A Doc Watson Morning

Peter Rowan honors Doc Watson with Tribute Song

As Peter says by way of intro, he wrote this song on the night Doc Watson passed away and this is the first time it was ever performed. Such a sweet and loving tribute to one of the true legends.

Doc Watson Gone at 89

A simple statement on his official spokesperson’s website says:

“Regret to announce that Doc Watson died this evening. More details shortly.
Rest in peace.”

That’s the way the world was informed of the death of one of the greatest acoustic guitar players to live in this and the last century.

Doc Watson Update

According to his official  spokesperson, Doc had a difficult day, but seems to have pulled through OK. 

His condition is now pretty much where it was when the day began.  He remains in critical condition.

The Winston-Salem Journal is reporting that the family was called to his bedside earlier today.  He remains in the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit following surgery on Thursday to repair a blockage in his colon and a follow up procedure on Saturday.

The family, while understanding and appreciating interest from Doc’s friends and well-wishers, would appreciate privacy during this trying time.

Doc Watson Update

We reported yesterday that beloved guitarist Doc Watson had been hospitalized in North Carolina.   A spokesperson at the hospital today told us that he is still in critical condition.

According to the most recent update on Doc’s homepage which was posted late last night, he is in critical but improved condition after undergoing colon surgery at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

The family appreciates everyone’s prayers and good wishes.

Doc Watson portrait taken in 1986.
(Photo courtesy of Peter Figen)

Doc Watson Hospitalized in Critical Condition

More bluegrass  news coming out of North Carolina this week but not the kind we want to report.

Several of the state’s print journals are reporting that seven time Grammy winning guitarist Doc Watson has been hospitalize after a fall at his home in Deep Gap, NC earlier this week.

Doc is hospitalized at Baptist Hospital in Winston Salem, NC where hospital personnel have stated that he is in critical condition today.

According to his daughter, Nancy, the fall occurred on Monday but no bones were broken.  Doc just recently celebrated his 89th birthday ( March 3rd).

Town of Wilkesboro puts Old MerleFest Banners On Sale to the Public

New banners have been put up in Wilkesboro this year to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the music festival honoring the music of Doc Watson and his late son Merle Watson.

The old banners, the ones that had been attached to street posts during MerleFest for the past 10 years, are for sale by the town of Wilkesboro. The banners are about 5 feet long and more than 2 feet wide.

Two of the banners feature Doc Watson, while one portrays Alison Krauss and another a MerleFest stage. The cost is $40 each or all four for $120. Only about 20 banners are left for sale.

"In the early years, those things got stolen as soon as I put them up," said Wilkesboro Town Manager Ken Noland. "I know people like them."

The banners are put up higher on the street poles now, with the new banners featuring individual images of Doc and Merle, one of them together and one of musicians on stage.

This year’s MerleFest ibegins April 26, but people are expected to start arriving Wednesday in Wilkesboro, NC

Happy Birthday Doc Watson

he got the nickname "Doc" during a live radio broadcast when the announcer remarked that his given name Arthel was odd and he needed an easy nickname to go by. A fan in the crowd shouted "Call him Doc!" presumably in reference to the Sherlock Holmes sidekick Doctor Watson. The name stuck ever since ...

(from Wikipedia) Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson (born March 3, 1923) is an American guitar player, songwriter and singer of bluegrass, folk, country, blues and gospel music. He has won seven Grammy awards as well as a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Watson's flatpicking skills and knowledge of traditional American music are highly regarded.  Here he picks a well known bluegrass standard, "Don't Let Your Deal Go Down".

Read More About Doc Watson

Doc Watson Theatre at MerleFest subjected to Thievery!

Wilkesboro, NC – Police officers in Wilkesboro, NC were summoned to the Wilkes Community College campus by authorities to investigate a burglary that probably occurred on Sunday.  A theater used for a yearly nationwide event in Wilkes County was targeted by thieves for Christmas lights, according to police.
A Wilkesboro Police spokespersn said someone stole Christmas lights from the Doc and Merle Watson Theatre on the campus of Wilkes Community College.

The Incredible Doc Watson to Perform Benefit Concert

Grammy Award-winning guitarist  Doc Watson will perform Saturday, Oct. 8, to benefit Appalachian State University’s sustainable development program.

Already the namesake of a scholarship that supports sustainable development students, Watson approaches the performance with a certain quality that transcends music. “Gentle pride, son,” he said. “I help do it, and I thank the good Lord for it. It’ll help young people that need it.”

Doc Watson Sculpture To Be Unveiled Friday!

A Life-Size Statue of Doc Watson Playing His Guitar!

The unveiling Friday will mark more than a year of planning, preparations and fund-raising to honor the legendary folk/bluegrass artist in downtown Boone, NC where he often sat and picked his guitar as a young man in real life.  As a young and struggling artist, Doc Watson spent many days performing for tips at storefronts in Boone NC. and other nearby towns.

There will be a plaque on the bench according to Doc’s wishes that will say, “Doc Watson – Just one of the people”

CLOCK TICKS DOWN TO MERLEFEST 2011. . .

