[NCDragon]

I heard him in concert once in 1973, and I'm ashamed to say that since I've moved back to NC in 1997 I've not gone to see him again. Now, its too late to do so. A great loss to the world of blue-grass and ballad singing!

[tet68]

Doc, the circle is unbroken, hug merle and know
that we miss you, my eyes are filled with tears.
t.

[smokingfrog]

RIP Doc!

[HerrBlucher]

Saw Doc in 1979 with Merle. Great show.

RIP Doc!

[billorites]

I didn't realize he was still alive. Gosh, he was a big influence on me and my musical tastes.

Wonderful musician.

[353FMG]

Guitar? Did someone whisper guitar?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gBBDCV2Fzno

[Yardstick]

Summertime:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vi8W93aJG_U

[Tucker39]

Many years ago, in Field & Stream or one of those mags, a writer had an article about “The Shotgunner’s Mystique.” He was referring to the almost mysterious ability to rapid fire a shotgun at live game, or clay targets, and the instant ability to lead the moving target before pulling the trigger. The same can be said for many fields of endeavor, such as a MLB batter hitting a 99 mph fastball, etc.

Another shining example would be such as was demonstrated in a video of Doc Watson playing “Black Mountain Rag” and the mind-boggling swiftness of pick on the guitar strings with one hand, and the fingers of the other hand flying around over the fret board.

What came to my mind watching it was Psalms 139:14 “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”

Even more remarkable was that, because he was sightless, Doc Watson couldn’t “peek.” His was pure, unvarnished professionalism.

[digger48]

I have to admit, I had no idea who this was, but I gotta tell you, I’ve been enjoying the hell out of learning a little about him and watching some videos of him om YouTube.

A great talent, for sure.

[Road Glide]

He was an American original, a musical treasure.

A long life, well-lived.

Ron Thomason of The Dry Branch Fire Squad said one of the mostest existentialist moments of his life was when he went to Doc’s house, and found him up on the roof, adjusting the tv antenna!

Godspeed, Doc!

[gonzo]

RIP, Doc ........................................ FRegards

[1066AD]

First saw him in the mid 1960s, amazing.

[yellowhorse]

As much as I enjoy Amazing Grace played with bagpipes, this is the best performance of the song I’ve ever heard. It truly reaches down and touches your soul:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dUDwAgApoQw&feature=related

Heaven has claimed another great for it’s string section.

[rightly_dividing]

Thank you for the many years of great music that you gave us. Prayers up for your family left behind, but its great that you are with Merle again.

[John S Mosby]

It is not possible to say how much this man impacted my musical development. A gentle, humble Christian man who came out of the Raleigh School for the Blind and began tuning pianos to make a living. Later, he "busked" (playing for tips with his guitar case open) on street corners in Boone, NC. He developed the flatpicking of fiddle tunes while playing a Les Paul in a country band (they didn't have a fiddle player).
His playing was so precise and his ear so perfectly pitched he could tell you what note a train horn was (I heard him do this- "G major 7th" as it crossed a bridge). Beyond his playing was his heartfelt singing.
For an idea of his deep belief- give a listen to "Your Long Journey"- composed by Doc and Rosa Lee Watson, and performed by Alison Krauss on the "Rising Sand" album. Bless you Doc, on your long journey. He will be greatly missed. Deo Vindice.

[Retired Chemist]

Bluegrass Junction on Sirius has been playing a lot of his music since his death was announced.

[don-o]

We saw him several times over the years and his shows never failed to please. Last time was Christmas before last - he played every year - two shows in one evening. We always went to the first one because the second was past our bedtime.

When you saw him live, it was more like hanging out on the porch than looking at a superstar. His first professional gigs were with a local C & W dance band back in the 50’s, and he sometimes had a story to tell about that.

Which was a wonderful part of his legacy - the connection of music to life and sharing that with his audience. He engaged the audience in a way that I have seen no other performer do.

The world is a better place for Doc having lived in it.

[Dick Bachert]

Another great one gone! RIP DOC!

[onemiddleamerican]

I woke up to hear this sad news this morning. I saw Doc and Merle perform 36 years ago; and remember years later how Merle's death hurt Doc so that we thought he wouldn't continue performing. Beautiful person, great talent. Lots of pickin' and grinnin' in heaven today.

Doc and Rosa Lee, "Your Long Journey"

[Scoutmaster]

Thank you, Doc, for all the joy you’ve given me and will continue to give me.

[Mrs. Don-o]

I'm sad that Doc's been "gathered to his ancestors" --- "gone to his people," "gone to be with the Lord," as the saying goes. He meant a lot to me. One of the reasons I fell in love with my husband is because he turned me on to Doc's "Warm and Windy" and "Freight Train Blues" and "Hush, My Child" and ---

Whoops, that's three reasons and so many more....

I know they're having a flat-pickin' festival in heaven. Doc was so great. I look forward to meeting him someday.