Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson (March 3, 1923 – May 29, 2012) was an American 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. Watson's flatpicking skills and knowledge of traditional American music are highly regarded. He performed with his son, guitarist Merle Watson, for over 15 years until Merle's death in 1985 in an accident on the family farm.
Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, Grammy Hall of Fame, National Medal of Arts, Grammy Award for Best Country Instrumental Performance, Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album, Grammy Award for Best Ethnic or Traditional Folk Recording, Deep River Blues, Sitting on Top of the World, Shady Grove
Nominations
Grammy Award for Best Country Collaboration with Vocals
Movies
The Three Pickers, Doc Watson & David Grisman: In Concert, Doc Watson: Rare Performances 1963-1981, Traditional Music Classics, Legends of Flatpicking Guitar, Doc & Merle Watson in Concert, Legends of Traditional Fingerstyle Guitar, Stanley Brothers and Doc Watson: Rainbow Quest, Merlefest Live: 15t...
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Fact
1
Watson picked up the nickname "Doc" at the suggestion of an audience member at a radio broadcast when he was in his teens.
2
He was awarded the National Medal of the Arts in 1997 by the National Endowment of the Arts in Washington D.C.