Blue Sky Bluegrass | WFSU-TV (1981)

Doc Watson belts out some bluegrass tunes on his guitar in this episode of Blue Sky Bluegrass!

[@carlscamino5844]

The world is a much better place for having Doc Watson be a part of it.

[@dieselman7453]

Doc could feel that bass player watching his fingers like a hawk to sense were he was .. doc was a master of the fretboard much love from Ireland doc RIP 🇮🇪🇮🇪🇮🇪🎸🎸🎸🎸

[@pamelagantt867]

My dad used to play all this music since i was a girl He could play by ear starting on a sears and roebuck at 12 he had saved up 4 I loved hobo bill and i cried from the first chord i now have his last guitar Thank you Lord.

[@robertharden4092]

That old man can sure enough pick a guitar . I love old Doc Watson man he was good. I miss the old guy badly .he will be sadly missed.

[@yesyoumay]

I've heard lots of musicians, lots of music in my long life...some good, some not. But I've never heard a bad Doc Watson song. He was simply an amazing musician and if you were listening to Doc you could count on being entertained..

[@kellmerWF52]

yep

[@KnockManJo]

word

[@guitarista666]

Totally agree. and I think you can throw into the bargain that Doc was not only a great player, but a fine human being.

[@emiller9426]

@@guitarista666 Yep, master musician, master songsmith, master entertainer, and master human being.

[@leftypick4854]

As far as I am concerned, this man was the reason why I grabbed an acoustic guitar back in the time. Dad was a tenor sax player, he never was interested in hillbilly music as he used to call it. But let me tell you this one: A couple of years after he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, we both LOVED to play together these kinda songs in his bedroom. Man I miss that Carolinian man. Thanks for the upload.

[@jtmcknew13]

A national treasure, simply put.

[@keithh.3446]

I saw Doc a few years after this recording with a small audience at Ohio State Univ and soon again in German Village of Cowtown (Columbus). He pulled out different 3 harmonicas before a song, keying each one, and then lifted his head to the crowd and said, "Folks, I've been meaning to put numbers on these for years..." RIP, Doc.

[@noelmagnus8252]

This was unquestionably the greatest flat picker of all time. And a lovely guy too.

[@oldtimetinfoilhatwearer]

i like randy scruggs too, but doc was really the epitome

[@Chops_McCoy]

He's known as a flatpicker, but in this video you will see plenty of fingerstyle playing that is just as skillful

[@rjmoney9]

It's certainly questionable, Doc definitely was the most influential flat picker due to how he spread the sound. But Tony Rice has technically better flat picking. Whether you like it more or less is probably a personal thing

[@bennyfata1293]

@@rjmoney9 Well said. A man has his own taste.

[@thenakedbootleggers]

Doc was a great flatpicker and a great finger style player one or two may have been better at either but none better at both

[@miskolinaccc]

Song timestamps: 0:22 Salt Creek 2:37 Good Old Mountain Dew 6:07 Make Me A Pallet 11:30 Deep River Blues 15:54 I Row In On A Winter's Night 19:30 Under The Double Eagle 22:55 You Don't Know My Mind 26:17 Windy And Warm 28:40 Natural Born Gamblin' Man 32:59 Freight Train Boogie 36:13 Little Sadie 38:09 Don't Let Your Deal Go Down 40:54 Smoke Smoke 44:05 Black Mountain Rag 46:39 Tennesse Stud 51:28 Peach Pickin' Time In Georgia 55:18 Arrangement Blues

[@retardeadmonkey]

44:05 is Black Mountain Rag from his 1964 S/T album. Thank you for listing these.

[@miskolinaccc]

@@retardeadmonkey Thank you, I'll edit it in.

[@filthyphillyboy]

Thanks!

[@WilliamAlexanderJr]

I believe the intro is “Old Joe Clark”

[@oldtimetinfoilhatwearer]

@@WilliamAlexanderJr the intro is Salt River

[@robertharden4092]

This man is truly missed the best flat picker of his generation .

[@vincentparrella272]

What an outstanding performance, I really miss Doc,a humble and a master of the Guitar.

