Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts has died in a London hospital at the age of 80.

Watts passed away peacefully in a London hospital early Tuesday surrounded by his family.

The drummer provided the backbone of the Rolling Stones’ songs for more than half a century and recently announced he would not tour with the band this year because of an undefined health issue.

Watts joined the Stones early in 1963 and ranked just behind Mick Jagger and Keith Richards as the group’s longest lasting and most essential member.

Watts also had an enduring love of jazz.

Charlie Watts was 80.

Listen for more on the passing of the legendary Charlie Watts on The Morning Zoom with Sam & Jane!