Doc Watson
Doc Watson
================
Full Name and Common Aliases
Arthur Lee "Doc" Watson was an American musician, singer-songwriter, and guitarist. He is commonly known as Doc Watson, a nickname given to him due to his educational background in medicine.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on March 3, 1923, Doc Watson passed away on May 29, 2012, at the age of 89.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Watson was an American folk singer-songwriter, guitarist, and musician. He is best known for his mastery of flatpicking and fingerstyle guitar playing techniques.
Early Life and Background
Arthur Lee Watson was born in Deep Gap, North Carolina, to a family of Scottish-Irish descent. His mother, Lucy Moretz Watson, taught him the basics of music, including how to play the banjo. Watson grew up in a household where music played an essential role, with his grandfather being a part-time musician himself.
In 1947, Watson dropped out of college after completing two years of pre-med studies due to financial constraints and began working as a machinist. He later opened his own machine shop but eventually sold it to pursue music full-time. This decision marked the beginning of Watson's musical career.
Major Accomplishments
Doc Watson's accomplishments in the music industry are numerous. Some notable achievements include:
Winning eight Grammy Awards
Being nominated for a total of 29 Grammys throughout his career
Inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame and the Grammy Hall of Fame
Receiving the National Medal of Arts in 1997
Notable Works or Actions
Some notable works by Doc Watson include:
Farewell, Old Friend (1965) - This album marked a turning point in Watson's career as it helped him gain recognition for his flatpicking skills.
Doc Watson Sings America's Music (1973) - The album features traditional American songs and folk melodies performed on the guitar.
Impact and Legacy
Watson's impact on the music industry is immense. He has influenced numerous musicians, including Bob Dylan and John Prine. His unique flatpicking style paved the way for other artists to experiment with similar techniques. Watson also served as a role model for aspiring musicians who followed in his footsteps.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Doc Watson is widely quoted or remembered due to his mastery of guitar playing and his ability to blend traditional folk music with modern styles. His dedication to preserving American roots music has earned him widespread recognition.
Quotes by Doc Watson

Intimacy comes from being yourself on the stage and making the audience feel, without trying, that you're sittin' down there with 'em, playing, and that can happen in a big hall, if you have a good audience that want to listen.

I feel about me like I’m one of the working people, just like you, and everybody else. I don’t fit the part of a celebrity.

Since the beginning, the people of the college and I have agreed that the music of MerleFest is ‘traditional plus.’

I just loved the guitar when it came along. I loved it. The banjo was something I really liked, but when the guitar came along, to me that was my first love in music.





