Few have had a more profound and enduring influence on acoustic flat-top guitar playing than bluegrass, folk and country legend Arthel "Doc" Watson. And as if his incredible playing and crisp, clear tone aren’t enough, Watson is equally revered for his smooth baritone voice, sharp wit, country charm and wonderful storytelling.
He was born in March 1923 in Deep Gap, N.C., and lost his vision to an eye infection before his first birthday. Early on, Watson displayed natural musical ability—his father was so proud when young Arthel learned his first song ("When Roses Bloom in Dixieland") that he took his son to a music store and bought him his first guitar, a $12 Stella. Watson honed his natural talent throughout his childhood and teens, and by adulthood he was a highly proficient and highly prolific acoustic and electric guitarist.
During a live radio broadcast, an announcer remarked that Watson ought to have a nickname that was easier to use than his odd given name (Arthel). The story goes that an audience member shouted out "Call him Doc!" presumably in reference to Sherlock Holmes’ famous sidekick, Doctor Watson. The new name stuck.
In 1953, Watson joined Jack Williams' country and western swing band on electric guitar. As the ’50s went by and the folk boom grew, he began playing acoustic guitar and banjo exclusively, a move that ignited his career and led to his first recording, "Old Time Music at Clarence Ashley's." Watson began touring folk clubs as a solo act and got his big break with a rave-review performance at the 1963 Newport Folk Festival.
Watson began playing with his son, Merle, in 1964; they toured the world and recorded more than a dozen acclaimed albums together before Merle was tragically killed in a 1985 tractor accident. For several years thereafter, Watson hosted an immensely popular annual festival named for his son, MerleFest, held each April in Wilkesboro, N.C.
Watson flatpicks and fingerpicks, but is best known for his impeccable flatpick work. His pioneering fast-and-flashy bluegrass lead guitar style was widely emulated and adopted by esteemed players such as Clarence White and Tony Rice, and Watson was especially influential during the folk music revival due to his combination of guitar skill and mountain-musician authenticity.
Watson compiled a vast repertoire of mountain ballads learned through the oral tradition of his Deep Gap, N.C., home. Further, he has received many prestigious accolades—Watson received the North Carolina Award in 1986 and the National Medal of the Arts in 1997; he was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor in 2000 and has received an honorary doctoral degree from the University of North Carolina.
Over the course of a legendary career, Watson played to adoring audiences, and his affable manner, humble nature, delightful wit and legendary musical talent endeared him to fans of all ages.
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