I was in a children's home when I was younger and Doc would come every Christmas and play for us. I even got to sing with him a couple of times and never realized I was singing with a legend. RIP Doc.
@@EliazMusicJuggling not much. Destroyed my vocal chords in the military and have never been really comfortable in front of crowds. But I have the memories.
Singing on the beat and picking across the beat: you don't really appreciate just how hard that is to get right until you sit down and try it yourself. Country blues is one of the most unforgiving styles to learn, but also one of the most rewarding.
I am a guitarist for 26 years let me tell you Doc is a alien seriously people scoff at country blues or old time music because it sounds simple but, no sir I respect Jazz and such but, I will never get over how beautiful Doc Watson and Mississippi John Hurt were.
I saw Doc open for Commander Cody in Boston in 1974. His son Merle was getting tired of playing the country music with Dad and had his own rock band. Dad and Merle made a deal that Merle could bring his band along and play a set during their show. Doc came out and sat in with the band and played one of the most incredible rock leads I've ever heard.
Man, I wish there was some recordings of him playing electric. Makes sense though-when Doc was “discovered” he didn’t even own an acoustic guitar. He was playing electric in a dance band. He had to borrow an acoustic for those first recordings he did with Clarence Ashley.
This version is really special, since there’s a lot of variation thrown in. I think my favorite version might still be the one from his fingerpicking DVD but that’s probably just because it’s the version I heard first. Definitely gotta learn me some of the licks from this. Took me about 6 months to really get the other version down lol. Didn’t help that it was one of the first Travis picking songs I learned, oh well. I’ve definitely gotten better, just gotta stick with it and refuse to quit.
A guitar picker myself, I took a rocker friend who played drums, to see Doc in the mid eighties at the perot theatre in Texarkana, Tx. He was quite apprehensive and tried hard not to enjoy the show at first, but by the time Doc finished up my friend was cheering louder than anyone in the place. I realized then and there, that talent/ability transcends preferred musical style. What a wonderful lesson. Thanks Doc. R.I.P.
I grew up on stuff like Nirvana and Metallica, and still love it. I couldn't stand the country I heard on the radio, but I loved Johnny Cash and the blues. Come to find out, I didn't hate county music. I just didn't like what was getting airplay. The last few years I've been completely taken by all the different types of old country and blues, jazz, Cajun and Zydeco. You can hear the inherent rock and roll trying to bust out of all that music. It's really the foundation of modern pop
My wife and I were fortunate to hear Doc play in an old historic high school in Coleraine MN. He was in his 80s and sang and played like he was twenty. Doc was humble and pleasant. It's too bad more talented performers aren't like him. RIP Doc you made our lives richer in many ways.
Saw Doc at Club 47 (now Passim) in Cambridge, Mass in 1965. I was sitting in the front row, maybe ten feet away from him. When he did one of his low string chromatic octave runs between lines of a verse, I gasped and this devilish grin played over his face. Guess I made his night!,
I grew up in western NC and my dad went to his concerts and met him, Bill Monroe, and Merle many times. We saw him perform in Lenoir, NC. When I worked at a college radio station I found one of his albums “ on praying ground “ I think and gave it to my dad. He played it every Sunday before church. What a great man.
I was born in Hendersonville and still have family in Brevard, N.C. I've been in Florida for 54 yrs now, but still love those western North Carolina mountains and the music!!!
I am so glad that Doc lived long enough to be immortalized by this thing we call TH-cam. The world will miss this artist, but many to listen will never remember that he lived long enough to die - how cool is that?
He lived long enough and close enough to the present that we can hear him through youtube and other sources after he has died. Some of us were lucky enough to hear him in person in Cambridge, MA: Chicago, IL; Fayetteville, NC and Merlefest in Wilkesboro, NC
I'm a Brit that moved to the US almost 8 years ago. I'd never really listened to much folk, bluegrass, country until I moved to the US.. I now feel it in my soul. Doc was truly a gifted musician. I felt like the guitar alone did all the talking. What an incredible talent the world lost when he died.
Doc Watson was born in 1923! His songs are still being played, thank heavens. Though he was blind he was showed wonderful remakable skills in his guitar playing. RIP Doc! Larry Davies.
I moved just in time to see you perform in N.C. I regret I didn't get there sooner. It was an honor. RIP. One of the finest folks the U.S. has ever turned their ears to.
Most that knew Doc,or know Docs abilities often say he is genius...I was friends with Merles boy Richard,who was also exceptional when it came to music,naturally...But an example of what Doc means to folks here in the Gap...well,one day I take off up the Cat(Wildcat rd),to the place at the end of the road,where folks take trash,and recycling...I pull in, in my old bumpside 3/4 ton...Elvis,his ears dragging the pavement,his tongue beating his head in...he had been blowing the leaves off the trees on the ride up...I get out and see Doc putting some milk jugs in the container,as I approach with my various recycling,Doc turns to me and says,"Boy,that Bluetick shore has a pretty voice"...Doc had never met my Elvis...Doc cannot see...with his eyes at least....I was too floored to ask him how in the world he knew Elvis was a Bluetick...I've been around coondogs most of my life and I can tell my dogs from others,but only guess at their breed...Doc knew,without a doubt....So when I see a video,or when I saw him pick live,and he does something extraordinary...I reckon folks got used to him being so common,nobody was shocked when he displayed the humble genius he was....I'm happy to see,those traits shared with the rest of the world...we're proud of Doc here in Deep Gap.
