A Polish mandolin player once told me “Good music makes you tap your feet. Great music makes you get up and dance. But sublime music brings tears to your eyes…”. At Winfield the year after Merle died, Doc went his entire set without mentioning it. Then he ended by saying, “As some of you may know, my son Merle was killed last year. This is for him.” Doc then sang and played St. James Infirmary Blues. Several thousand people wept.
For me, Doc is such authentic America. His sweet baritone combined with the most complex-looking, yet natural sounding picking to be encountered anywhere in the folk song world make him a national treasure; an icon often imitated, but never duplicated. He'll always be the model of what traditional American music should sound like.
My dad plays banjo and guitar, and in most of the groups he plays with, they play this song. The circle will remain unbroken. May the music live forever.
His talent was a gift not to just him but to all of us. The world has become a little less pleasant. The angel band has gotten another voice in the chorus. Rest in peace doc
Beautiful, there isn't any music on the radio like this today, sad but true. The country music of today folks like Doc Watson and other greats of the past wouldn't even listen to...RIP Doc, have fun singing with the Angels...Thanks.. Wayne...
My path sprialing downward, when I heard "Doc" sing "The Gospel Train is Coming". He really helped me spiritually, forever indebted. A great guitar picker and a good man!
Doc is true Americana, a legend at a time when that word is overused. You could say he's the equivalent, in sound, of Mark Twain or any other quintessentially American great. His spirit encompasses this sweet earth and the stories of its men and women. A treasure.
i play in a country trio and in the accompanying band of a choir. They both do Last Thing, but not on my request. It's very hard to play it in a satisfying way when you're used to hearing this little masterpiece.
"Are you Goin' away with no words of farewell !? can there be not a trace left behind!?" i used to shout this tune often especially when drunk and alone. Thanks for posting.
We did this Year! Thank God for such talent . He is such a wonderful Human being.I am so glad they still hold Merle Fest! We won tickets to go. We will pay to go again! We had a great time! We camped at the North Wilkesboro Firemans campground. Great bunch of guy/gals. Can't wait to go again!
I accidentally taped a show on the American Almanac which came on FM 91. It was Doc & Merle with T Micheal Colmone playing at Spirt Square in Charlotte. I've been a fan ever since. I saw Merle with Doc at the Stevens Center in Winston Salem. They played right after Mike Cross. I think that may have been Merles last concert. Keep faith in the Lord, Doc.
Thank God I had the chance to see Doc in concert several years ago. What a treasure he and the concert were. May he and Merle continue on. Music never dies.
this is one of the first tunes ,song i ever heard,my dad used to sing it in a folk club in england in 1971 or so,its still a damded good song,cheers,rgds Jake.
I LOVE this song, and I love this video of it more than any of the other videos of it. As I said under another video of it, this song reminds me of a not-too-hot afternoon in New York in August, not too close to Labor Day, when the city has emptied up a bit. At least that's how it was before the pandemic and the fierce heat waves.
Thank you for this very nice tribute video!!! He will be my ideal for ever, just good singing and playing - he don´t need to fool people with electronic knickknack or fancy outfit - just good quality music and soul.
I have always said there is so much great music out there that I could never pick one favorite.... However, should have have to pick one and only to listen to for eternity it would surely be Doc Watson. I was privileged to get to see him and Merle playing in Florida a couple of times for which I am so grateful!
Doc's music changed my life, When I first heard it I said holy smokes where has he been all my life. Doc,Doc and Merle A-Z is all amazing stuff. I'm so grateful I got to see him play. he was such a great performer. NO-Nonsense. Its funny ,I never met the man , but when he died I felt like I lost an old friend .
Thank you for posting this! I reminds me of seeing Doc Watson in NYC in the early 70's, and the purity of his music is something that always comes through. This is such a sweet recording.
Thank you for posting this! I reminds me of seeing Doc Watson in NYC in the early 70's, and the purity of his music is something that always comes through. This is such a sweet recording of a very talented and gentle guy.
Heard Doc Watson have a well deserved temper tantrum at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival as the last performance one year. Broadcast over the fairgrounds and surrounding city; It was wonderful! .I love this cover.
