Two Bluegrass/Country Music Gods, Earl & Doc Picking For Fun At Doc's Home In 1972. Pure Joy.

This is the banjo picker Earl Scruggs playing with his friend Doc Watson at Doc's home in Deep Gap, North Carolina. Also picking are his 16-year-old son (at the time) and a great picker in his own right, Randy Scruggs, and sitting in the back and just learning, Stevie Scruggs. To the left, sits Doc's son Merle.
Although I filmed this scene more than 50 years ago, it is still new to me every time I see it. Doc and Earl were eager to be filmed. I was eager and felt fortunate to record. I set up a single microphone on a pole in the ground, sat in a seat with my 16mm camera and said to Earl" okay let's go". And this clip shows what happened. It is part of a 90 minute film that I made called "Earl Scruggs: His Family and Friends" that was a PBS special in 1972. The film presents Earl Scruggs with Bill Monroe, The Morris Brothers, The Byrds, Bob Dylan, & Joan Baez. Here is a link: • Earl Scruggs Made This...
To be around Earl as he sought out various musicians to play with was like being in the presence of something greater then an ordinary human. Everything that came from him, the music, the picking, the family relationships, his treatment of me, indicated that he was an extraordinary man.
He called what he did bluegrass on occasion, sometimes mountain music, sometimes old-time music, sometimes rock 'n' roll, sometimes he called what he was doing country and sometimes - just picking.
Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson (1923 - 2012) was a guitarist, singer and songwriter. He was a highly influential figure in the world of folk, bluegrass, country, and blues music, known for his fingerstyle and flatpicking techniques on the acoustic guitar. Born in Deep Gap, North Carolina (where I filmed him for this clip) Watson was blind from infancy due to an eye infection.
Doc Watson gained national attention in the early 1960s where he performed at major music festivals such as the Newport Folk Festival. Watson's playing style was characterized by a unique combination of traditional Appalachian music and the blues, which resulted in a highly distinctive sound. Some of his most famous recordings include "Deep River Blues," "Black Mountain Rag," and "Tennessee Stud."
In addition to his solo career, Watson also performed with his son Merle Watson (also in the film clip) until Merle's untimely death in a tractor accident in 1985. Following Merle's death, Doc Watson established the annual MerleFest in Wilkesboro, North Carolina which has since become one of the largest and most prestigious roots music festivals in the United States.
Throughout his career Watson received numerous accolades and awards including seven Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Doc Watson's contributions to American music continue to be celebrated and admired, and his innovative techniques and signature style have influenced generations of musicians including my current favorite, Billy Strings.
Doc Watson and Earl Scruggs both came from the Appalachian region. While Doc and Earl did not have an official collaboration they performed together during the folk revival period. Both were part of the same music scene & they appeared together on TV programs such as "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" which brought together a diverse group of folk, bluegrass, and country musicians for collaborative performances.
My documentary not only demonstrates the virtuosity of both musicians but also captures their camaraderie and mutual respect for each other's talents. This intimate performance at Doc Watson's home serves as a testament to their shared love for traditional Appalachian music and their lasting impact on American folk and bluegrass music.
I would like to thank the sponsors who placed their advertisements on my clip. They make it possible for me to present more of these. They include: Billy Strings. Merlefest. Nothin fancy bluegrass. Classic bluegrass. Bluegrass country. Bluegrass near me. Live bluegrass near me. Appalachian bluegrass music. Charm city bluegrass 2023. Billy strings doc Watson. Doc Watson. Earl Scruggs. Randy Scruggs. Merle Watson. Merle and Doc. Doc Watson and Earl Scruggs.
If this clip gives you pleasure, I would appreciate your clicking the Super Thanks button below the video screen.
Thank you
David Hoffman filmmaker
#EarlScruggs #DocWatson #ScruggsFamily #BluegrassMusic #MountainMusic #OldTimeMusic #PBSSpecial #BillMonroe #TheMorrisBrothers #TheByrds #BobDylan #JoanBaez #MusicHistory #Banjo #Guitar #MusicLegacy

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

Just as wonderful. Earl Scruggs and The Byrds - kzbin.info/www/bejne/gYi7pp96Ysyrq9k

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

I made this movie in about 1971. I can remember sticking a microphone pole in the ground at Doc's house and setting up the shots and shooting it myself with a single camera. I am proud of my zooms and other camera moves and the sensitivity to what each musician was doing. I loved Doc Watson then. I am sure I would love him now. David Hoffman -- filmmaker

[@bluestogreen1693]

David Hoffman you are a lucky man or skilled! Most likely both! Love your videos man!

