Merle Watson | |
|---|---|
 Merle Watson c. 1979 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Eddy Merle Watson |
| Also known as | Merle Watson |
| Born | February 8, 1949 Deep Gap, North Carolina |
| Died | October 23, 1985 (aged 36) Lenoir, North Carolina |
| Genres | |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | guitar, banjo |
Eddy Merle Watson (February 8, 1949 – October 23, 1985) was an American folk and bluegrass guitarist. He was best known for his performances with his father, Doc Watson. Merle played and recorded albums together with his father from age 15 until his death in a tractor accident 21 years later.[1] Merle was widely recognized as one of the best flat-picking and slide guitarists of his generation.[2] MerleFest, one of the world's largest and most-prestigious folk music festivals, is held annually in Wilkesboro, NC and is named in his honor.[3]
Merle and his father released a version of "Bottle of Wine" that reached No. 71 on the U.S. country chart.[4]
- ^ Eddy Merle Watson, Bluegrass Guitarist, Accidentally Killed at 36, Los Angeles Times, October 24, 1985
- ^ Merlefest at 21, Doc Watson at 85: Festival Notes, Swampland.com
- ^ 1988 Archived 2014-09-07 at the Wayback Machine, MerleFest
- ^ Doc & Merle Watson, "Bottle of Wine" Chart Position Retrieved January 27, 2014