Doc Watson Dies, Guitar Legend Honored
Folk music legend Don Watson has died at age 89 on Tuesday in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, according to a hospital spokesperson and his manager.
The Grammy Award winning-guitarist, who was blind from age 1, had recently undergone abdominal surgery which resulted in his hospitalization. After several days in critical condition, Watson died at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
Born Arthel Watson in Deep Gap, N.C., "Doc" was well known for his mountain-rooted musical sound and whose lightning-fast style of flatpicking inspired guitarists around the world.
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He was raised in a musical family where his father sang in a church choir while his mother played the banjo and also sang.
He performed with his son Merle for over 15 years until Merle's death in 1985 in farm accident.
Every April, Watson hosted the annual MerleFest at Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, N.C. The folk, bluegrass, blues and old-time music festival was named in honor of Merle Watson, drawing over 70,000 music fans each year.
Watson's biography, "Blind But Now I See" by Dr. Kent Gustavson, was published in 2010.
Watson received several Grammy Awards, including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
Social media sites have been flooded with messages of commemoration for the late musician, including posts from celebrities, with "RIP Doc Watson" becoming a trending topic on Wednesday.
"RIP folk pioneer Doc Watson, who influenced generations of guitarists with his flatpicking style," wrote Rolling Stone magazine.
Comedian Steve Martin posted, "Ouch. The great bluegrass legend Doc Watson is gone. Check out the song Tennessee Stud to get his essence."
"RIP Doc Watson," wrote musician Nick Shields. "You will be missed in the music community."
Twitter user Ian wrote, "It's always hard to witness the end of a truly talented life. #RIP Doc Watson."
"RIP Doc Watson," wrote Amanda. "Legend!"
"Happy to see Doc Watson trending," wrote Josh. "Sad bc [because] it's on account of his passing. we lost a true NC treasure!"
Watson is survived by his wife of nearly 66 years Rosa Lee, his daughter Nancy Ellen, two grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and a brother, David.