Forty six years ago, in Portland, OR, I went to see Doc and Merle, and a couple of friends of Merle, play at the Euphoria Tavern. We got there after the good seats were taken, but my girlfriend had some friends who asked us to sit with them up front of the stage. Doc was taking requests and I asked several times for When The Work's All Done This Fall, but it did not get played. I didn't mind. As a picker only ten years into learning I was overjoyed at seeing/hearing one of my heroes so close. After the show while using the men's room I bumped into one of Merle's buddies and asked him to please tell Doc how much I loved their performance. As I left the restroom my girlfriend was chatting with the same gentleman I had spoke to and he said to me, 'hey come on back and give your message to Doc yourself. We stepped into the dressing room and Merle's pal said, 'hey Doc, this young man wanted to meet you'. Doc stuck out his hand, shook mine, and said, 'say there, young fella, I wanted to do that song for you but the other guys didn't know that tune. You come see me again and I promise I will do it for you'. Needless to say, I was stunned that he recognized my voice. And six months later when the same girl and i went to see them at the Bottom Line in NYC, we met Merle. The circle was complete. If one ever gets to feeling a bit down, just get Doc doing Deep River Blues at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass with David Holt in '08. He was 85 years old at that time.th-cam.com/video/qQ_aeax2eHA/w-d-xo.html
@@antonewilliam7627 I mentioned Doc to a guitar playing friend who said "if he's so good how come I never heard of him?",well I was floored!Showed him this video and he says "wow,he never looked down at his guitar!",I still get a chuckle!
@@giannirocco7492 This world if full of wonderful songwriters/pickers/singers that we unfortunately never get to see/hear. It's even possible to miss, like your friend did, one of the truly great ones like Doc. Doc was much more than one of the truly great musicians. He was great in who he was as a kind and humble man.
I sat right at his feet once. We applauded a song and he said: "I love ya'll!" I had my chance. I piped up: "We love you too, Doc!", and was rewarded with a smile. But I saw him lose his temper a little another time when folks were talking down front. He had just played the best Working Man Blues I ever heard, at least for me, including the original Merle's version, and I wanted to hear every sound he made. He left that gig in a black Rolls. You came a long way, Doc.
He is/was SO good. There is something sweet about him but still very masculine.. I love Deep River Blues and associate it with him-for over 50 years now.
The fact that they put Jack White at 17 on the top 100 guitar players of all time and didn't even put this guy on the list shows you that Rolling Stone has either, A, no idea what they are doing, or B, care more about guessing what there audience likes than actually acknowledge the talent of real musicians. Frank Zappa and Mark Knopfler is are two other great examples of drastically under rating fantastic guitar players to please the reading audience.
those 'best 100' things are always a joke. Jack White is hardly what any musician would call a 'real' guitar player, but he's a great character and I know he loves the art. The only thing Rolling Stone is good for is keeping up with Katy Perry and the like, and serious political reporting... musically speaking RS has been lost for years.
ya they also had that worst solos every and they put sympathy for the devil on there which might be a short and simple solo but its not always about how intricate you can play the guitar but if it sounds good and isnt sloppy, i agree though never heard of doc watson and didnt realize he was blind im always watching leo kottke , john fahey , chet atkins but you never really hear about them that much anymore either and they plat guitar way better than anyone today, country sucks rap sucks, metal sucks and now day rock sucks, and pretty much everything thats on the radio, even bob segers new shit sucks, good music is all dying
I have worked for two years in USA, and I had the unique chance to attend a Doc Watson concert in a small church in Berkeley, Ca where I lived (in 89, before the quake!). This was one of the greatest concert I went ! I love deep river blues. I still blow the them drivin' to work here in France. Thanks for the vid !
Damn! I first heard this played by a man when I was 17. It turned my whole style of playing on it's head. I began to get serious about practicing daily, and this was the one I practiced most. At 55, I'm still pickin' and still learning - God help me if I stop, I might have to die. And God Bless the Martin Guitar Company! The D-16 RGT is grand! First really good guitar I ever bought, and it has opened up it's voice like an angel....
Being from the foothills of NC, Doc was a big part of the music I grew up listing to. The music of Appalachia is something all its own, and it is a big part of the culture in the mountains. Doc will never be forgotten, and MerleFest every April commemorates this amazing man and his family along with the music!
I was lucky to see Doc and Merle play in Sonora CA. At a place called raspberries. I got my courage up and walked backstage and met Doc and Merle. He shared how when as a kid he got stung on the temple by a hornet.I was flabbergasted that he shared with me some of his life. I shook their hands and went and watched the show. A memory I will treasure forever.
I grew up in a musical family, and my grandfather was friends with Doc and Merle, i was around him for a long part of my life and loved to hear him pic and sing, this song, another called Dig a little deeper, and an old Irish folk tune he would do as a duet with his wife and on e with Dolly was That was the last thing on my mind were my favorites.
I think you missed the point brother. Lots of guitar players can play this tune but almost no one can play it with the soul Doc puts in it. Listen to Tommy Emmanuel's version for example. It's all flash No substance. It's not all always what you do it's how you do it
I saw Doc and Merle at an outdoor bluegrass/music festival in August 1972 near Dahlonega, GA. My first bluegrass concert! Doc and Merle appeared lated and brought the house down with 'Deep River Blues'. The ladies in the audience were going crazy, almost as if Elvis had been sighted!
There is a memorial to him in Boone, NC, down the road from where he lived in Deep Gap, a bronze memorial of him on a bench playing his guitar titled Doc Watson,"Man of the People" - well deserved. Such a talented musician and singer. When I saw it, it took me back to all his great music.
