Roots: Doc Watson – Elementary Doctor Watson
Doc Watson is one of the foundations of my folk music library.
The other night, I revisited one of my favorite Doc Watson albums:
Elementary Doctor Watson.
Doc Watson was an essential part of the 1960s Folk Music Revival.
From Wikipedia:
Biographical Information
Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson (March 3, 1923 – May 29, 2012) was an American guitarist,
songwriter, and singer of country and gospel music.
Watson won seven Grammy Awards as well as a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
His fingerstyle and flatpicking skills, as well as his knowledge of traditional
American music, were highly regarded.Blind from a young age, he performed with his son, guitarist Merle Watson,
for over 15 years until Merle’s death in 1985 in an accident on the family farm.
Elementary Doctor Watson (1972
I can’t remember which I bought first—The Essential Doc Watson (1973)
or Elementary Doctor Watson (1972)—but after 50 years,
it doesn’t really matter. Both albums became cornerstones of my collection.
Essential pulled from his Vanguard recordings,
while Elementary was his first on the Poppy label.
This album has always been a “go-to” whenever I need a lift.
The opening track, “Going Down the Road Feeling Bad”,
instantly puts a smile on my face. Then comes a heartfelt cover of Tom Paxton’s
“The Last Thing on My Mind”, and by the time I hit
“Freight Train Boogie”, I’m all in.
The bottom line: Elementary Doctor Watson is a
terrific album. I never lose my awe watching Doc play—he makes it all look effortless,
and he did it blind. Simply amazing!
Other Favorite Doc Watson Albums
- Lonesome Road (1977) – with Merle Watson
- Doc and Merle Watson’s Guitar Album (1983)
Note to self: give these a spin soon!
All told, Doc recorded 38 studio albums and 16 live albums,
along with 23 compilation releases. His music is timeless—check him out!
Links for Further Exploration
- Doc’s Guitar – site dedicated to Doc’s guitar and music
- Wikipedia
- AllMusic
- Discogs
Doc Watson – “Going Down this Road Feelin’ Bad”
Helpimg out on this performance are the great Tony Rice, Dan Crary Steve Ksufman and Jack Lawrence