[@philipkelly3697]

Michael Coleman is doing something interesting here. He's emulating an upright on the electric. He's playing into the bar with a a ghost note/a fourth. It's almost exactly like the surdo beat in Brazilian Samba. I played in a samba band for years then a country and bluegrass band and I started using this approach naturally. Never heard anyone do it until 8 years later I see this video.. Dang he's good.

[@billmcnabb1037]

I’m a bassist and yes he is following Docs thumb. One of the best Doc shows I’ve seen. Just beautiful guitar playing, both of them. Thx for the post.

[@goodwintrent4453]

And I thank Micheal for being one of the musicians that paved the way for electric bassists to be accepted folk and bluegrass.

[@bcummings2187]

The more I listen to this the more I think......T. Michael Colman is SRV's Tommy Shannon.......always there ....subtle......if he wasn't there.....you would notice. 😉.....Doc and Coleman were so good together.

[@gabrieln3613]

When I opened for Doc & Merle in 1976 in Florida (harmonica player 45 years) T. Michael Coleman was on bass. I had only been in 2 Bluegrass Bands at that time but had played quite a few large festivals, you certainly were not seeing anything but upright basses. This was also my first time seeing a fretless electric. He was always smooth, solid groove and a super nice person in my conversations with him. Love Samba! I had a Swing Dance, Jazz, Blues, R&B band for 10 years and we played some Latin Jazz and Sambas when we hit the ballroom too. Our drummer had studied in Brazil and played in a Samba Band also.

[@darrenstewart5622]

Not a musician so don't properly understand the technicalities of this, but having been turned onto bluegrass music through Billy Strings and now the Doc, I know they both sound great to a layperson, but it's been fascinating to understand more about why.

[@dpaulmusic3727]

Doc was a real inspiration, not only as a musician, but as a God-fearing follower of Jesus Christ. I never heard a single story of his being anything but kind to others, a great example for all of us. As to his skill, I can only dream of having the incredible feel, clarity and speed at my age (50), and if this was recorded in 1981, he was almost 60! Wow.

[@sybo7617]

Thanx for the Jesus prop. Doc was never ashamed. I got to see him a few times. First time I ever saw him, I didn't know he was blind until he walked out on stage... Great man

[@douggauss5710]

This was in Dodd Hall. I see myself in the audience.

[@richardmindemann6935]

When I discovered Doc and Merle back in the 60's, it opened a whole new world for me. I picked up the guitar in 1968, and I'm pickin' yet. I've made a run at most of these tunes one time or another. What a wonderful repertoire this man had. He called it "traditional plus." That's everything from Child ballads to Merle Travis, Barbecue Bob, Jimmie Rodgers, the Delmore Brothers and beyond. To my ears, Doc was as "country"as sweet potato pie, but was also the most authentic white blues singer ever. He befriended Mississippi John Hurt in the 1960s. I've seen Merle quoted that seeing MJH and Doc jamming on the porch at the Watson house in Deep Gap changed his life. Well, Doc and Merle changed mine, and I'm thankful.

[@rorybone100]

Just discovered Doc tonight. "Doc" is right, he is dispensing medicine!

[@sybo7617]

Wow... You've been missing out. Its never too late though. If you haven't searched Tony Rice or Tim O'Brien, get in there!

[@craigmiller8833]

Doc is the best at so much music. Absolutely incredible.

[@moehammondmedia]

Mr Doc was a musical genius and an American treasure.

[@keithmcmanus918]

today is the 100th anniversary of mr watson's birth. i'm mostly a rock person, but bluegrass speaks to me, and doc's playing and singing are immaculate. it can't be done better. but please try, if you can, that's how the music continues.

[@gnpd07]

This is a priceless piece of musical history, thank you.

[@marthavaughan4660]

The good Doctor is in and will serve all. Thanks Doc for the memories and music

[@paulkossak7761]

Had a chance to see him play at a venue named "the bottom line" in NYC many years ago. He was very funny and his playing and singing were just mesmerizing.