I am thankful for Doc Watson, for preserving and carrying on so much of American heritage that otherwise may have been lost. This music is a time machine. I feel like I'm on a raft with Huck Finn.
Only got to see this legend once at a festival in Concord CA, probably in the 80's (memory fades when you're old). His son Merle was playing with him. At the end of their amazing set they played a medley of Chuck Berry/Little Richard songs that rocked harder than most full on electric rock bands I've seen (and I've seen a lot, starting with Cream and Hendrix in '68). That medley tore me up and I'll never forget it. RIP Doc and Merle. You are missed.
Another true story about Doc: he refuses to receive disability checks from the government. He just says, "Send that money to someone who needs it more than me". Classy indeed!
Been to two Doc Watson live performances, and they were among the musical highlights of my life. Sadly, never got to see him perform with Merle, but have many albums of them together... tragic, no father should lose a son that way. Doc is a giant of American music, and a sure-enough genius in the old-time traditional style.
My god, what a gem this is, and what an incredible talent he was. And he's playing this wish just his thumb and forefinger. Crazy. And that swing feel is so hard to do and get it right.
I feel like I've lost a friend. His music and his larger-than-life personality have been a part of my life for over 50 years. I'm grieving, and feel that a major light has been taken away. I remember going to the Fiddler's Convention at Union Grove in 71 0r 72, and he was there. Such a treat to be with him in that kind of setting. He always reminded me of my grandfather, who played guitar, fiddle, and harmonica, and sang those old country blues. It makes me cry.
Top-drawer example of a true American treasure? You’re looking at it. Pure and pristine, innocent of worldly iniquities and mean influences. His kind isn’t passing our way again. Ever.
Doc I will miss you so much! I do look forward to one day finally meeting you good sir in that sweet by and by! God Bless your sweet soul and thank you for the music, the love, and the Legacy! God Bless your sweet soul!
I saw Doc in 1964 when he was sponsored by the Columbus Folk Music Center, a place I worked while going to Ohio State. He was young and so was I. Made me put down the banjo and pick up a guitar. Thank you doc, you're a great inspiration on so many levels...
Great singer and player. Doc's a multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist and a true gentleman. His style crosses over many genres of traditional roots music.
Listening to Doc speak is just as enjoyable as listening to him play. This guy was truly one of a kind and God obviously broke the mold after making him. What a legend. Rest In Peace Doc, and Merle.
Dude I had the same idea. I discovered Doc (along with Travis picking) around quarantine and became obsessed. I learned from watching the version from his flatpicking and fingerpicking DVD you can find on youtube. I was able to sort out the notes in a month or two but it really took me about 6 months to really get it down, especially the speed. Just gotta keep at it and refuse to quit. With enough practice you’ll get it down. The sense of accomplishment is totally worth it. Now I’m pretty much obsessed with any Travis style songs and this is the most consistent my guitar playing has been. I used to always play off and on but after finding Doc I’m determined to keep playing even if I don’t feel like it. There’s always something else to learn.
As good a player as Doc Watson is its hard to believe that anyone would dislike this. But you've got to remember that no matter who you are or what you do regardless of how good it may be, someone is not going to like you. The reasons may be hairbrained but no matter what you do, you can't please everyone. So you might as well do your best and then sit back and enjoy life.
Happy 🥳🥠🥂🌞💃🏽🍾🎉🍾🥧🍭🎂🎶🍺🎂🎁🎈💃🏽🕺🏽🔥🙏🏾🌾🍂🍃🎤🎄🔥✊🏿🍻🫵🎶💯🔝🕺👑🍀☀🎂🥂🍾🪂🏄♀⛵🏖 music birthday (Mar 3) in heaven Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson, "grammy award"-winning bluegrass, folk and blues guitarist, songwriter and singer (89, d. 2012) ;-)
There's even something for the tech nerds in this: At 1:43 and onwards, the reflection of the guitar has a strange dark area around it where his wrist is. That's from the orthicon tube camera used to record this footage and is commonly known as "orthicon halo" (effectively the reflection is so bright it overloads the tube scanning the picture)
A guitar player that guitar players look up and aspire to. What a smooth, smooth player. On one clip he talks about starting out performing on a Les Paul. Believe it. He said it. Wonderful player, performer, a real American treasure like Pete Seeger. Thanks dealer.
Let it rain, let it pour, let it rain a whole lot more 'Cause I got them deep river blues Let the rain drive right on, let the waves sweep along 'Cause I got them deep river blues My old gal's a good old pal, and she looks like a water fowl When I get them deep river blues Ain't no one to cry for me, and the fish all go out on a spree When I get them deep river blues Give me back my old boat, I'm gonna sail if she'll float 'Cause I got them deep river blues I'm goin' back to Muscle Shoals, times are better there I'm told 'Cause I got them deep river blues Let it rain, let it pour, let it rain a whole lot more 'Cause I got them deep river blues Let the rain drive right on, let the waves sweep along 'Cause I got them deep river blues If my boat sinks with me, I'll go down, don't you see 'Cause I got them deep river blues Now I'm gonna say goodbye, and if I sink, just let me die 'Cause I got them deep river blues Let it rain, let it pour, let it rain a whole lot more 'Cause I got them deep river blues Let the rain drive right on, let the waves sweep along 'Cause I got them deep river blues
Let it rain, let it pour, let it rain a whole lot more 'Cause I got them deep river blues Let the rain drive right on, Let the waves sweep along 'Cause I got them deep river blues My old gal's a good old pal, and she looks like a waterfowl When I get them deep river blues Ain't no one to cry for me, and the fish all go out on a spree When I get them deep river blues If my boat sinks with me, I'll go down, don't you see 'Cause I got them deep river blues Now I'm gonna say goodbye, and if I sink, just let me die 'Cause I got them deep river blues Give me back my old boat, I'm gonna sail if she'll float 'Cause I got them deep river blues I'm goin' back to Muscle Shoals, times are better there I'm told 'Cause I got them deep river blues
2 things I do when I had too many that annoy my wife. Ramble on talking and listen to blues. Anytime I want to piss her off I turn this on and speak the intro to her. We turn to blues now 🤣🤣 it's funny to me not anybody else but hey it's the little things in life 😉
My grandfather (who helped raise me and my sisters) had me cutting teeth on Doc Watson. My grandfather died when I was 18 (I'm 26 now), and I feel like another small part of my grandfather has died again. I understand your grief entirely :)
Does anyone know what happened to the video of Doc teaching how to play this? Last year it would come up first in a google or youtube search. Now it's gone.
