You’ve likely heard by now of the death this week of Charlie Watts, the self-effacing and unshakeable Rolling Stones drummer who helped anchor one of rock’s greatest rhythm sections but used his “day job” to support his enduring love of jazz until his death this week at age 80.

Watts laid the foundation of the band for close to 60 years, ranked just behind Mick Jagger and Keith Richards as the group’s longest-lasting and most essential member. And despite his predisposition to jazz, was considered one of rock’s premiere drummers, along with Keith Moon and Ginger Baker, and respected worldwide for his muscular, swinging style as the Stones rose from their scruffy beginnings to international superstardom.

We won’t repeat Charlie’s history or accolades – they’ve been well documented this week – rather, simply offer up a Stones tune that, while lesser known (from the 1989 album “Steel Wheels”) is recognized as one of the best to showcase his talents.

USA Today wrote that “Sad Sad, Sad” “sees Watts drumming like a steam engine pushing up against the red line… the classic Watt sound, that pile-driving four-on-the-floor beat that’s anchored so many rock classics through the ages. But Watts brings to that simple drum beat a percussive force and unimpeachable timing that literally propels Jagger & Co. to new heights.”

I’m reminded of a Keith Richards’ anecdote that occurred in Amsterdam when, as Richards told it, a drunken Jagger summoned “his drummer” in the wee hours after a night on the town. Charlie dutifully appeared at his room, only to clock Mick in the face, and declare, “Never call me your drummer. You are my singer!”