Skillful flatpicking guitarist and folk legend Doc Watson died yesterday after falling at his home last week and subesquent colon surgery. He was 89.
Watson was a guitarist, songwriter and singer of bluegrass, folk, country, blues and gospel music. Watson won seven Grammy awards as well as a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Blinded from an eye infection prior before his first birthday he was encouraged by his parents to work hard and care for himself. The tough love approach saw Watson become recognised as a highly influential highly figure during the folk music revival.
Watson pioneered a fast and flashy bluegrass, lead guitar style including fiddle tunes and crosspicking techniques and was also an accomplished banjo and harmonica player. Bob Dylan once compared Watsons precision guitar playing to "running water".
Here are Doc Watson and Earl Scruggs at Watsons home jamming. Earl Scruggs died on March 28th 2012.