[@RafaeoNobre1]

Thank you guys for sharing this program with the world. This is cheering my day and helping me with my anxiety. I just discovered Bluegrass and seems like Doc Watson is one of the most important artists from this scene. your brazilian amigo

[@sybo7617]

Its never too late... Try Tony Rice, Peter Rowan, Del McCoury, and Tim O'Brien for sure

[@justinallred8623]

Check out Billy Strings and Molly Tuttle for some new era bluegrass. Once you get bit you are infected.

[@GiantRock62]

Also Bryan Sutton and David Grier ..

[@akaler2339]

@@GiantRock62 poksc

[@vincentparrella272]

Dont forget Clearance White who Influenced Tony Rice.

[@dancochrane617]

Doc Watson! Beautiful. Thanks. The songs, playing, singing. Beautiful lyrics , beyond excellent 🥲this guy was amazing

[@donclemons7637]

Wow! True Legends of old time music, Doc, Merle & T Michael Coleman. Thank you for preserving and sharing this amazing concert phenomenal!

[@AlExander-nb6fc]

I saw doc in person many years ago and it's a pleasure to hear him again

[@LuckyRN911]

Doc is the man! This bass player is spot on too!

[@markmaupin793]

Absolutely the best sound, camera work I've seen of Doc. This video is a classic. Thank you to all that produced this video!!!

[@janiscrew3228]

The man and his son are geniuses Fantastic!

[@duaneholcomb8408]

Doc inspired me and I learned to alternate pick by watching him. Of coarse I can't play like he did. But it put me on the road to playing better,,,,so now I set out on the poarch and entertain. My self. I am my own best audience,,

[@guidorollard2944]

Doc "hell of a "Watson. Great picker. His version deep river blues song is my favorite. I was singing along with it.

[@dennisrocker]

Thank you so much for sharing this. Doc has been the North Star for me. I'm 65yrs now and he was what rooted me into bluegrass in the early 70's. I stop whatever I'm doing every time I hear him. Thank again.

[@laurahastings7157]

OhHHApPY Birthday TO ME.....🥁🥁 58:52 🥁🥁...Finally put a faceto the name,Doc Watson! I was a few minutes into this video,had no idea,, who is this guy?? He must have been. Good Doctor coz BIlllie STRINGS is always talking about him.Thanks I get it🤠

[@sklantharregulus2100]

great show- thanks for posting!

[@user-es4by5dn6s]

堪りませんでした!同じコード進行でも何種類も違う弾き方で、勉強になり私も弾きたくなりました✨

[@ikelajoie]

Wonderful!!!!!

[@laurentvue244]

Great concert, I like that so much...

[@stephencopping9953]

The governor ! Both doc & merle miss you both.

[@markbosky]

legend. Thanks for uploading

[@JanJohanssonmusic]

Thanks for sharing... Great show

[@74miles1]

THANK YOU!!!!!!

[@harv6803]

7:25 is one of the smoothest Doc licks I have ever heard

[@biglebowski5468]

I was blessed to hear Doc on campus at GMorehead during a reunion.

[@cptkaboom]

I can't even count how many times I've come back to watch this performance. Probably at least once a month for the last 3 years. Thank you for uploading it all those years ago.

[@fretfix1]

I was there. My senior year of high school. The best...

[@user-sx3qr9ke9k]

😮That is some Bit of Pickin Always loved The Doc, went to see him many many years ago at the Cambridge Folk festival in the UK

[@nashclapp1864]

People sitting on the floor. That's awesome!

[@johnthompson9373]

My guy Doc is music to my ears

[@robertharden4092]

A true professional

[@tomproctor.archive]

This is a fantastic video! Interesting to see him at this time in his career with T Michael and no Merle, and then Merle comes out! What, Merle was there, but just partying backstage? The closeups In Black Mountain Rag, especially around and after 44:20 is the best footage I've ever seen of Doc's style and is jaw-dropping. Killer pro-footage. That'll bring tears to any good picker's eyes. Doc was a national treasure, and bridged the gap of generations by connecting the dots from the old blues and country songs of his past to carry it forth and literally create the modern bluegrass era with a few other key folks. He also fathered a unique style of flat-picking his guitar that set standards. He'll live long in history because of the greatness of the music he played. I added 13 high-quality audio recordings to my KZbin channel this past year to honor Doc's 100th year anniversary and preserve his (and Merle's) memory.

