Doc Watson, 3 Mar. 1923-29 May 2012

Arthel Lane 'Doc' Watson died in hospital at Winston-Salem, in his home state of North Carolina, last night at the age of 89. Thanks to our colleagues on the European Bluegrass Blog for the sad news, and for links to obituary notices in other media.

Doc was steeped in the traditional and old-time music and song of North Carolina, and it was in this field that his recording career (see discography) was launched over fifty years ago, when his fine singing and playing on several instruments was revealed to folk music enthusiasts. His unique influence on the role of guitar in bluegrass music is comparable to that of Bill Monroe on mandolin and Earl Scruggs on banjo; and this is all the more remarkable as he was never a member of a bluegrass band.