I was in a children's home when I was younger and Doc would come every Christmas and play for us. I even got to sing with him a couple of times and never realized I was singing with a legend. RIP Doc.
That's crazy! Do you still sing now?
@@EliazMusicJuggling not much. Destroyed my vocal chords in the military and have never been really comfortable in front of crowds. But I have the memories.
What a memory
Thats freaking amazing to have a legend play for you...its unfortunate it was under shitty circumstances...but mad respect
Wow! Now that’s a memory!
Singing on the beat and picking across the beat: you don't really appreciate just how hard that is to get right until you sit down and try it yourself. Country blues is one of the most unforgiving styles to learn, but also one of the most rewarding.
Very true! There's no room for forgiveness when playing this type of music. There's no hiding lol
Good luck to anyone who tries! Most of us just smash our guitar or burn it,..
100% agree. When I think I have reached “perfection” I throw on doc or Chet and realize how wrong I am. Lol
and he was blind.)
good point he sings too
Guitar lovers know the majesty of this man and his lasting impact on his instrument.
I am a guitarist for 26 years let me tell you Doc is a alien seriously people scoff at country blues or old time music because it sounds simple but, no sir I respect Jazz and such but, I will never get over how beautiful Doc Watson and Mississippi John Hurt were.
Yes, we do. Among us guitar players, Doc is pure royalty.
100%
Absolutely. I've only recently understood this. I've been playing guitar for years but just started learning bluegrass. Doc Watson is underappreciated
Doc is one of the best flat pickers, and finger pickers of all time!!!!!!
I saw Doc open for Commander Cody in Boston in 1974. His son Merle was getting tired of playing the country music with Dad and had his own rock band. Dad and Merle made a deal that Merle could bring his band along and play a set during their show. Doc came out and sat in with the band and played one of the most incredible rock leads I've ever heard.
Man, I wish there was some recordings of him playing electric. Makes sense though-when Doc was “discovered” he didn’t even own an acoustic guitar. He was playing electric in a dance band. He had to borrow an acoustic for those first recordings he did with Clarence Ashley.
um, shall we just agree this is the best version on the internet and call it a day?
Fair enough.
This version is really special, since there’s a lot of variation thrown in. I think my favorite version might still be the one from his fingerpicking DVD but that’s probably just because it’s the version I heard first.
Definitely gotta learn me some of the licks from this. Took me about 6 months to really get the other version down lol. Didn’t help that it was one of the first Travis picking songs I learned, oh well. I’ve definitely gotten better, just gotta stick with it and refuse to quit.
Gotta listen to Tommy Emmanuel's version... Respect
I like doc's version he did on TV when he was a little older. A little funkier.
A guitar picker myself, I took a rocker friend who played drums, to see Doc in the mid eighties at the perot theatre in Texarkana, Tx. He was quite apprehensive and tried hard not to enjoy the show at first, but by the time Doc finished up my friend was cheering louder than anyone in the place. I realized then and there, that talent/ability transcends preferred musical style. What a wonderful lesson. Thanks Doc. R.I.P.
It's true. I mainly listen to Hip hop and Metal but love Doc Watson.
I realized then and there, that talent/ability transcends preferred musical style. Amen! and Doc had such transcendent talent.
I grew up on stuff like Nirvana and Metallica, and still love it. I couldn't stand the country I heard on the radio, but I loved Johnny Cash and the blues. Come to find out, I didn't hate county music. I just didn't like what was getting airplay. The last few years I've been completely taken by all the different types of old country and blues, jazz, Cajun and Zydeco. You can hear the inherent rock and roll trying to bust out of all that music. It's really the foundation of modern pop
Funny thing is, when Doc was “discovered,” he was playing electric guitar in a rockabilly band.
It's a beautiful thing what music can do. Thanks for sharing
My wife and I were fortunate to hear Doc play in an old historic high school in Coleraine MN.
He was in his 80s and sang and played like he was twenty.
Doc was humble and pleasant.
It's too bad more talented performers aren't like him.
RIP Doc you made our lives richer in many ways.
Saw Doc at Club 47 (now Passim) in Cambridge, Mass in 1965. I was sitting in the front row, maybe ten feet away from him. When he did one of his low string chromatic octave runs between lines of a verse, I gasped and this devilish grin played over his face. Guess I made his night!,
would have made mine too!