[@hellomyfriend9227]

What talents these men, where... Hearts of gold and God Almighty bless you and your family, thank you so much for taking the time, too record history....

[@Zoink888]

Good on you for having cameras back when it was rare.

[@Sincoola27]

So great you were there and able to capture this. What an amazing thing to have seen in person! Thanks for sharing

[@jefpowers8529]

Thank goodness you capture this moment. Thank you!

[@SinisterGerbils]

With Doc Watson and Earl Scruggs together, can't believe the earth didn't crack open from the sheer awesomeness of this.

[@helenhighwater5313]

That's whatcha call "critical mass".

[@ronaldreagan256]

Indeed

[@8656737s]

I agree ❤

[@wizewoods9130]

@@8656737s absolutely

[@ISRL380]

and Earls SON

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

I am praying for Doc. He is a magnificent human being and I never forgot how beautifully he treated me when I filmed this so many years ago. David Hoffman-filmmaker

[@donitaforrest9064]

It's november 2022.... i'm a senior citizen sitting in my room alone watching youtube, my oh my, how times have changed. After listening to you wonderful bluegrass musicians sing & play a perfect rendition of 'john hardy' off the cuff, i could not help but break into spontaneous applause! ♥️ love it. I used to play an autoharp, but haven't picked it up in awhile. I should.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

Donita: Thank you for your comment. Definitely pick up that autoharp. Such a beautiful sound. If your resources allow, I would sure appreciate your using the THANKS button under any of my videos including the one you have commented on. It is something new that KZbin is beta testing and would mean a great deal for my continuing efforts. David Hoffman filmmaker

[@yppocS]

It’s November 2022. I’m 20 years old and have been listening to bluegrass for the past two years. Bluegrass to me is timeless, the greats laid the foundation but it will be played for decades maybe even centuries to come. I hope you are doing well in these crazy times

[@johnhulsker1453]

Old guy living alone in the mountains, pick that autoharp up, try plunking on a mandolin, lots of utube presentations. Rogue mandolin from musicians friend, $ 59.00 verry well made, music is life giving, Good luck !

[@mumbles215]

Lovely Donita. Pick up the harp. We need you too!!! Much love from the east coast

[@lynettekomidar2819]

Use to play all this stuff in the 60s and beyond. No one to play with now :(

[@edwardlevine9727]

I was a musician in Memphis when the Earl Scruggs Review came to town. He had just split up with Lest Flat and put together a band with his family. The local talent were given free passes in return for, "Watching their instruments." Scruggs must have found out that none of us had any money and had not eaten all day. Next thing we know, a bunch of barbecue with all the fixings and a bunch of sodas were delivered to us. We found out through the grapevine that it was Earl who ordered and paid for the stuff but he never came around for a thank you. I guess he just didn't want us to go hungry.

[@divingbells29]

Great memory!

[@stecklein7]

What class act. God bless him.

[@yesyoumay]

For all his talent it appears from what I've read and seen of him in performance and videos, that Earl was a very humble and all around nice guy.

[@subtoimtoxic5149]

This music won't work without heart and soul, it all sprouts from our feelings and it's impossible to think of someone hungry and do nothing! Earls earned his way in our hearts, by having one.

[@kevinfetner7983]

I can't say much for the "Revue"...it seemed focused on making money and forced Earl to machine gun his music with amplification. This video is where Bluegrass should always be, as a get-together of friends & family. Earl in this vid piece is entirely at ease and smiling. When you try to make Bluegrass 'bigger' you ruin it. Nitty Gritty Dirt band got all the greats together for The Circle album set. To date, nothing like that has ever been done since. Bill Monroe was the only one not to participate in The Circle album.......his proud folly.

[@rhondaboncutter5812]

When I was growing up, I lived down in Ky., no TV reception! My whole family mom, uncles, aunts and Grandma played an instrument! We'd sit on the porch or in chairs out in the yard and play music, sing and dance! Many neighbors always carried their instrument with them, would stop by and join in! Grew up in the best of times! Loved it!

