Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson was an American guitarist, songwriter, and singer of bluegrass, folk, country, blues, and gospel music. Born on March 3, 1923, in Deep Gap, North Carolina, Watson lost his vision before his first birthday but that never deterred his musical journey. His nickname "Doc" was an affectionate nod to the literary character Sherlock Holmes's sidekick, a name suggested during a live radio broadcast.

Doc Watson was known for his mastery of flatpicking on the acoustic guitar, which brought the instrument to the forefront as a lead instrument in folk and country genres. He performed with his son Merle for over 15 years until Merle's death in 1985, after which the annual MerleFest music festival was founded in his son's memory. Watson's virtuoso playing style, both fluid and expressive, along with his rich baritone voice, garnered him multiple Grammy Awards throughout his career, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Notable releases such as "Life's Work: A Retrospective" and "Doc Watson and Gaither Carlton," an album with his father-in-law, demonstrate his deep roots in Appalachian music traditions and his expansive influence. "Doc Watson and Gaither Carlton" in particular highlights the intergenerational exchange of folk music, capturing Doc's synergy with another family member who was influential to his musical upbringing. Doc Watson's contribution to American music is immeasurable, preserving the sounds of Southern Appalachia and influencing countless musicians with his exceptional talent and authentic delivery. He passed away on May 29, 2012, but his legacy endures through his extensive discography and the echoes of his guitar in the American music landscape.

Genres

American Folk Revival

Appalachian Folk

Bluegrass

Folk

Progressive Bluegrass

Traditional Folk

Related Artists

John Prine

Tony Rice

Earl Scruggs

Townes Van Zandt

Ricky Skaggs

Bill Monroe

David Grisman

Johnny Cash

The Carter Family

Bob Dylan

James Taylor

Leonard Cohen

Latest Release

Life's Work: A Retrospective

Doc Watson

Album - 101 Tracks - Released November 12, 2021