Aww, damn he must've been like, "yeah I thought that sounded awesome too when I came up with it"🤣
What a time
Beautifully said friend
I grew up in western NC and my dad went to his concerts and met him, Bill Monroe, and Merle many times. We saw him perform in Lenoir, NC. When I worked at a college radio station I found one of his albums “ on praying ground “ I think and gave it to my dad. He played it every Sunday before church. What a great man.
I was born in Hendersonville and still have family in Brevard, N.C. I've been in Florida for 54 yrs now, but still love those western North Carolina mountains and the music!!!
Holy shit. I'm 27 and heard this for the first time today. Good music is truly timeless
I am so glad that Doc lived long enough to be immortalized by this thing we call TH-cam. The world will miss this artist, but many to listen will never remember that he lived long enough to die - how cool is that?
doesnt everyone live long enough to die?
@@zachwilson4166 facts
He lived long enough and close enough to the present that we can hear him through youtube and other sources after he has died. Some of us were lucky enough to hear him in person in Cambridge, MA: Chicago, IL; Fayetteville, NC and Merlefest in Wilkesboro, NC
Well, he lived long enough to be captured on videotape, anyway. Which was later converted to digital and uploaded to TH-cam.
He would even if he died 20 years earlier, the wonders of TH-cam, and the stuff people sometimes upload :)
I'm a Brit that moved to the US almost 8 years ago. I'd never really listened to much folk, bluegrass, country until I moved to the US.. I now feel it in my soul. Doc was truly a gifted musician. I felt like the guitar alone did all the talking. What an incredible talent the world lost when he died.
Doc Watson was born in 1923!
His songs are still being played, thank heavens. Though he was blind he was showed wonderful remakable skills in his guitar playing.
RIP Doc!
Larry Davies.
I moved just in time to see you perform in N.C. I regret I didn't get there sooner. It was an honor. RIP. One of the finest folks the U.S. has ever turned their ears to.
Hi Kathy💐💐
"We turn to Blues now..."
Professor Watson's classes are the bomb!!
This is what a steel string acoustic guitar is born to do.
Most that knew Doc,or know Docs abilities often say he is genius...I was friends with Merles boy Richard,who was also exceptional when it came to music,naturally...But an example of what Doc means to folks here in the Gap...well,one day I take off up the Cat(Wildcat rd),to the place at the end of the road,where folks take trash,and recycling...I pull in, in my old bumpside 3/4 ton...Elvis,his ears dragging the pavement,his tongue beating his head in...he had been blowing the leaves off the trees on the ride up...I get out and see Doc putting some milk jugs in the container,as I approach with my various recycling,Doc turns to me and says,"Boy,that Bluetick shore has a pretty voice"...Doc had never met my Elvis...Doc cannot see...with his eyes at least....I was too floored to ask him how in the world he knew Elvis was a Bluetick...I've been around coondogs most of my life and I can tell my dogs from others,but only guess at their breed...Doc knew,without a doubt....So when I see a video,or when I saw him pick live,and he does something extraordinary...I reckon folks got used to him being so common,nobody was shocked when he displayed the humble genius he was....I'm happy to see,those traits shared with the rest of the world...we're proud of Doc here in Deep Gap.
WOW!! What a COOL story-----------love hearing stuff like that----much thanks!!
Forty six years ago, in Portland, OR, I went to see Doc and Merle, and a couple of friends of Merle, play at the Euphoria Tavern. We got there after the good seats were taken, but my girlfriend had some friends who asked us to sit with them up front of the stage. Doc was taking requests and I asked several times for When The Work's All Done This Fall, but it did not get played. I didn't mind. As a picker only ten years into learning I was overjoyed at seeing/hearing one of my heroes so close. After the show while using the men's room I bumped into one of Merle's buddies and asked him to please tell Doc how much I loved their performance. As I left the restroom my girlfriend was chatting with the same gentleman I had spoke to and he said to me, 'hey come on back and give your message to Doc yourself. We stepped into the dressing room and Merle's pal said, 'hey Doc, this young man wanted to meet you'. Doc stuck out his hand, shook mine, and said, 'say there, young fella, I wanted to do that song for you but the other guys didn't know that tune. You come see me again and I promise I will do it for you'. Needless to say, I was stunned that he recognized my voice. And six months later when the same girl and i went to see them at the Bottom Line in NYC, we met Merle. The circle was complete. If one ever gets to feeling a bit down, just get Doc doing Deep River Blues at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass with David Holt in '08. He was 85 years old at that time.th-cam.com/video/qQ_aeax2eHA/w-d-xo.html
@@antonewilliam7627 THIS story makes MY day, thank you
@@antonewilliam7627 I mentioned Doc to a guitar playing friend who said "if he's so good how come I never heard of him?",well I was floored!Showed him this video and he says "wow,he never looked down at his guitar!",I still get a chuckle!
@@giannirocco7492 This world if full of wonderful songwriters/pickers/singers that we unfortunately never get to see/hear. It's even possible to miss, like your friend did, one of the truly great ones like Doc. Doc was much more than one of the truly great musicians. He was great in who he was as a kind and humble man.
I sat right at his feet once. We applauded a song and he said: "I love ya'll!" I had my chance. I piped up: "We love you too, Doc!", and was rewarded with a smile. But I saw him lose his temper a little another time when folks were talking down front. He had just played the best Working Man Blues I ever heard, at least for me, including the original Merle's version, and I wanted to hear every sound he made. He left that gig in a black Rolls. You came a long way, Doc.
He is/was SO good. There is something sweet about him but still very masculine.. I love Deep River Blues and associate it with him-for over 50 years now.
