The Legacy of Doc Watson
Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson (March 3, 1923 – May 29, 2012) is revered as one of the most influential and respected guitar players in the history of traditional music. Originally hailing from Deep Gap, NC, Doc was a self-taught harmonica, banjo, and guitar player. He is known for his work in multiple music genres, including bluegrass, folk, gospel, country, and old-time.
In 1988, Doc Watson held the first MerleFest in honor of his late son, Merle Watson. Doc described the festival as ‘traditional, plus’, as it highlights the traditional music of Western North Carolina and anything else. The now four-day festival is still held every April in Wilkesboro, NC, on the campus of Wilkes Community College.
Listen to more about Merle Fest in Season One, Episode Two of the Down the Road podcast.
And learn more about Doc Watson through the Blue Ridge National Heritage Area’s Traditional Artist Directory.
The Podcast
This podcast highlights bluegrass and old-time music stories, performers, and traditions across the mountain and foothills counties of Western North Carolina. These traditions and stories are the soul and spirit of the Blue Ridge Music Trails of North Carolina.
The podcast is hosted and scripted by Laura Boosinger, musician, folklorist, and storyteller; and produced by Jaclyn Anthony and Joe Kendrick of WNCW-FM.
Episodes air every other week on WNCW-FM (88.7) at about 8:50 am on Tuesday mornings (at the end of NPR’s Morning Edition). New episodes will be published below as they are completed.
