Watts, CA
Music connected to Watts
About Watts
- • Tyrese Gibson, actor and singer, grew up in Watts' Jordan Downs projects.
- • The Grape Street Watts Crips gang originated in this Los Angeles neighborhood.
- • Southern Pacific Railroad Depot spurred Watts' growth as a transportation hub.
- • Watts Towers, built by Simon Rodia, took 33 years to construct without scaffolding.
- • The 1965 Watts Riots reshaped the city and its relationship with law enforcement.
- • It's named for Myron Watts, established in 1904, and consolidated with LA in 1926.
- • With 97,565 residents, its population is similar to Santa Clara's.
- • At 82 feet, its elevation is lower than most of Los Angeles.
- • Many residents work in transportation, warehousing, and logistics industries.
- • Resilient and community-focused, Watts carries a history of struggle and hope.
- • The Los Angeles Lakers, a nearby pro team, won the 2020 NBA Championship.
- • Serena and Venus Williams trained at the East Compton Hills Club, near Watts.