When music gives you goosebumps you know its something special :)
It might mean you're special too! :) neurosciencenews.com/music-chills-neuroscience-6167
Try Tyler Childers.
Absolutely dude !
The fact that they put Jack White at 17 on the top 100 guitar players of all time and didn't even put this guy on the list shows you that Rolling Stone has either, A, no idea what they are doing, or B, care more about guessing what there audience likes than actually acknowledge the talent of real musicians. Frank Zappa and Mark Knopfler is are two other great examples of drastically under rating fantastic guitar players to please the reading audience.
those 'best 100' things are always a joke. Jack White is hardly what any musician would call a 'real' guitar player, but he's a great character and I know he loves the art. The only thing Rolling Stone is good for is keeping up with Katy Perry and the like, and serious political reporting... musically speaking RS has been lost for years.
How does Knopfler always get in with the "underrated" crowd?? I think his low ratings are pretty hard-earned to be honest.
Many ppl don't even know Frank played guitar to start with. (A lot of them haven't even HEARD of Frank)
ya they also had that worst solos every and they put sympathy for the devil on there which might be a short and simple solo but its not always about how intricate you can play the guitar but if it sounds good and isnt sloppy, i agree though never heard of doc watson and didnt realize he was blind im always watching leo kottke , john fahey , chet atkins but you never really hear about them that much anymore either and they plat guitar way better than anyone today, country sucks rap sucks, metal sucks and now day rock sucks, and pretty much everything thats on the radio, even bob segers new shit sucks, good music is all dying
Derek Costen Bob Brozman was badass
Doc was the Best ever. He and Merle were so Great. He played this old Delmore Brothers number to Perfection.
I have worked for two years in USA, and I had the unique chance to attend a Doc Watson concert in a small church in Berkeley, Ca where I lived (in 89, before the quake!). This was one of the greatest concert I went ! I love deep river blues. I still blow the them drivin' to work here in France. Thanks for the vid !
My 10 year old granddaughter loves this, she sings along with it as she knows all the words and whenever I hear it she's there with me.
Damn! I first heard this played by a man when I was 17. It turned my whole style of playing on it's head. I began to get serious about practicing daily, and this was the one I practiced most. At 55, I'm still pickin' and still learning - God help me if I stop, I might have to die. And God Bless the Martin Guitar Company! The D-16 RGT is grand! First really good guitar I ever bought, and it has opened up it's voice like an angel....
Being from the foothills of NC, Doc was a big part of the music I grew up listing to. The music of Appalachia is something all its own, and it is a big part of the culture in the mountains. Doc will never be forgotten, and MerleFest every April commemorates this amazing man and his family along with the music!
I was lucky to see Doc and Merle play in Sonora CA. At a place called raspberries. I got my courage up and walked backstage and met Doc and Merle. He shared how when as a kid he got stung on the temple by a hornet.I was flabbergasted that he shared with me some of his life. I shook their hands and went and watched the show. A memory I will treasure forever.
They don't come any better than Doc Watson
saw him many times, with merle too before the tragedy, he was a very very special person
Enter Billy strings😉
They sure as hell don’t.
Agreed, doc always seems like he was such a kind, gentle soul in video clips. Just also happened to be a legit guitar GOD yo😳
Billy strings has received the passed torch! Please check him out! 😍
I grew up in a musical family, and my grandfather was friends with Doc and Merle, i was around him for a long part of my life and loved to hear him pic and sing, this song, another called Dig a little deeper, and an old Irish folk tune he would do as a duet with his wife and on e with Dolly was That was the last thing on my mind were my favorites.
Flawless performance.
The sound of both sides of the brain working together is absolutely beautiful
Doc was a genius, pure and simple!!!
With all due respect... Pure, I agree... But simple...? My ass...!
this is actually a pretty simple song to play. it sounds like there's a lot going on but, there's really not.
I think you missed the point brother. Lots of guitar players can play this tune but almost no one can play it with the soul Doc puts in it. Listen to Tommy Emmanuel's version for example. It's all flash No substance. It's not all always what you do it's how you do it
+urbanflow101
BS. Git yer box tuned up and let's hear it.
Did he write the songs?
I saw Doc and Merle at an outdoor bluegrass/music festival in August 1972 near Dahlonega, GA. My first bluegrass concert! Doc and Merle appeared lated and brought the house down with 'Deep River Blues'. The ladies in the audience were going crazy, almost as if Elvis had been sighted!
If Billy Strings loved him, we should too!!
Yep and he loves Monroe too
There is a memorial to him in Boone, NC, down the road from where he lived in Deep Gap, a bronze memorial of him on a bench playing his guitar titled Doc Watson,"Man of the People" - well deserved. Such a talented musician and singer. When I saw it, it took me back to all his great music.
I am thankful for Doc Watson, for preserving and carrying on so much of American heritage that otherwise may have been lost. This music is a time machine. I feel like I'm on a raft with Huck Finn.
Only got to see this legend once at a festival in Concord CA, probably in the 80's (memory fades when you're old). His son Merle was playing with him. At the end of their amazing set they played a medley of Chuck Berry/Little Richard songs that rocked harder than most full on electric rock bands I've seen (and I've seen a lot, starting with Cream and Hendrix in '68). That medley tore me up and I'll never forget it. RIP Doc and Merle. You are missed.
Another true story about Doc: he refuses to receive disability checks from the government. He just says, "Send that money to someone who needs it more than me". Classy indeed!