[@mikelong3702]

Rhonda Boncutter beats the heck out of rude young people staring at their phones today... I grew up listening to doc and Earle back when I could catch my limit of trout every day at the south saluda river behind table rock mountain. I started pickin real young. My dad wanted me to be a young Ricky Skaggs but I loved docs guitar flatpicking and took lessons in middle school. I remember all the kids at school laughed at me for playing bluegrass music. Now all the young hipsters are picking bluegrass in local bands...i just smile and say it took y'all long enough to found out what real music is....

[@rlb3255]

I am sooooooo jealous

[@johngerson7335]

@@mikelong3702 Highway 11, Cherokee County all the way to Oconee County. Prettiest stretch of mountains & road on God's green earth!

[@col.davidcrockett5959]

Rhonda you may not of had a lot of material things growing up but you had much more than the richest kids in the city. You had real music and family and friends and that’s what I call a good life.

[@schradeya]

now that's living

[@1980bwc]

So sad that all these guys are now gone. You were in the presence of pure talent right here Mr. David.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

Yes I was Bryan and I knew it at the time. David Hoffman filmmaker

[@jharsch3453]

Doc Watson is the reason I wanted to play the guitar and banjo

[@kevinfetner7983]

The best part of this video is Cripple Creek. Doc wasn't sure how good Randy really was...chided him in the beginning. But watch Doc light up as Randy kept up note for note and Doc laughs & rocks in his chair. That was RARE for Doc who was a perfectionist. The mind-bending perfection of impromptu Bluegrass as you may never hear again.

[@78Richardab]

All 5 gone 😥 thank goodness for the folk who recorded the greats.

[@jc_montero]

4 guitars aren't able to kill that banjo...

[@freyablackthorn6969]

+JCMontero Boy you sure got that !

[@philc1402]

No, but they sure tried!

[@SettimaLegione]

exact: banjo was designed metallic to be louder than guitar! As conterpart it can only produce short notes and must "harping" all the time. (plus a drone cord)

[@michaellong291]

Earle plays a nice guitar too. U start w guitar...then banjo. Play it all after that.

[@Hendrix.]

3 fingers picking a banjo to one pick of Doc on Guitar. If you play, you realize how difficult it is to do. Doc did it and did it well.

[@najdaraj9420]

This music makes my whisky go down even better! Much love from Scotland.

[@BeingRomans829ed]

05:10 When Mr. Scruggs stops to watch, there's something worth seeing!

[@ronaldreagan256]

Scruggs stopped because he doesn’t see 300 mph flat pickin very often

[@knelson3484]

Wow, you filmed this! Cool, thank David.

[@lumbago784]

This is so amazing I could cry. The smiles on their faces is the purest thing I've seen in a long time.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

I am glad that my clip gave you that experience, Lum. I felt that way when I shot it and I still feel that way when I see it. David Hoffman-filmmaker

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

thank you. It was an honor to have known Doc Watson for sure and I wish his family the very best of good wishes. David Hoffman-filmmaker

[@paolo7237]

Your documentation of Earl Scruggs is so so important for a young person like me who can’t get this sort of thing anymore. I want to thank you, and express to you how incredibly jealous I am of you being able to see this man play in person.

[@kraptastic333]

Paolo I hope you are still pioneering your own music experience. What are you listening to lately? I am listening to Nick Shoulders and Ralph Stanley as well as the Osborne Brothers (not the modern ones.) Do you have any recommendations? I also like Jimmie Rodgers, so yodeling + bluegrass??

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

I made this movie in 1971-1972. David Hoffman-filmmaker

[@yesyoumay]

In Doc's biography, "Blind But Now I See" it mentioned several times that Doc had lots of respect for Earl Scruggs.

[@gentleeyes]

"It'll usually sound better if you DON'T rehearse it." True, sir. True.

[@reptilicus]

Yep.

[@robkunkel8833]

if you've played a song a few thousand times with the same crowd, rehearsals are a chore. For the rest of us....

[@mrspierceedolly8451]

lemonflower 7.

[@dustinjohnson3463]

Brings tears to my heart good lord what did we let happen to country today

[@margaretzander3171]

2023 and I'm missing my banjo player. I'm 20 btw, and I love these old clips thank you for posting them!

