Doc Watson

Doc Watson
Watson at MusicFest 'N Sugar Grove, Sugar Grove, North Carolina, 2009
Watson at MusicFest 'N Sugar Grove, Sugar Grove, North Carolina, 2009
Background information
Also known asDoc Watson
Born
Arthel Lane Watson

(1923-03-03)March 3, 1923
DiedMay 29, 2012(2012-05-29) (aged 89)
Genres
OccupationsMusician, singer-songwriter
InstrumentsVocals, guitar, banjo, harmonica
Years active1953–2012
LabelsFolkways, Vanguard, United Artists, Flying Fish, Sugar Hill
Spouse
Rosa Lee Carlton Watson

Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson (March 3, 1923 – May 29, 2012) was an American guitarist, songwriter, and singer of bluegrass, folk, country, blues, and gospel music. He won seven Grammy awards as well as a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. His fingerpicking and flatpicking skills, as well as his knowledge of traditional American music, were highly regarded. Blind from a young age, he performed publicly both in a dance band and solo, as well as for over 15 years with his son, guitarist Merle Watson, until Merle's death in 1985 in an accident on the family farm.