This comment deserves way more likes than one every 14 years! Well said from a fellow Nathan
@@alpacamybag910314 yrs. Wow
Been to two Doc Watson live performances, and they were among the musical highlights of my life. Sadly, never got to see him perform with Merle, but have many albums of them together... tragic, no father should lose a son that way.
Doc is a giant of American music, and a sure-enough genius in the old-time traditional style.
My god, what a gem this is, and what an incredible talent he was. And he's playing this wish just his thumb and forefinger. Crazy. And that swing feel is so hard to do and get it right.
I feel like I've lost a friend. His music and his larger-than-life personality have been a part of my life for over 50 years. I'm grieving, and feel that a major light has been taken away. I remember going to the Fiddler's Convention at Union Grove in 71 0r 72, and he was there. Such a treat to be with him in that kind of setting. He always reminded me of my grandfather, who played guitar, fiddle, and harmonica, and sang those old country blues. It makes me cry.
I don’t have the literary prowess to articulate why, but when he sings, he sounds like a man who’s seen the world 10 times over…
Top-drawer example of a true American treasure? You’re looking at it. Pure and pristine, innocent of worldly iniquities and mean influences. His kind isn’t passing our way again. Ever.
His right fore finger is putting in some serious overtime there 😮
Doc is wonderful singer! It is amazing how good he was playing his guitar although he was blind!
RIP Doc!
Larry Davies
Doc I will miss you so much! I do look forward to one day finally meeting you good sir in that sweet by and by! God Bless your sweet soul and thank you for the music, the love, and the Legacy! God Bless your sweet soul!
This right here is what you CAW.. down right Pure Character Elegance,, such control and finesse.. and Soulful honesty.
He is a legend, he will live forever inside our hearts. Whenever I play guitar, I feel Doc's warm presence behind me.
Who better to learn this song from, then Doc!!! 😀
I saw Doc in 1964 when he was sponsored by the Columbus Folk Music Center, a place I worked while going to Ohio State. He was young and so was I. Made me put down the banjo and pick up a guitar. Thank you doc, you're a great inspiration on so many levels...
Great singer and player. Doc's a multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist and a true gentleman. His style crosses over many genres of traditional roots music.
Saw Doc once in Berkeley in about "65. He played this then and I've been listening to it and loving it ever since. Thanks Doc. We'll miss you.
Listening to Doc speak is just as enjoyable as listening to him play. This guy was truly one of a kind and God obviously broke the mold after making him. What a legend. Rest In Peace Doc, and Merle.
Billy strings brought me here and am so very grateful 🙏 True American roots music
A true master of the instrument...R.I.P. Doc
Best flat-picker there ever was. Happy 87th Doc. (Catch "Beaumont Rag" if you can find it, takes yer breath away).
What a great musician
Doc... was... a monster. No doubt.
This is too awesome 🔥 A true guitar genius! Greetings from Sweden! 🇸🇪
Ain’t nothin typical bout Doc
Happy Birthday, Doc, 88 years young today (March 3rd 2011)
murrmac Rest In Peace 🥺
What a great performance!!
I will always love you mister Watson.
The high note he hits at 0:49 gives me shivers
Amazing I'm from scotland and this music is awesome. Check out John Martyn
He's a real musician, real musicians don't need fancy tricks, just expertise in their repertoire, the fancy tricks come after
Doc is one of the true jewels of Americana. For guitarist, a master to be studied.
Beautiful performance. It is inconceivable to me that 13 people clicked "dislike."
there are folks that would dislike a free ticket to heaven
This is one of the most amazing musical performances I've ever seen
Wow, this is gold. Gonna have to try to learn this during lockdown.
Update - can't play like him but I'm kinda getting the gist of it... loving it
Dude I had the same idea. I discovered Doc (along with Travis picking) around quarantine and became obsessed. I learned from watching the version from his flatpicking and fingerpicking DVD you can find on youtube. I was able to sort out the notes in a month or two but it really took me about 6 months to really get it down, especially the speed.
Just gotta keep at it and refuse to quit. With enough practice you’ll get it down. The sense of accomplishment is totally worth it.
Now I’m pretty much obsessed with any Travis style songs and this is the most consistent my guitar playing has been. I used to always play off and on but after finding Doc I’m determined to keep playing even if I don’t feel like it. There’s always something else to learn.
Thanks Doc for showing Billy Strings to play and Billy Strings for Showing me How.
One of the greatest guitar tunes that every guitar picker should know. I'm still working on it with mine, but nobody does it like Doc did. :-)
Listening in Glasgow Scotland 2024
Deep Gap, North Carolina.
@@MrPennystyle01 Doc Watson was from Deep Gap, and lived his entire life there.
As good a player as Doc Watson is its hard to believe that anyone would dislike this. But you've got to remember that no matter who you are or what you do regardless of how good it may be, someone is not going to like you. The reasons may be hairbrained but no matter what you do, you can't please everyone. So you might as well do your best and then sit back and enjoy life.
Doc Watson...uno dei migliori !!!
now !! this man is sooo hard to copy!!!
I always said Docs the best guitarist ever. People say no way man I never heard of him. Then They listen to a couple songs and start to agree.
Docs got that Blind Blake thumb roll down pat, truly superb !!!