[@youssefrhanem4854]

What you get from observing this magnificient spontaneous video is how beautiful a father/son relationship can be; Just before the last song, doc asks Earl's son if he can Play Cripple Creek, Earl's son says something like "I can tell alright" then he smiles and says "ii know" CUT and then they start the song, and we can see all Earl's attention on his son, his son plays the melodic guitar of the song so perfectly and happily, also to justify his reaction.. and at the end of the song we can see Earl very proud of his son joking with him, we can see also Shy Doc's son who looks very happy to play with his father and the guys, having a look at Earl's son and smiling, like giving him respect. We can see also the effect of Doc's Voice on Earl's son when he first heard it by looking at his father and expressing his happiness & wonder. Agree..? ?

[@RemoBongo530]

Youssef Rhanem I noticed it as well. There was an awesome connection being made through the music played. Not only a good display of friendship and family, but a bonding between their spirits.

[@cizia69]

Right on Youssef

[@eckmacdonald]

Poor Stevie looked a bit cast adrift tho, beautiful music

[@millerezra8]

Youssef Rhanem I love how Earl watches Doc’s soling so closely, such mutual respect

[@roseannedavis4248]

your observations are such a pleasure to read--thank you!

[@davidgainey3448]

The greatest all time banjo picker and the greatest all time guitar picker together is pure heaven.

[@ronaldreagan5205]

Doc Watson the Jimi hendrix of the flat style picking guitar

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

@dkmurphygirl I know just what you mean about the feelings you have on both fronts. They make it look ridiculously easy. When I made this film so many years ago, I stopped picking banjo and started taking documentary filmmaking more seriously. Partially because I didn't learn as a kid like they did. What geniuses they were and are. David Hoffman - independent filmmaker

[@aidanmaxwell1019]

Imagine doc Watson exclaiming “aw, play it now!” in the middle of your solo. I could not imagine a higher honor.

[@hassancherkaoui635]

This music is universal.i am from Morocco and how much i love it.bluegrass make me living in Kentucky even if i never was there.i was realy sad when mister Earl Scruggs died

[@alfrede.neuman8898]

So tragic how Steven Scruggs passed on, such a great loss.

[@vincentbuccieri9305]

Thank You for Capturing these Great Moments!

[@stonekeeper86]

These guys are awesome!!!! Doc Watson and Earl Scruggs...RIP

[@PhiLovesMusic]

Doc & Merle, together! Never again will there be a father and son like them to grace us with such great, true-to-their-roots sound.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

I am the person who recorded this and agree with your assessment. David Hoffman-filmmaker

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

@mikef1955 Thank you. I completely agree about Watson and his brilliance and uniqueness. When I did not know until I filmed him, which I did several times in my career, is what an extraordinarily kind giving philosophical individual he is. A superior person in every regard. And the relationship between him and Earl Scruggs was beautiful to witness. David Hoffman -- filmmaker

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

Dear dogvandave Yes. 16mm it is. I used an Auricon Pro mounted with an Anjenieux 12 to 120 zoom. David Hoffman -- filmmaker

[@kennethsteele8808]

I'm from West(by god)Virginia,I grew up with this kind of music being played just about every weekend live in our home,foot stomp"n",cold beer drinking ,cigarettes stuck on the ends of the guitars extra string, I remember it was a blast just watching them. I remember my Dad and Mom taking us to a drive inn movie place in Boone Co.one summer night to watch Flat and Scruggs play live on top of the concession building.

[@uronekiddingme]

All through this, I smiled, felt the love and enjoyed............ R.I.P.

[@snmthecloser]

I mean the only thing missing from this video is Jesus walking on water. Gods.

[@DanielEgan313]

ha! so true.

[@ronaldreagan256]

snmthecloser Indeed

[@ronaldreagan256]

Best flat top guitar picker in the world

[@alonsomartinez142]

snmthecloser

[@smiley_mileymyles6899]

Lu tube finger picking on Steal string guitar Y

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

the film was made between 1971 and 1972. David Hoffman-filmmaker

[@bicisnobombas]

Damn, Doc's first break in John Hardy just kills me ever time. The melody is so strongly identifiable and at the same time Doc's personal style comes shining through. That's world class, right there!

[@aaronbrewer1831]

I seen Doc Watson play over 33 years later at the second Bonnaroo festival. The guy was unbelievable.

[@kb1056]

Interesting to see how Doc Watson kept trying to push the tempo ... you can tell he liked to rock 'em a bit ...

