Fishman Artist // Doc Watson
Over the past fifty years the guitar has had a very powerful influence on American music. Predominantly a rhythm instrument at the turn of the century, the guitar began to step out of the rhythm section in the 1930’s and 40’s and has maintained a dominant presence in every form of music from rock, to folk, to country, bluegrass, blues, and old-time. While Elvis, the Beatles, Bob Dylan, and other pop icons of the 50’s and 60’s certainly played a large role in bolstering the guitar’s popularity, the man who has had the deepest, most enduring, and most profound influence on the way the acoustic flat top guitar is played as a lead instrument in folk, old-time, and bluegrass music today is Arthel "Doc" Watson.To those of us who have spent hundreds of hours slowing down Doc Watson records in order to learn the tastefully selected notes that he plays and emulate the clear, crisp tone he pulls out of his instrument, Doc is a legend. However, Doc’s influence extends far beyond the small niche of guitar players who try to faithfully reproduce his guitar breaks because Doc Watson is not just a guitar player and singer - he is an American hero. To be recognized as a "national treasure" by President Jimmy Carter, honored with the National Medal of the Arts by President Bill Clinton, and given an honorary doctorate degree from the University of North Carolina calls for being more than a fine musician and entertainer.
Doc Watson received these accolades not just for his talent, but for the honor, integrity,humility, grace, and dignity which he has displayed throughout his long and distinguished career. While there are many, many great guitar players and singers; there is only one Doc Watson.
Fans love Doc Watson’s smooth baritone voice, sharp wit and intellect, easy-going manner, good nature, country charm, and wonderful story-telling abilities almost as much as his guitar playing and singing. One fan commented, "I would pay to go hear Doc Watson read names out of the phone book!" Many other of Doc’s admirers agree, saying that no matter how big the performance hall, Doc makes you feel as if you are sitting with him in your own living room. He is comfortable, relaxed, laid-back, and plays, sings, and speaks from the heart. He appears to be enjoying the show as much as you are, and he probably is. The tie that binds is his obvious life long love of music.