Guitarist Doc Watson, died Tuesday at age 89. Doc was a living legend and one of the greatest guitar players in the world.

His talents had a tremendous influence in the world of guitar playing and folk music.

"Doc Watson sort of defined in many ways what Americana has become," Jed Hilly, executive director of the Americana Music Assn., told The La Times. "He played different styles of American roots music."

Doc Watson received a National Medal of Arts in 1997 and then in 2004, a lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy.

Watson didn't start a serious music career until he was in his 40s. He inspired a generation of musicians to upgrade their instrumental technique.


Here are three examples of his great talent in different settings. Not only was he a wonderful soloist, Watson was an amenable collaborator. The first video highlights his style of picking on "Black Mountain Rag," which traditionally was a fiddle song. But Doc transformed it into a thrilling guitar showcase.


Watson also loved to sit and play with other guitarists, and for many years was accompanied on tour and in the recording studio by his son, Merle. Merle died in 1985, but Watson continued with his career. He shared the stage with other outstanding guitarists. Here's a video of a 1987 performance in which Watson begins with his version of Eddy Arnold's "Just a Little Lovin' (Will Go a Long Way)," then is joined by six- and 12-string ace Leo Kottke for "Last Steam Engine Train."


Finally, in a trio setting, of Watson with bluegrass banjo pioneer Earl Scruggs singer, mandolinist and guitarist Ricky Skaggs from a "Three Pickers" in which they serve up the country gospel traditional "Rollin' in My Sweet Baby's Arms"

Via [LA TIMES]

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