[@warrenfoil6851]

I was lucky enough to see Doc & Merle at the North Wilkesboro High School in 1976, and a few years later when I lived in Boone he would come in the drugstore to the lunch counter for a meal.

[@flyboy2514]

This world is a darker place without Doc

[@BrandtM84]

what about Earl

[@DougAlder]

and Merle

[@graysonlopez3030]

Leroy Carroll Jesus Christ*

[@ronaldreagan256]

Indeed a darker place

[@hereigoagain5050]

Thanks Earl, Doc, and David! National Treasures kept alive thanks to David.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

@jcline9244 Thank you for your comment. Interestingly enough, the Smithsonian has purchased the rights to two of my films as critical to their collection on American folk history. They did so not only because of the music but also because of the dialogue. When I made these films, it seemed to me that the speech, the interchange, was as important as the music. It turns out that that is the way Smithsonian sees it that way also. David Hoffman -- film maker

[@scray00]

So these can’t be purchased anymore ??

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

@MyMoppet52 thank you for your comment and your insight. My style has always the and to make a documentary shoot so that the extraordinary ordinary people I am filming feel relaxed. Kings and queens and presidents have a harder time with my style then wonderful "ordinary" people like Doc and Earl. Dave Altman-filmmaker

[@Turbo44mag]

Family making music together is a Southern Tradition. Doc signing that first song is phenomenal skill!!!

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

@joselo1944 thank you for your comment. David Hoffman -- filmmaker

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

I agree, Jim. And thank you. David Hoffman-filmmaker

[@jaygiven4594]

Great stuff!! This video will be a classic!! Earl killing the banjo and Doc killing the guitar!! 2 legends playing their hearts out!!! IT just doesn't get any better!!!

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

Thank you Jay. I agree. David Hoffman - filmmaker

[@elliottsmith93]

David, thank you for filming this. Such a tremendous American treasure.

[@davidgainey3448]

Jay Given Doc Watson was the greatest flat top picker ever!!! Earl was the greatest banjo picker ever!!!

[@jsphmcdaniel]

Just Amazing gift God gave us for 91 years. There will never be another Doc...understatement of all time!

[@nollnollett]

Imagine the musicians lost to the ages, but not these fine men. The Lord willing generations to come will be able to enjoy their performance not just as a mention in a book or the retelling of an old one. Thank you for filmning this, sincerely a great many thanks.

[@danielcombs3207]

I saw these gentlemen play at a bluegrass festival in Angier N.C. in the early 1970’s . Earl Scruggs Revue and Doc and Merle Watson and the evening closed with all of them on stage together.What a great day of music and strawberry daiquiri’s.

[@meltunes14]

Rest in peace Earl Scruggs....your music brought me so much joy. I miss you already

[@The_Vaporizer]

I fell in love with bluegrass because of Earl Scruggs and Lester Flatt. Dad got me the album "Will the circle be unbroken?" and in 1979 we went to see John Deering banjos in Spring Valley just a short drive from our house where I got my first banjo. Still have it.

[@touco9077]

The banjo is such a dominant instrument, how can you not love these devoted country folks, gives me goose bumps at how great America was then, I was around and I loved Lester Flat and Earl Scruggs and Roy Clark and Buck Owen's and Andy Taylor ( Andy Griffith) and on and on and on, i feel fortunate to have been a young man during the 60s 70s 80s and 90s, the talent level in America for all types of music and entertainment was just incredible 😊❤

[@dkbsoulman]

Wow - I was 11 years old when this video was made. I was blessed to be raised in a family that loved bluegrass music. I loved how their feet were all tapping in time. Best music ever.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

@AnotherHoustonKid I find that their are people who use KZbin to express their basic hostility and look to attack. To be a presenter on KZbin as I am, an independent filmmaker, you have to be somewhat thick-skinned and I am. I love Doc and Earl and this is the recording of a a great moment in the history of country/mountain music. David Hoffman-filmmaker

[@MrRustyFord]

Thanks for posting this. My favorite guitar player, Doc Watson. Bless his soul. A national treasure. But I would also like to mention what many people seem to overlook - his singing. That's understandable because of Doc's mastery of the guitar. Doc's singing was also remarkable. Consider this: He could not see, blind since he was a child, and yet he knew the words to all of those classic old Appalachian, bluegrass, and country songs. Imagine how hard you have to work, and how talented you have to be to be able to do that. I am a singer, I have my sight, and it is not easy for me to remember words to songs and I find myself sometimes having to look at lyric sheets. Doc never had that to lean on. He could not look at lyrics to memorize them...everything had to be learned and memorized by hearing. And that covers many, many, many songs. I am absolutely amazed at his talent, not only his guitar playing, but his singing as well.

