Flatpicking legend, Doc Watson, died today at age 89

Article Contributed by gratefulweb | Published on Tuesday, May 29, 2012

Doc Watson | photo © Grateful Web

Flatpicking legend, Doc Watson, died today at age 89. Watson, a 7 time Grammy winner, was an influence to countless acoustic musicians, including Jerry Garcia, Peter Rowan, Tony Rice, Bela Fleck and many more. Born in Deep Gap, North Carolina, originally as Arthel Lane Watson, but later known as 'Doc' Watson (Doc was told he needed an easier name to remember - a fan yelled out 'Doc' at a show and it stuck), would become a pioneer in flatpicking guitar, and with a rich baritone voice, his sound would epitomize the Appalachian sound. Doc could also play a mean banjo and harmonica. Doc Watson was also well known for his light-heartedness and sense of humor.Doc Watson died today, May 29th, 2012 at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, NC.

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