Thank you for this information! I was wondering because of Doc´s laughing at the first few words he was singing.... but I did not understand why because I´m not too good in english at all. Thank you again :-)
He ranks higher on the scale than all the "folk" singers combined. He is humble, kind, in love with music and a testament to the great gift a mortal man can impart to this earth. I love him and his family.
I agree! My favorite album too! It has one of the greatest versions of Clarence Ashley's "The Cuckoo" on it! That album was recorded in the late 60s and Merle compliments Doc throughout the whole album!
you gotta feel for the guy who wrote and performed this song originally. this little get together fo guys played this perfectly (apart from forgetting the opening lyrics) fantastic recording-so happy to have heard it
Only way to truly respect his memmory is to teach our children, grandkids, ALL CHILDREN...what true ART this is.....sit them down...teach them young enough , before the poison of MTV seeps into there phyci....peace
I saw Doc in Danville, VA in 2004 or 2005 where he played in the local high school auditorium for 30 bucks a ticket.... I doubt I'll ever get to see Tony Rice for that kind of money.
I agree! How could anyone not love this! Guys playing for the sheer love of it. Musicianship of the highest calibre! They must've tuned in by mistake - looking for the latest Justin Bieber or Miley Cyrus...
An immortal cut: Mother Maybelle picking "Wildwood Flower" on autoharp with Doc and Earl backing her up on guitar! Otherworldly - on the first NGDB "Circle" album. The whole album feeds the soul....
It's a lesson too late for the learnin' Made of sand, made of sand In a wink of an eye my soul is burnin' In your hand, in your hand Are you goin' away with no words off farewell Can there be another trace left behind I could have loved you better, didn't mean to be unkind You know, that was the last thing on my mind You got reasond a-plenty for goin' This I know, this I know For the weeds have been steadily growin' Please dont' go, please don't go Are you goin' away with no words off farewell Can there be another trace left behind I could have loved you better, didn't mean to be unkind You know, that was the last thing on my mind As I lie in my bed in the morning Without you, without you Each song in my breast dies a-bornin' Without you, without you Are you goin' away with no words off farewell Can there be another trace left behind I could have loved you better, didn't mean to be unkind You know, that was the last thing on my mind
A Polish mandolin player once told me “Good music makes you tap your feet. Great music makes you get up and dance. But sublime music brings tears to your eyes…”. At Winfield the year after Merle died, Doc went his entire set without mentioning it. Then he ended by saying, “As some of you may know, my son Merle was killed last year. This is for him.” Doc then sang and played St. James Infirmary Blues. Several thousand people wept.
Doc born and raised about 15 minutes down the road from me. I listen to Doc all the time
For me, Doc is such authentic America. His sweet baritone combined with the most complex-looking, yet natural sounding picking to be encountered anywhere in the folk song world make him a national treasure; an icon often imitated, but never duplicated. He'll always be the model of what traditional American music should sound like.
RIP Doc, Merle, and Earl.
Pickin, and singin in the heavenly choir now.
My dad plays banjo and guitar, and in most of the groups he plays with, they play this song. The circle will remain unbroken. May the music live forever.
His talent was a gift not to just him but to all of us.
The world has become a little less pleasant. The angel band has gotten another voice in the chorus.
Rest in peace doc
Beautiful, there isn't any music on the radio like this today, sad but true. The country music of today folks like Doc Watson and other greats of the past wouldn't even listen to...RIP Doc, have fun singing with the Angels...Thanks..
Wayne...
My path sprialing downward, when I heard "Doc" sing "The Gospel Train is Coming". He really helped me spiritually, forever indebted. A great guitar picker and a good man!
Doc is true Americana, a legend at a time when that word is overused. You could say he's the equivalent, in sound, of Mark Twain or any other quintessentially American great. His spirit encompasses this sweet earth and the stories of its men and women. A treasure.
glad theres still some people that listen to good music, not many in my generation but theres some
great love the pickin @2.15
A peace of mind everytime I hear this beautiful rendition 🙏
Another American treasure. The circle will not be broken Doc.
Sorry, no. American royalty, yes...