[@jimchumley6568]

Maxwell Smart I never thought about that. Im 58 yrs old and have been listening to Doc Watson since a teenager. I love his music wth The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on the classic 3 album set Will The Circle Be Unbroken. Timeless music. Everyone forgot too that Doc often played a mean harmonica too in a rack while playing guitar. Im a harp player myself for over 35 yrs. and Doc was real good also on the harp.

[@Captainwaylay]

No Slouch on The Claw Hammer Banjo , Not too shabbb on the Harmonica also , thanks for lettin me inturupt you Day, Way back When the Sheep Were Ner vous . ~~~~~~~~~~ >}}}:^>

[@LilCrayzer]

Maxwell Smart - You‘re absolutely right with each aspect you‘re pointing out but we have to consider one thing objectively: If someone is handicaped like Doc with his blindness, each off your other senses are increasing in their effectiveness and sensibility. On the other hand: someone could‘ve helped him to learn the lyrics by reading them aloud to him. None the less he‘s an remarkable musician!! Greetings from germany! \m/

[@jojoUK120]

Absolutely! But lowly folk musicians being able to read is a very recent thing. I’m told if you can’t read your memory is much better- relying on ink withers our minds.

[@danielcombs3207]

Docs singing is like butter and honey on a hot biscuit right out of the oven. It doesn’t get any better.

[@morganclonce]

If I ever got an “Ahhhh play it now!” From Doc Watson- I could die happy.

[@gskessingerable]

You can tell Earl was on his A game and focused on his picking because he well knew that Doc was a master musician and guitarist.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

@TheMeemeister And thank you for such a beautifully written comment. It was an extraordinary afternoon and so I was very young at the time, I knew that I was seeing history in the making. David Hoffman-filmmaker

[@jeffcollom7945]

Wow this is the most amazing musical moment I ever seen

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

yes we do. David Hoffman - filmmaker

[@StopAskingMyName1]

Great music..but if you hear this while canoeing...keep canoeing.

[@positivelynegative3260]

Thanks for the warning!

[@AFmedic]

Fell out of the chair from laughing so hard. Great comment!!!!!!!!!!!

[@pegknife]

Yeah,and mention nothin about a 'Still' lol

[@morethan3756]

Watch out for big rocks on the rapids!

[@BlueRidgeParanormalEst]

Na stop a spell and rest and talk it up with some shine and just good Ol hospitality

[@beaelysium]

thank you for posting this look into america's history. these days are long gone. we must never forget them, and find a way to make the future as beautiful as it was then. Long may America the Beautiful live.

[@cchild9110]

Once you discover Bluegrass, it's all over but the shouting. Thank you.

[@sz3rd]

Gods Speed.. thanks for the tunes............

[@user-bc5wf2nj3z]

This is at the mouth of the hollow; brings back so many memories! My grandparents often played w/ him & Flatt & Scruggs. Doc always said hi when we came to my great grandparent's home at the head of the hollow, & always knew if I was in the back of the truck, and would ask if lil' Jenny was in there!! 💗

[@MrRustyFord]

That's a wonderful story right there.

[@user-bc5wf2nj3z]

I asked my grandmom how he always knew I was in the back of the truck b/c I knew he couldn't see well, and there was a topper on the pickup. She replied, " Oh honey, he sees more than most people ever will. I asked him one time what he saw. He said he could sense light & shadows, and energy.

[@josephgarrahan9945]

i appreciate you sharing that. Touches my heart. sounds like you had a blessed childhood

[@mikelabomusic7782]

Jennifer Zeikus thanks for the great stories. I saw Doc play a few times but never met him. He was a special man who not only inspired me to be a better musician but also a better man.

[@COYOTE165A]

RIP EARL You & Your musical Talents will be sadly missed.?

[@tomwilson4353]

Haha. Earl says "We're gonna attempt to play a few tunes. Completely un-rehearsed" As if to say, this might not be that good, and then they proceed to tear the house down with some serious jams. And at 5:07 during Cripple Creek, Earl is just leaning in hard to hear Doc pick them guitar runs. Hell Yes!

