Doc Watson Dead At 89 After Fall

UPDATE: Doc Watson, the 89-year-old blind folk guitar legend, has died after being in critical condition following a fall down at his home in Deep Gap, N.C.—the same town in which he was born. His daughter told the Associated Press that he didn't break any bones but was "real sick."

Doc, who was born Arthel Watson and lost his vision before he was 1, is widely regarded as one of the greatest guitarists ever to have come out of the American folk tradition, known especially as a master of the "flatpicking" style.

He's won seven Grammys and the National Medal of the Arts, and also founded Merlefest—a folk music gathering named after his son, who died in a tractor accident.

Here's hoping this national musical treasure recovers soon, so he can keep singing those Deep River Blues.

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[AnnaAnnaYes]

I can see it now.All the guitar greats who have passed.I need not name any

you know who they are.They are sitting amongst the clouds listening to Doc

and Merle renuited once again.Get some rest up there,guys.Peace to all..

[Julie Watts]

Great man and great musician and PROUD to call him my cousin. May you rest in peace and be a pickin the guitar with Merle once again! We love you Doc and will miss you and your music greatly! You were once blind, but I believe that you now can see the streets of gold!

[ageshero]

so why was he pronounced dead if he's in critical condition and not dead? Did he die after? and why wasnt there any info about that.

[ritaggn]

Doc was (is) my musical hero.

[Tom Frost]

Thank God for giving us Doc Watson to inspire us all. Doc could play banjo too, I just loved his old time style on that too. Most of all one of the best guitar pickers of all time. I will miss him dearly! Hope you and Merle are picking up a storm together!

[Eugene Manitowabi]

eugene manitowabi here Doc Watson the guitar here both professional and the -at home guitarist /Deep river Blues keep rollin RIP Doc

[randy brown]

doc was the greatest he will be missed. and i am glade to call him my friend thanks for all the good years bud brown.

[Bonnie Speeg]

"Let the river rise and fall....." RIP Doc, thank you for all of it.

[Marcjames1986]

R.I.P Doc, thanks for teaching me your style without knowing, that is a true master!

[fubar50cat]

RIP Doc,, hey, the great thing is you left us your music, and we can love it, and continue on in that great traditiion. Your music means so much to all of us, play on, Doc!

[soni1130]

RIP Doc. It's "Summertime" already, and it's your version that I love so very much. we will miss you. <3

[kenji5044]

ニュースで知って悲しい気持ちです。、こころからご冥福をお祈り­したいです。天国でMerleさんと一緒にギターを弾けますねg­reat guitar picker　musician Doc!!