[@jamesclement6122]

All I have to say is... thank you to whoever uploaded this video

[@bcummings2187]

@ James Clement ......this has to be the best video there is with Doc. I keep searching for new ones but always come back to this. The quality , sound, songs are just killer. He is in prime form to. The 3 pickers is pretty good to and the video with Gove Scrivenor.....but this ........🔥

[@dalehargreaves5196]

Nice to see some of doc's legacy preserved on ut. Have a lot of his records and the privilege of seeing him live once in an arbor Michigan once around the turn of the century.

[@dalehargreaves5196]

I think I have every song on vinyl except the pallet song and the last manager song. Flashback to grade school with the bell bottoms 🙂. I can tell you that his voice was never captured on any recording I've ever heard, a thing of beauty in real life...

[@Mancubus]

Wow, what a treasure.

[@chrissmithaustell]

love this!

[@matagalpaman]

Wow what talent

[@minasianjohn]

I have to give credit to the bass player as well. Doc Watson was a fantastic player and singer!

[@gabrieln3613]

That's T. Michael Coleman. I opened for Doc & Merle in both 1976 and 1978 and both times Michael was playing bass.....super nice person and very cool bass player!

[@theopotter8492]

What a talent

[@nickiemarshall]

Amazing

[@woodyboley9785]

Best version of Tennessee Stud ever.

[@fatthor2476]

doc is music

[@barbarafritchie2000]

Thank you.

[@LittleBabyBartholomew]

what a legend!!

[@DidierLaurini]

Magnifique !

[@wordgeezer]

Time traveling ~ Sure glad that I landed here ...zzZ

[@iandehmel]

Love the Mississippi John Hurt cover!

[@careyjamesmajeski3203]

Ian Dehmel John hurt kills it. I love that dude so much. My favorite finger picker, hands down.

[@JIMMBAY1]

#HailYes Tks for thee Memories...

[@ZebulonTurrentine]

Love Doc and that beautiful sounding Gallagher Guitar he played.

[@jmdbb]

I do wish they'd have mic'd the guitar instead of using those piezo pickups Doc always favored in his guitars. So quacky

[@thinkpad20]

Amazing. Watson's technique and musicality are out of this world! I do wish they had mic'd his guitar instead of relying on the piezo pickup. Oh well

[@fretfix1]

Was anybody else at this performance in Tallahassee at WFSU Studios??

[@markminton8974]

I agree , yesyoumay.. he was the BEST..

[@Skinnyorangemusic]

Thanks Grant!

[@pattidale7968]

Have always loved the music of Doc Watson. Wonder if this was before or after Merle’s tractor accident? Doc looks young here.

[@udoheinrichs3431]

The answer is at 51:05!

[@gabrieln3613]

@@udoheinrichs3431 I was going to answer since I had met Merle and opened for Doc and Merle a couple times just before this and knew Merle was alive then but......like your answer better! Self-explanatory.

[@jackaro2]

I like Windy and warm 26:18. Sweet double stops

[@richardmatteson2968]

Also a gr8 fingerpicker with only his index finger - attributes deep river blurs to delmore brothers - miss doc he was such a good friend

[@benwrong6855]

Big up Merle!!

[@jwprewett]

Mighty Fine !

[@andyshep2576]

jim garibaldi slayin the bassssss

[@steby123]

It's the Doc, whats not to like?

[@dontaylor7315]

Brother Dave Gardner told the joke about the preacher and the drunk driver on an album I used to listen to in the early '60s. Doc tells it in his own style and does it just as well. I've been hearing guitar versions of "Under the Double Eagle" all my life and I've always wondered why; it sounds like it's meant to be played by a marching band and I've always assumed it was by John Philip Sousa (I should look it up and see if that's correct). I think Doc's rendition is the only unplugged arrangement I've ever heard.

[@dontaylor7315]

Turns out I'm wrong about Under the Double Eagle. It's by Joseph Franz Wagner and the title references the two-headed eagle on the Austro-Hingarian crest.

