Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson was a towering figure in American roots music -- a virtuoso guitarist, songwriter, and singer of bluegrass, folk, country, blues, and gospel genres -- for more than 60 years until his passing in 2012. He is a seven-time Grammy award winner, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement honoree in 2004, and a 1988 National Heritage Fellowship recipient from the National Endowment for the Arts, the United States' highest honor in folk and traditional arts. Blind since a very young age, music was his calling. Doc set new standards for guitar players with his signature, two-finger guitar style and his flatpicking technique, both being influential to generations of musicians. He had many favorite types of guitars -- Gibson Les Pauls, Martin and Gallaghers -- often giving them nicknames such as "Ol Hoss."

Merlefest 2004, Austin Stage
Wilkesboro, NC

06.25.20