OT: Doc Watson

[rounder]

Can't believe it. Doc Watson is gone forever.

I play at guitar. Doc Watson played guitar and was great. I went to a few arts fairs in Frederick, Maryland where he was the featured musician. For a couple of them, his son Merle played.

He played really pure tone, and played and sung effortlessly.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U5c1k949Zn4

[harryblack]

A giant!! I remember in the mid-'90s word was going around folk/bluegrass circles that Doc was going deaf-- he can do it blind but without hearing too? Thankfully, whatever his ailment then was rectified and we had another 15 years of brilliance to enjoy.

The sides with Clarence Ashley are some of my favorites--

http://www.amazon.com/Clarence-Ashley-And-Doc-Watson/dp/B000001DHG

[ORMojo]

This really brings back memories. I saw Doc and Merle live at Reed College in 1971 when my dad was president there. It was my first real exposure to folk/bluegrass, and I remember being struck by the purity & simplicity of the sound compared to what I usually listened to in those days. It also came in handy a year or two later when I had a girlfriend that was really into bluegrass. :) I feel like I can still hear echos of the concert today.

[Jaq]

First Earl Scruggs and now Doc Watson. Sad, sad day.

[swg]

We were on the road this last weekend and listened to his "Praying Ground" CD. Wish I could put a finger on why he was so good but he was one of my favorites and made our trip through life a little better.

RIP Doc

[Ken Robb]

and Merle died years ago when his tractor flipped over as I recall. I have recording of their duets which are wonderful.

[dustyrider]

One for Doc you will be missed but thankfully not forgotten:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cE2swkx9WXE&NR=1&feature=endscreen

And one for everyone who enjoys the mandolin and fast picking:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jr3FmEejk7A

[djg]

Bummer.

I first saw Doc Watson play live back in College -- maybe around 1980 -- humble and humbling at the same time. He'll be missed. Everybody with a flat top guitar should muddle through on deep river blues tonight.

[AgilisMerlin]

had a good run

[redir]

I'm glad I got to see Doc play a few times. He was 89, that's a pretty good run for anyone. He had his own signature sound which is very unique and one of the higher accomplishments of any guitar player. He's in the same league as Robert Johnson, Led Belly, Muddy Waters and the greats that will endure I think for a long long time.

[R2D2]

A lot of NC just passed away............

[FlashUNC]

My home state lost a giant.

Going to have to listen to Tom Dooley and some other stuff today on Pandora.

[Fixed]

He was a friend of Mississippi John hurt country blues and bluegrass are from the same mother
Cheers

[DAG]

I had the privilege of hearing him play a few years ago at the Philly Folk Festival. Still a great musician.

[phcollard]

Sad. I learned so many of his tunes when I was playing the acoustic guitar. One of America's giants of flatpicking.

[nighthawk]

Saw him play 3 or 4 years ago in Southern CT.. Met him after the show for an autograph.. A truly humble individual... and great sense of humor. Unfortunate that we don't have more musicians/celebrities of his caliber.

One of my all-time favorites:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLVqZMKgCX4

[Ray]

I saw Doc and Merle together a few times back in the '70s and early '80s, then Merle died and Doc didn't play for a while. And once he was back on the road, life got in my way and I managed to never see him again. Damn shame. One of the finest performers, musicians, etc, and you just knew he was a hell of a nice guy too.

Sad news, but 89 is enough for almost anyone. Here's to a life well lived! Now I just wonder if I'll get to see BB King one more time before his day comes - he's not too far behind in terms of age...

-Ray

[rounder]

Another good Doc video...Doc Watson playing a Wayne Henderson guitar, with Wayne Henderson watching. Wayne Henderson built a guitar for E. Clapton that sold for around $50,000. Who cares what it cost, it went to charity.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqjFT65KAA0

[Ray]

Another good Doc video...Doc Watson playing a Wayne Henderson guitar, with Wayne Henderson watching. Wayne Henderson built a guitar for E. Clapton that sold for around $50,000. Who cares what it cost, it went to charity.

He built two identical (or as near identical as a handmade guitar maker can get) guitars for Clapton. One went to charity, the other went to Clapton. I think the one to Clapton was his standard price of just in the $2000-$3000 range. If anyone wants to read a great book about craftsmanship check out the book "Clapton's Guitar" which is about this project with the two Henderson guitars and includes scenes with Doc and all sorts of other pickers and characters as well. A really good read.

-Ray

[rounder]

Another vote for the book Clapton's Guitar. It was hardly even about Eric Clapton. But the book had it all. Great story about Wayne Henderson who, evidently, built great guitars and had a cool shop. Folks would stroll in occasionally, like Doc Watson to play and hang out. Good music would be played whenever. There was detail about a guitar that was under construction. Baseball rivalry. I thought Clapton's Guitar was one of the best books i ever read.