Brian Jones Letter Recruiting Charlie Watts for Rolling Stones Hits 2026

A handwritten letter from Brian Jones to Charlie Watts, in which Jones attempts to recruit the drummer to join the band that would soon become the Rolling Stones, is up for auction later this year. The 1962 letter, which comes directly from Watts's sister and has remained in the family for more than six decades, will be revealed to the public for the first time.

The letter offers a rare glimpse into the early days of the Rolling Stones, before they became one of the most influential rock bands in history. It also sheds light on the recruitment of Watts, who was initially reluctant to commit to Jones's fledgling band.

The Context: Watts's Reluctance and Jones's Persistence

At the time of the letter, Charlie Watts was working in advertising while playing with Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated, one of the leading groups in London's burgeoning rhythm and blues scene. He was initially reluctant to commit to Jones's band, which had yet to be named.

Jones's letter, addressed to "Mr. C. Watts" at his childhood home in Wembley, begins with a polite apology: "Dear Charlie, if you consider this letter rather impertinent, please excuse me." He then goes on to enquire about Watts's involvement with Blues Incorporated before making his case for Watts to join his own band.

"We are looking for a good drummer. Already we consider our band far better than Alex's – we are getting a very tightly-knit sound," Jones writes. In a particularly memorable postscript, Jones outlines the band's existing lineup of two guitars, harmonica, piano and drums, noting their intention to eventually introduce a bass guitar. He then offers a rather frank assessment of their current drummer: "Our present drummer is atrocious!"

Why This Letter Matters

This letter is significant not only because it is a previously unknown piece of Rolling Stones history but also because it captures a pivotal moment in the band's formation. Watts would eventually join the band in 1963 and become the backbone of their rhythm section for nearly six decades.

The letter also highlights the determination and ambition of Brian Jones, who was the founder and original leader of the Rolling Stones. Jones's persistence in recruiting Watts paid off, as Watts's jazz-influenced drumming style became a defining element of the band's sound.

For collectors and fans of rock memorabilia, this letter is a rare find. It comes with its original envelope and has been preserved in the Watts family for over 60 years. The auction is expected to attract significant interest from collectors and institutions alike.

What the Auction Could Mean for Rock Memorabilia

The auction of this letter is likely to set a new benchmark for Rolling Stones memorabilia. In recent years, items associated with the band have fetched high prices at auction, reflecting the enduring popularity of the Rolling Stones and the growing market for rock and pop culture artifacts.

This letter is particularly valuable because it is a handwritten document that directly relates to the band's formation. It offers a unique insight into the personalities and dynamics of the early Rolling Stones, making it a desirable piece for any serious collector.

The auction house has not yet released an estimate, but experts suggest that the letter could sell for a significant sum given its historical importance and the band's legendary status.

Key Takeaways

• The letter was written by Brian Jones in 1962 to recruit Charlie Watts for the band that became the Rolling Stones.
• Watts was initially reluctant to join, as he was playing with Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated and working in advertising.
• The letter includes a frank assessment of the band's current drummer: "Our present drummer is atrocious!"
• It has remained in the Watts family for over six decades and will be auctioned later this year.
• The auction is expected to attract significant interest from collectors and fans of rock memorabilia.

Comparison of Early Rolling Stones Members

What to Watch Next

The auction is scheduled for later this year, and details about the sale, including the estimated price and the auction house, are expected to be announced in the coming months. Fans and collectors should keep an eye on announcements from the auction house for more information. The background to this story is set out in Will Any Band Ever Match The Beatles or Rolling Stones Again. A related thread runs through Exclusive Zenith Rolling Stones in Cuba. Earlier coverage in Bill Wyman's Metal Detecting Passion After the Rolling Stones shows how the argument developed.

In the meantime, those interested in the history of the Rolling Stones can explore other artifacts and stories from the band's early years. The letter is a reminder of the serendipitous moments that led to the formation of one of the greatest rock bands of all time. A closer look at the same subject appears in BMG Sues Anthropic Over AI Use of Bruno Mars, Rolling Stones. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Harry and Meghan Surprised by King's Letter on Royal Status. The same theme surfaces in Why Sending Myself a Letter Revealed What's Missing in a WhatsApp, which takes a different angle.

For those fascinated by personal letters and the stories they tell, consider the reflective piece fostering: a letter to my future self on the journey ahead, which explores the power of writing to one's future self. It's a different kind of letter, but it shares the theme of looking back and forward. Context on how this played out before sits in Tigray Rebel Groups Forcibly Recruiting Boys as Young as 15.

FAQ

Who wrote the letter to Charlie Watts?

The letter was written by Brian Jones, the founder and original leader of the Rolling Stones.

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When was the letter written?

The letter was written in 1962, before Charlie Watts joined the band.

Why is the letter significant?

It provides a rare insight into the early recruitment efforts of the Rolling Stones and captures a pivotal moment in the band's formation.

Where is the letter now?

The letter has remained in the Watts family for over six decades and will be auctioned later this year.