RIP Doc. You are missed. This is the very best of music.
i play in a country trio and in the accompanying band of a choir. They both do Last Thing, but not on my request. It's very hard to play it in a satisfying way when you're used to hearing this little masterpiece.
Doc with a Harp Guitar? Cool. I would love to have a pic of that.
"Are you Goin' away with no
words of farewell !? can there be not a trace left behind!?" i used to shout this tune often especially when drunk and alone. Thanks for posting.
We did this Year! Thank God for such talent . He is such a wonderful Human being.I am so glad they still hold Merle Fest! We won tickets to go. We will pay to go again! We had a great time! We camped at the North Wilkesboro Firemans campground. Great bunch of guy/gals. Can't wait to go again!
I accidentally taped a show on the American Almanac which came on FM 91. It was Doc & Merle with T Micheal Colmone playing at Spirt Square in Charlotte. I've been a fan ever since. I saw Merle with Doc at the Stevens Center in Winston Salem. They played right after Mike Cross. I think that may have been Merles last concert. Keep faith in the Lord, Doc.
Such a great song.
And Doc Watson will always be one of my favorites.
Thank God I had the chance to see Doc in concert several years ago. What a treasure he and the concert were. May he and Merle continue on. Music never dies.
Yes there is music like this on the radio ... support NPR.
this is one of the first tunes ,song i ever heard,my dad used to sing it in a folk club in england in 1971 or so,its still a damded good song,cheers,rgds Jake.
One of my favorite Doc Watson renditions. Love the lyrics, his pickin' and his singing. Rings so true to the lyrics.
I LOVE this song, and I love this video of it more than any of the other videos of it.
As I said under another video of it, this song reminds me of a not-too-hot afternoon in New York in August, not too close to Labor Day, when the city has emptied up a bit.
At least that's how it was before the pandemic and the fierce heat waves.
Mr.Watson you are such an amazing man....
Keep on Keepin on...
WOW!
Wonderful !!!
This song brings tears to my eyes...Doc and Earl were just the best.
Thank you for this very nice tribute video!!!
He will be my ideal for ever, just good singing and playing - he don´t need to fool people with electronic knickknack or fancy outfit - just good quality music and soul.
Tom Paxton wrote some beautiful songs. Another one was "Zoo Tomorrow". This is a great cover of "The Last Thing On My Mind".
Doc is superb.
God Bless you, Doc. You are the greatest.
This is so smooth!
pure, is the first word that comes to my mind when hearing this.
One of the best songs I ever heard .
Slickness and Professionalism! Thanks for sharing.
I have always said there is so much great music out there that I could never pick one favorite.... However, should have have to pick one and only to listen to for eternity it would surely be Doc Watson. I was privileged to get to see him and Merle playing in Florida a couple of times for which I am so grateful!
R.I.P. Doc! How can we forget you!!!
Doc's music changed my life, When I first heard it I said holy smokes where has he been all my life. Doc,Doc and Merle A-Z is all amazing stuff. I'm so grateful I got to see him play. he was such a great performer. NO-Nonsense. Its funny ,I never met the man , but when he died I felt like I lost an old friend .
wonderful song and love that great Doc Watson voice, this song was also sung very well by Judy Collins
Thank you for posting this! I reminds me of seeing Doc Watson in NYC in the early 70's, and the purity of his music is something that always comes through. This is such a sweet recording.
Thank you for posting this! I reminds me of seeing Doc Watson in NYC in the early 70's, and the purity of his music is something that always comes through. This is such a sweet recording of a very talented and gentle guy.
Heard Doc Watson have a well deserved temper tantrum at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival as the last performance one year. Broadcast over the fairgrounds and surrounding city; It was wonderful! .I love this cover.
this man's a living legend!!! right up there with woody guthrie. Go see him live while you can!!!
Thank you for this information! I was wondering because of Doc´s laughing at the first few words he was singing.... but I did not understand why because I´m not too good in english at all.
Thank you again :-)
I saw doc Watson and Merl perform this circa 1964 at NYC TOWN Hall
GREAT STUFF !!
Fantastic!
love this song and these great musicians
Dedicated to the one I love!
