Merle Watson
North Carolina bluegrass and folk musician
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The basics
Quick Facts
| Intro | North Carolina bluegrass and folk musician | |
| Places | United States of America | |
| was | Musician | |
| Work field | Music | |
| Gender |
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| Birth | 8 February 1949, Deep Gap, North Carolina | |
| Death | 23 October 1985Lenoir (aged 36 years) |
The details
Biography
Eddy Merle Watson (February 8, 1949 – October 23, 1985) was an American guitarist and folk singer. He was best known for his performances with his father, Doc Watson. Merle played and recorded albums together with his father from age 15 until his death in a tractor accident 21 years later. Merle was widely recognized as one of the best flat-picking and slide guitarists of his generation. MerleFest, one of the world's largest and most-prestigious folk music festivals, is held annually in Wilkesboro, NC and is named in his honor.
Merle and his father released a version of "Bottle of Wine" that reached #71 on the U.S. country chart.
Discography
All albums were in collaboration with his father, Doc Watson.
- 1965 - Doc Watson & Son
- 1971 - Doc Watson on Stage
- 1972 - The Elementary Doctor Watson!
- 1973 - Then and Now
- 1974 - Two Days in November
- 1976 - Doc and the Boys
- 1977 - Lonesome Road
- 1978 - Look Away!
- 1981 - Red Rocking Chair
- 1983 - Doc and Merle Watson's Guitar Album
- 1984 - Down South
- 1985 - Pickin' the Blues
Awards and honors
1974 Grammy for Best Ethnic Or Traditional Recording: Merle Watson & Doc Watson for Two Days In November
1979 Grammy for Best Country Instrumental Performance: Doc Watson & Merle Watson for Big Sandy/Leather Britches
1985 "Best Finger Picking Guitarist-Folk/Blues or Country" Award from Frets Magazine