Happy 🥳🥠🥂🌞💃🏽🍾🎉🍾🥧🍭🎂🎶🍺🎂🎁🎈💃🏽🕺🏽🔥🙏🏾🌾🍂🍃🎤🎄🔥✊🏿🍻🫵🎶💯🔝🕺👑🍀☀🎂🥂🍾🪂🏄♀⛵🏖 music birthday (Mar 3) in heaven Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson, "grammy award"-winning bluegrass, folk and blues guitarist, songwriter and singer (89, d. 2012) ;-)
There's even something for the tech nerds in this: At 1:43 and onwards, the reflection of the guitar has a strange dark area around it where his wrist is. That's from the orthicon tube camera used to record this footage and is commonly known as "orthicon halo" (effectively the reflection is so bright it overloads the tube scanning the picture)
I've been wondering what that was called and what causes it literally for years. Thank you!
One word... BRILLIANT!
Great performance. I posted this video audio-visually improved (removed the noise and converted to widescreen).
What's with those thumbs down? How could anyone not love this. Doc was the best. I miss him.
Hi Camille💐💐
@@AndyGalvan-of1wl Hi there! Are you a musician?
@@ct4883 Lol a lover of music just admire your sincere love for this song with your comments , my pleasure to meet you here today Camille💐💐
@@AndyGalvan-of1wl Nice to meet you too!
@@ct4883 well I’m from Fremont CA, where are you located Camille.
How in god's name can 32 people dislike this ?
shit for ears and no souls, that's how! Doc is king.
patricians with good taste
+michael
De Gustibus Non Disputandum
Video quality?
haters gonna hate.poor bastards...
A guitar player that guitar players look up and aspire to. What a smooth, smooth player. On one clip he talks about starting out performing on a Les Paul. Believe it. He said it. Wonderful player, performer, a real American treasure like Pete Seeger. Thanks dealer.
Let it rain, let it pour, let it rain a whole lot more
'Cause I got them deep river blues
Let the rain drive right on, let the waves sweep along
'Cause I got them deep river blues
My old gal's a good old pal, and she looks like a water fowl
When I get them deep river blues
Ain't no one to cry for me, and the fish all go out on a spree
When I get them deep river blues
Give me back my old boat, I'm gonna sail if she'll float
'Cause I got them deep river blues
I'm goin' back to Muscle Shoals, times are better there I'm told
'Cause I got them deep river blues
Let it rain, let it pour, let it rain a whole lot more
'Cause I got them deep river blues
Let the rain drive right on, let the waves sweep along
'Cause I got them deep river blues
If my boat sinks with me, I'll go down, don't you see
'Cause I got them deep river blues
Now I'm gonna say goodbye, and if I sink, just let me die
'Cause I got them deep river blues
Let it rain, let it pour, let it rain a whole lot more
'Cause I got them deep river blues
Let the rain drive right on, let the waves sweep along
'Cause I got them deep river blues
Happy to see the legend of Doc Watson was somewhat honored at the most recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction ceremony.
Let it rain, let it pour, let it rain a whole lot more
'Cause I got them deep river blues
Let the rain drive right on, Let the waves sweep along
'Cause I got them deep river blues
My old gal's a good old pal, and she looks like a waterfowl
When I get them deep river blues
Ain't no one to cry for me, and the fish all go out on a spree
When I get them deep river blues
If my boat sinks with me, I'll go down, don't you see
'Cause I got them deep river blues
Now I'm gonna say goodbye, and if I sink, just let me die
'Cause I got them deep river blues
Give me back my old boat, I'm gonna sail if she'll float
'Cause I got them deep river blues
I'm goin' back to Muscle Shoals, times are better there I'm told
'Cause I got them deep river blues
Outstanding-Forever in your debt forever your apprentice!
im only 16 and i love blues and all the old songs and this is a classic wish music was still like this :(
I agree and im only 15
+Camden Banjo Right- you just have to hunt for it.
it's fine, kid, you're gonna take it and make something new. Keep searching.
I’m four years old
you are young, Make that music
This is an American icon, human greatness. Sadly there's 15 people out there that don't understand greatness.
*note* anybody who likes Doc Watson: try to look up Norman Blake also! (another legend)
thank you sir
will do. thanks
CM, you are so right. Thanks for the pointer. I had never heard him before but Norman Blake is a firm fixture now. Plays that guitar, eh??
and Nancy.... ;)
I would add Mance Lipscomb, Blind Blake, Blind Willie McTell, and John Fahey. That should keep you all busy for the rest of your lives.
North Carolina has lost another Bluegrass legend..RIP Doc
2 things I do when I had too many that annoy my wife. Ramble on talking and listen to blues. Anytime I want to piss her off I turn this on and speak the intro to her.
We turn to blues now 🤣🤣 it's funny to me not anybody else but hey it's the little things in life 😉
My grandfather (who helped raise me and my sisters) had me cutting teeth on Doc Watson. My grandfather died when I was 18 (I'm 26 now), and I feel like another small part of my grandfather has died again. I understand your grief entirely :)
Hi Chelsea💐💐
I've never heard of doc watson unfortunately... My bf introduced me to him!
You have to right bf! Keep him
...all that's left is to: ENJOY!!
What an amazingly talented musician! Thank you for sharing.
I thought i was good at guitar until i tried to learn this😐
Great performance by the greatest folk singer North Carolina ever produced ... the one, the only! DOC WATSON!
Does anyone know what happened to the video of Doc teaching how to play this? Last year it would come up first in a google or youtube search. Now it's gone.
Damn, That Sounds SO Nice ... Thanks, Doc 🙂.
damn this old man was the best guitar player lost a GOOD man
I have two good eyes and play this song with two fingers and he smokes the hell out of what I can do. He was incredible! Love his music!!
It literally sounds like 2 or 3 guitars playing at once
And he's just using his thumb and index finger on his picking hand.