is widely recognized as a legendary drummer for The Rolling Stones, the question of whether he wrote songs for the band is frequently debated. Let's delve deeper into the mystery surrounding Charlie's songwriting contributions for The Rolling Stones.

Common Belief and "Nanker-Phelge"

For many fans and observers, the idea that Charlie Watts personally wrote songs for The Rolling Stones is quite rare. However, the early days of the band offer some interesting insights. You may have noticed that several Rolling Stones songs from the early years were credited to a group as "Nanker-Phelge," which was supposedly a pseudonym for Mick Jagger and Keith Richards. In reality, it was a label that acknowledged the collective effort of the whole band in songwriting and composition.

Collaboration and Contributions

Charlie Watts, while a gifted composer in his own right, did contribute to The Rolling Stones in other ways. For instance, The band recognized his creative input by listing him as part of the co-writers for songs like "Play With Fire." However, these collaborations were not typically highlighted in the song credits, highlighting the difference between a band member's musical influence and the leader's published work.

His involvement in songwriting was indeed noteworthy. According to some reports, Watts even collaborated with Jim Keltner, another legendary drummer, to co-write the entire album of the Charlie Watts Jim Keltner Project. But even these contributions were mostly in the realm of jazz, separate from The Rolling Stones' rock music.

The Controversy and the Punch

Despite his skill and recognition as a talented musician, Charlie Watts's direct involvement in songwriting for The Rolling Stones was indeed limited due to the complex relationship between him and Mick Jagger. The pair had a famously rocky relationship, which sometimes led to misunderstandings and conflicts. One notable incident occurred in 1984 when Watts, in his defense of his professional identity, reportedly punched Mick Jagger in the face. Jagger allegedly referred to him as "My fucking drummer," to which Watts retorted, "I'm NOT your fucking drummer." This incident not only highlighted the tension between the two musicians but also added to the public's perception that Watts was not the primary songwriter for the band. Since then, there have been few reported co-authoring opportunities between them.

Despite the sometimes contentious dynamic between Watts and Jagger, it's important to note that Charlie Watts's contributions to The Rolling Stones were more than just drumming. He was a vital part of the band, bringing his unique talents and sense of rhythm to every performance and album. While his personal credit as a songwriter may be less, his influence on the band's sound is undeniable.

Conclusion

To sum up, while Charlie Watts was not a prominent figure in the official songwriting credits for The Rolling Stones, he did contribute to their music in various ways. His co-writing credits and collaborative projects beyond the band are important acknowledgments of his musical abilities. Whether in the realm of jazz or through his supportive role in The Rolling Stones, Charlie Watts undoubtedly left his mark on the band's enduring legacy.