Sotheby's to Auction 1962 Rolling Stones Letter
A historic letter from Brian Jones inviting Charlie Watts to join the Rolling Stones is headed to auction this December.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in R&B
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A 1962 letter in which Brian Jones invited Charlie Watts to join his band will be sold at a Sotheby's auction on December 15, 2026. The document, which has remained with the Watts family for over six decades, captures the early formation of the Rolling Stones.
Why it matters
The letter marks a pivotal moment in music history by documenting the recruitment of a drummer who would become a permanent fixture of the Rolling Stones for nearly 60 years. It provides a rare look at the fledgling band's efforts to establish its lineup during the early 1960s.
Sotheby's estimates the letter will sell for between $70,000 and $80,000. This piece of music history has stayed within the Watts family for more than six decades.
The players
Brian Jones
He was the founder and original leader of the Rolling Stones who famously scouted fellow musicians to join his group.
Charlie Watts
He served as the long-time drummer for the Rolling Stones from his recruitment in the early 1960s until his death in 2021.
Sotheby's
This international auction house handles the sale of fine art, luxury items, and significant historical memorabilia.
The details
Brian Jones sent the correspondence to the childhood home of Charlie Watts in Wembley, requesting he leave Alexis Korner's Blues Incorporated. The letter will be available for public viewing in New York beginning in early December before the formal sale takes place.
Timeline
Brian Jones wrote the letter in 1962.
Charlie Watts joined the Rolling Stones in January 1963.
Charlie Watts performed with the band until August 2021.
Public viewing begins and online bidding opens on December 2, 2026.
The official Rock & Pop auction occurs on December 15, 2026.
Industry Dynamics
This auction follows the well-documented historical timeline established during the formation of the Rolling Stones. It highlights the enduring commercial appeal of original correspondence from music icons as studios and private collectors compete for legacy items.
Interested collectors can view the letter in person at Sotheby's New York or participate in the bidding process online starting in early December. The sale offers a rare opportunity for fans and historians to acquire a primary document from the band's origin.
The takeaway
This auction serves as a reminder of how primary source documents can shift our understanding of legendary musical origins. Collectors and fans often look for such items to preserve tangible links to the early careers of iconic artists.
What happens next
Public viewing for the auction items begins on December 2, 2026, followed by the live Rock & Pop auction on December 15, 2026.
Further reading
Discover more about the evolving landscape of music history and collectibles in the R&B section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Guardian.
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