Doc Watson - An Impressive Career
Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson is a popular American guitar player, songwriter, and singer of bluegrass, country, folk, gospel, and blues music. Though not the type to call attention to it, Watson can be called one of the rare innovators within the American music and the one who has influenced generations of acoustic musicians as well as fans from all walks. Combining his talent, traditions, and rural integrity, the musician helped define cultural movements that transcended the boundaries of Nashville.
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Indeed, his career highlights can serve as a testament to the impact of his vocal archives and traditional guitar on the whole American music.
In 1986, Doc Watson received the North Carolina Award. In 1997, the musician received the Nati onal Medal of the Arts from President Clinton, and in 2000, the performer was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor. In all, Doc Watson has received eight Grammy Awards (Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004).
During recent years, Watson has scaled back his intensive touring schedule. He still plays various concerts around the US to adoring audiences. As of the current year, Doc is generally joined on stage by his grandson Richard, and longtime musical partners Jack Lawrence and David Holt. On June 19, 2007, at the Bass Performance Hall, the performer was accompanied by Australian guitar legend Tommy Emmanuel.
Doc Watson was host to the annual MerleFest music festival that was held in April at Wilkes Community College in Wilkesboro, NC. The event featured a wide array of acoustic style music focusing on the bluegrass, folk, blues, and old time music genres. The festival is named in honor of Merle Watson and is considered one of the most popular acoustic music festivals worldwide, drawing almost ninety thousand music fans each year.
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