[@janetnewsom5460]

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@alexdavis6711]

That’s good music folk

[@5jhexp]

I love how much more creative and melodic the bass playing in country used to be.

[@KillaC420]

Now I see where jerry Garcia gets it from

[@tntkop]

Was that a young Billy Strings there in the white shirt in the crowd at the beginning?

[@sallygreene9115]

That would be amazing. Billy wasn't born until 1992 though.

[@benwrong6855]

Is Merle on slide with a broken hand?

[@garrettmendivil7137]

Doc fucking rules

[@pestcontrolbob]

If you want to. Need to get a group that will stick together and be dependable to be any good.

[@cyrilmaher]

bass player buddy keeps looking at Doc but Doc never blinks an eye lol

[@oskarbates7608]

Blind

[@laurahastings7157]

🎶🙂

[@ryanparmater4899]

john c reilly could play a bang-on Doc Watson

[@classictypewriter]

Holy shit that's fast.

[@RafaeoNobre1]

Could you guys reccommend me what to listen to next ?

[@stickgs]

Check out anything by Billy Strings! You will be amazed! Billy's a Huge Dc Watson Fan too!

[@RafaeoNobre1]

@@stickgs thank you buddy, um searching for It right now! Your brazilian amigo!

[@richardbailey1295]

Sam Bush and all the gang

[@careyjamesmajeski3203]

All decent suggestions above. Norman Blake and tony rice are comparable flat pickers. Mississippi John Hurt is my favorite (finger picker). Leo kottke’s armadillo album (6&12string guitar) is a masterpiece. Many others not coming to my old, drunken mind. Peace

[@edv5159]

@@careyjamesmajeski3203 Couldn't agree more with your Mississippi John Hurt recommendation. His was a master of acoustic blues, and guitar picking was sublime. But he was fingerpicker, not a flatpicker.

[@spearzoid]

Does anyone know the story of why Merle doesn't show up until the next to last song?

[@benwrong6855]

Was hoping it was Derek Smalls on bass

[@bolowney8978]

He can do that with his eyes closed

[@shurshot2764]

NOT FUNNY

[@lindyhudson9100]

What ever became of T. Michael Coleman? An excellent bassist.

[@gabrieln3613]

He sure was/is great. I am not sure about now but I opened for Doc & Merle in both 1976 (Florida) and 1978 (S. California) and both time T. Michael Coleman was there. First time I had seen fretless electric bass.....he was a super nice person in all my conversations with him.

[@kentknox5108]

Anyone know what t Michael Coleman and the band Chesapeake are doing?!!

[@GrizzlyGroundswell]

They got the seat now they will abandon the man.

[@jasper_north]

When the night is cold and the pick is flat […]

[@buckhendrix]

Where's Merle?

[@jimothysaunders4090]

11:19 Deep River Blues

[@bcummings2187]

T. Michael Coleman is like SRV's Tommy Shannon......always there , holding it down, doing his thing well .....although you never notice.....but if he wasn't there....you would 😉👉🤘

[@gabrieln3613]

Good analogy. I was just in Austin 6 years before Covid-19 and played there much but also opened for Doc & Merle (harmonica player 45 years) in both 1976 (FL) and 1978 (CA) and T. Michael Coleman was there on Bass. First time I had seen a fretless bass electric.....especially of course in this acoustic music.

[@bcummings2187]

@@gabrieln3613 Amazing you were on the scene at that time. It must have been great.

[@gabrieln3613]

@@bcummings2187 Yes, it was special and they were all nice to me, just a teen basically but I had already been in two Bluegrass Bands and played festivals. I once played a cassette tape demo I had of various things I had played on, one was me playing solo with the well-know UCSD Gospel choir (they played the funk groove "Black Gospel" with Cecil Lytle at the helm on piano and as choir director who invited me) and when Doc heard my solo on a song he said "sounds like Little Walter" ( to a harmonica player that would be like saying you sound like Jimi H., Jeff Beck, Duane Allman, Danny Gatton or something) and I used that quote for many years in my bio. Again, they were all very nice people and course great players.