He ranks higher on the scale than all the "folk" singers combined. He is humble, kind, in love with music and a testament to the great gift a mortal man can impart to this earth. I love him and his family.
great stuff!
This is GREAT stuff!!
this is great stuff
I agree! My favorite album too! It has one of the greatest versions of Clarence Ashley's "The Cuckoo" on it! That album was recorded in the late 60s and Merle compliments Doc throughout the whole album!
mighty fine, mighty fine
This is great stuff!!
This is golden
you gotta feel for the guy who wrote and performed this song originally. this little get together fo guys played this perfectly (apart from forgetting the opening lyrics)
fantastic recording-so happy to have heard it
This is GREAT stuff
Best version of all👌
GREAT STUFF
This ys great stuff!!
Only way to truly respect his memmory is to teach our children, grandkids, ALL CHILDREN...what true ART this is.....sit them down...teach them young enough , before the poison of MTV seeps into there phyci....peace
lol
this is great stuff !!
Buy Doc's "Ballads from deep gap"
Best album I own..Fantastic Playing..
Doc is a national treasure
One of my all time favorite arrangements of this old Tom Paxton song. Who's better than the Doc?
whoever disliked this song omg you dont understand music, what an amazing song
Best version
I saw Doc in Danville, VA in 2004 or 2005 where he played in the local high school auditorium for 30 bucks a ticket.... I doubt I'll ever get to see Tony Rice for that kind of money.
I agree! How could anyone not love this! Guys playing for the sheer love of it. Musicianship of the highest calibre! They must've tuned in by mistake - looking for the latest Justin Bieber or Miley Cyrus...
Earl Scruggs is playing some awesome funky banjo backing on this - and way out of his usual style.
I agree, its some funky ass chickin' pickin'
That jumped out at me also. What a band, a super-group if there ever was one
An immortal cut: Mother Maybelle picking "Wildwood Flower" on autoharp with Doc and Earl backing her up on guitar! Otherworldly - on the first NGDB "Circle" album. The whole album feeds the soul....
IF u like this song u will love SOULMOBILIN both beautiful songs
Also a big thank you to Tom Paxton for such a fine song,
the thing the top performers have is passion
Miss you Doc…
This is definitely good stuff.
Dedicated to the one I love
Mon amour dure a la mort. My love and yoirs after deatg.
@fscofi
In love with music - exactly!
well put
It's a lesson too late for the learnin'
Made of sand, made of sand
In a wink of an eye my soul is burnin'
In your hand, in your hand
Are you goin' away with no words off farewell
Can there be another trace left behind
I could have loved you better, didn't mean to be unkind
You know, that was the last thing on my mind
You got reasond a-plenty for goin'
This I know, this I know
For the weeds have been steadily growin'
Please dont' go, please don't go
Are you goin' away with no words off farewell
Can there be another trace left behind
I could have loved you better, didn't mean to be unkind
You know, that was the last thing on my mind
As I lie in my bed in the morning
Without you, without you
Each song in my breast dies a-bornin'
Without you, without you
Are you goin' away with no words off farewell
Can there be another trace left behind
I could have loved you better, didn't mean to be unkind
You know, that was the last thing on my mind
dedicated to thr one I love
The one , the origional Doc Watson.
Mon amour dure et a la mort. Myloveand yours after deaath
This is the real thing.
Check out doc and Dolly Partons version of this tune from Merlefest 2001. It's on TH-cam and utterly beautiful.
dedicated to thr onr I love
Mon amour dure a la mort. My love and yours after death.
@akugluk
I would love to hear Doc play that, even if he was just messing around.
RIP Doc Watson =/
Mon amour Dure apres la mort.
Did this inspire Mr. Bob Dylan to come up with that old famous "Don't Think Twice, tired if three, It's alright?"
Mon amour dure a la mort.
Mon amouur dure a la mort. My love and tours after death.
last thng on my mind is Ingrid Bergman
I could be wrong, but i believe this tune was written by Eric Anderson
MON AMOUR DURE A LA MORT. MY LOVE AND YOURS AFTER DEATH.
Mon amour dure a la mort.My love and yours afte death.
Mon amour dure a la mort My love and yours after death.
Mon amouur dure a la mort. My love and yours after death.