Doc Watson Tickets

About Doc Watson

Doc Watson made a deep influence in traditional, folk and bluegrass music since he reached national recognition in the early 1960's. His recordings and performances have inspired generations of guitarists. In the later half of the 20th century, Merle Travis, Chet Atkins, and Arthel "Doc" Watson were the three prime guitar players. Watson is the man who sings and picks with a pure and emotional authenticity. The present generation, including celebrities like Ricky Skaggs, Vince Gill, the late Clarence White, Emmylou Harris, and many others, hold their great debt to Watson. Watson has given a lot by his encyclopedic lore of many American traditional songs.

He gained recognition at first from the Clarence Ashley album followed by a rave performance at the Newport Folk Festival. Folkways then recorded an album of Watson, followed by a series of albums. The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band featured Watson, Travis, Roy Acuff, and many celebs. Merle, Watson's son also started performing with his father on a regular basis. This resulted them to win two Grammys for traditional music, in 1973 and 1974. The duo played beauteous music together for over 15 years, until son died tragically in 1985. Following his son's death, Doc continued with his appearances, showcasing his beautiful voice, his great instrumental talent, and his mastery of traditional material.
In 1941, Watson joined a band wherein he got his nickname “Doc”. For the nest six years he performed in North California. Watson joined the Clarence Ashley String Band and toured with the group to New York to appear at a Friends of Old-Time Music concert. It was a resonant success. He was invited to perform at Gerde's Folk City in Greenwich Village. The invitation to perform in New York was what made him come to limelight.

Watson made his recording debut on Clarence Ashley's Old Time Music at Clarence Ashley's, in 1961. Two years later, he released his first solo album, Doc Watson & Family. In 1974, his album Then and Now won the Grammy for Best Ethnic or Traditional Recording; the following year, he and Merle took home the same award for their Two Days in November.

Doc and Merle kept on performing and record successfully during the early '80s, giving numerous successful concerts each year and earning many awards, including another Grammy in 1979 (Best Country Instrumental Performance for "Big Sandy"/"Leather Britches"). During t'80s and '90s, he won two more Grammys -- Best Traditional Folk Recording for both 1986's Riding the Midnight Train and 1990's On Praying Ground -- as well as a North Carolina Award in Fine Arts.

Watson is a big performer and entertainer. Get your turn fulfilled and enjoy his program It's truly fabulous.