Doc Watson

Doc Watson
Watson at MusicFest 'N Sugar Grove, Sugar Grove, North Carolina, 2009
Watson at MusicFest 'N Sugar Grove, Sugar Grove, North Carolina, 2009
Background information
Birth nameArthel Lane Watson
Also known asDoc Watson
Born(1923-03-03)March 3, 1923
Deep Gap, North Carolina, U.S.
DiedMay 29, 2012(2012-05-29) (aged 89)
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)Musician, singer-songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar, banjo, harmonica
Years active1953–2012
LabelsFolkways, Vanguard, United Artists, Flying Fish, Sugar Hill
SpouseRosa Lee Carlton Watson

Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson (March 3, 1923 – May 29, 2012) was an American guitarist, songwriter, and singer of bluegrass, folk, country, blues, and gospel music.[1] He won seven Grammy awards as well as a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. His fingerpicking and flatpicking skills, as well as his knowledge of traditional American music, were highly regarded.[2] Blind from a young age, he performed publicly both in a dance band and solo, as well as for over 15 years with his son, guitarist Merle Watson, until Merle's death in 1985 in an accident on the family farm.[3][4][5]

  1. ^ "Guitarist Arthel 'Doc' Watson". Fresh Air. NPR. Retrieved May 16, 2016.
  2. ^ "Doc's Guitar - The Guitar of Doc Watson". Docsguitar.com. Retrieved May 16, 2016.
  3. ^ Miller, Dan (September 1998). "Doc Watson: Flatpicking Legend". Flatpicking Guitar Magazine. Archived from the original on January 22, 2013. Retrieved November 28, 2008.
  4. ^ "Doc Watson Biography". Wilkes Community College. 2005. Archived from the original on February 12, 2009. Retrieved March 9, 2009.
  5. ^ Menconi, David (March 2, 2003). "Doc of Ages". The News & Observer. North Carolina. Archived from the original on January 29, 2013. Retrieved March 9, 2009.