Doc Watson, a Fond Farewell

In June 1970 at Bill Monroe’s barn in Bean Blossom, Indiana, Merle Watson led his blind father, Doc Watson, onto a makeshift stage in front of a couple of dozen people to play “There’s More Pretty Girls Than One,” which is a useful rule as well as a very pretty tune.

The two Watsons had a genuine, humble touch that only enhanced their skills all the more. Merle died in a tractor accident in the 1980s, a tragedy of the working man that happens somewhere here in the valley pretty much every year. His father has just left us to join Merle across the River, and we’re gonna miss him.

Here’s his solo on “Deep River Blues,” and his guitar duet with Merle, “Make Me A Pallet on Your Floor.”

May they both rest in peace.

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8:55 pm on May 29, 2012