PRESENTED BY LOWE’S, ON APRIL 28

This year’s festival features four days of performances by over 90 artists on 14 stages

Preparations are well underway for MerleFest 2011, presented by Lowe’s, which begins next Thursday, April 28, and runs through Sunday, May 1, on the campus of Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, North Carolina.

“MerleFest provides a true value to its customers and an affordable weekend getaway,” said festival director Ted Hagaman. “When you consider that you can see over 90 artists on 14 stages, the admission prices are extremely reasonable. Also, there are no hidden charges. We provide free parking, a free shuttle that will deliver you to the entrance, a free program guide as you enter, and all children 12 and under are admitted free with a paid adult. In addition, our Little Pickers Area for children offers each child the opportunity to make crafts and participate in several interactive exhibits- all free of charge.”

Weekend Update for March 26, 2011

WEEKEND UPDATE

The Weekend Updates are provided as a courtesy to those who don't get to check the news during the week.  Here's a list of what's been happening in the world of bluegrass this past week.

IBMA Announces Official Showcase Bands for 2011 World of Bluegrass Conference.

THE ROYS WORLD PREMIER VIDEO "COAL MININ' MAN" plus radio interview.

http://prescriptionbluegrass.blogspot.com/2011/03/laurie-lewis-updates-fans-on-world-wide.html

Patuxent Records releases new CD from Tom Mindte and Jeremy Stephens - Radio Favorites and Sacred Songs

The Grascals Salute 50 years of Andy Griffith with "Dance Til Your Stockin's Are Hot and Ravelin'

The European World of Bluegrass (EWOB) Announces their 2011 Program and Artist Lineup

U.S. Bluegrass Bands wanted for Scottish Bluegrass Festival in September 2011

Doc Watson to be honored in Boone, NC with life-size statue downtown where he used to pick for tips.

Doc Watson To Be Honored with Life-Size Sculpture in Downtown Boone, NC

Sculptor Alex Hallmark with completed head 
study of legendary musician Doc Watson 
for a bronze statue to be installed 
in downtown Boone, NC. 

Doc Watson 
Downtown Project

Organized and Sponsored by 

the Downtown Boone Development Association

As a young and struggling artist, Doc Watson spent many days performing for tips at storefronts in Boone NC. and other nearby towns.

As a tribute to Doc, North Carolina's favorite son, The Downtown Boone Development  Association is raising money to have a life-size statue of Doc Watson playing his favorite guitar, a customized Gallagher. Created by noted sculptor Alex Hallmark, the Doc statue will be cast in bronze and will sit on a bench at the Northeast corner of King and Depot Sts.  

There will be a plaque on the bench according to Doc’s wishes that will say, “Doc Watson – Just one of the people”. 

This statue will not only be a tribute to Doc, but will help to recognize the importance of Boone and Watauga County as the home of many of the finest mountain music musicians.

_____                 Mary Baker Visits with John Cooper            _____

The Downtown Boone Development Association is asking for help in achieving this project for Boone and wonderful honor for Doc Watson .  Gifts both large and small are tax deductible.  

• For any gift of a dollar or more, you will be recognized with a signed certificate acknowledging your gift. 
• For a gift of $100 or more, you will have your name emblazoned on a 4” x 8” brick placed around the statue.



Completed Clay Statue. When cast in
bronze Doc will be sitting on an attractive 
bench in downtown Boone,
where he got his start.

• For the $1500 contribution your brick will be designated as a “Front Row Supporter”.  (at the time of this post, all 2o head studies have been obtained by donors.  The committee is looking into the possibilities of additional head studies)

Buy A Brick Click Here

According to Pilar Fotta, Exec. Dir.  for the Downtown Boone Development Assoc., a special celebration unveiling is scheduled for June 24, 2011 in conjunction with the  Watauga County Arts Council Concert-on-the-Lawn Series at the Jones House Community Center.


For more information, contact:

• John Cooper, Project Chair, 828 963-6511
• Pilar Fotta, Executive Director, Downtown Boone Development Association, 828 262-4532.

Find Boone, NC on the Map

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Happy Birthday Doc Watson

Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson (born March 3, 1923) is an American guitar player, songwriter and singer of bluegrass, folk, country, blues and gospel music. He has won seven Grammy awards as well as a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Watson's flatpicking skills and knowledge of traditional American music are highly regarded. He performed with his son Merle for over 15 years until Merle's death in 1985, in an accident on the family farm.

Watson was born in Deep Gap, North Carolina. According to Doc on his three CD biographical recording Legacy, he got the nickname "Doc" during a live radio broadcast when the announcer remarked that his given name Arthel was odd and he needed an easy nickname to go by. A fan in the crowd shouted "Call him Doc!" presumably in reference to the Sherlock Holmes sidekick Doctor Watson. The name stuck ever since.

David Holt asks Doc Watson about getting his first guitar and developing 

his guitar style. Then Doc plays the Beaumont Rag on December 5, 1998 

at the Valborg Theatre on the campus of Appalachian State University

READ MORE ABOUT DOC WATSON