[@barbaratromellodesantis3712]

Wow! Doc Watson with Earl Scruggs and sons! Great!!! R.I.P. Doc Watson and Earl Scruggs. from Genova, Italy.

[@JoseloGomezEA20101944]

Mr. SCRUGGS Here in Buenos Aires, Argentina, a lover of Bluegrass and banjo player, raised to the Lord a heartfelt prayer for his eternal rest. Filmmaker thank Hofmann, who has captured in this film, the essence of bluegrass in its purest expression. EARL, REST IN PEACE, your music and your banjo will continue to echo in the hearts of those who enjoy your talent, that the Lord rest his soul, from Buenos Aires, Jose Luis.

[@SoyChilangoNaco]

Merle & Doc Watson & Earl Scruggs... thanks from my heart.

[@scrabbleroad]

an all-time classic for bluegrass lovers. What a group. Thanks for the video!

[@yesyoumay]

Earl Scruggs & Doc Watson....master musicians par excellence!

[@bobbyearl60]

some of the best musicians to ever walk the earth.

[@catherinehazur7336]

This is priceless. Genuine intersection of Country, Folk and Bluegrass. I could listen to them play all day and night. RIP Earl, Doc, Randy and Merle. The Real Deal

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

No. We used what we called double system. The sound was recorded on a Nagra iv-2. Fabulous tape recorder. Terrible microphone. David Hoffman -- filmmaker

[@firdausHITMAN]

Thank you David for filming this and making it happen. tip my hat off to you buddy. best wishes

[@737tinman]

Only one person that could make Earl stop playing the banjo...Ol Doc Watson playing the guitar.

[@BennyAu-00]

If only Doc Watson could have lived forever. His talent, gentle personality and musical magic are an awful loss to our world. Thank goodness for all the recordings he has left behind. They will keep his memory alive in us all.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

I totally agree Benny. What a special man. David Hoffman - filmmaker

[@dknj5962]

His spirit is eternal. That’s all anyone can ask for the end.

[@wesmatron]

What a great bit of historical film

[@boblackey1]

I just realised all 5 of these boys are deceased now. Randy Scruggs was the last to go at age 64. Merle Watson was killed in a farm tractor accident and Stevie Scruggs committed suicide in his 30's. Very sad. Good music here.

[@Toobula]

Delightful. I haven't listened to Doc Watson enough in my life, and NOBODY has listened to enough Earl Scruggs.

[@harmonyherb]

Unfortunately will we never see the likes of this talent ever again. I could listen all day thanks for sharing.

[@mackiedaz9121]

Herb Mordkoff says who?? Keep an open mind

[@smheron1]

We'll never see Doc or Earl again, but talent like this or greater can be found and appreciated everyday. Going to a music festival or two would reveal that pretty quickly.

[@samaubuchon5469]

You need to look up Billy Strings man!

[@uriahromero6182]

U made me cry...

[@BuzzJones]

Those were the best days back then, wish I was around then

[@jeanmarieLillymar]

you NEVER, EVER see this anymore. PURE. LIFE

[@PenneyKDollar]

RIP Doc.Thanks for the great music

[@smillpupstick4323]

I can play the banjo. Hopefully I can play like that some day.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

Yes. Please purchase my DVD via the hotlink listed in my description. Thankyou David Hoffman - filmmaker

[@ISignedUpBefore]

Speechless- this stuff is fantastic! No words can really do justice to what was going on here.

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

look at the link in the top of my description above and it will take you to my entire documentary. Thank you David Hoffman - filmmaker

[@rainmancw9022]

bluegrass never gets out of your soul. our family reunion held in Rawlings MD is pretty much a bunch of hillbillies toting banjos. it's a style of living that you have to have grown up in like us kids did. enjoyed these vids

[@victorbanuelos8139]

Born for the soul this bluegrass music is

[@DavidHoffmanFilmmaker]

@ratherknotty - thank you for your beautiful comment. I feel the same way about these old films that I made so many years ago. It is interesting that when I was there, setting up the scene and filming it, for each of these amazing moments in the music films I made back then, I knew that I was recording history. I could feel it at the time. And it proved to be true today. David Hoffman-filmmaker

[@Evitaschannel]

This is truely amazing. I wish I could've seen them in action in real life.

[@robaet3]

David Hoffman, That is a very awesome Clip, that you did. A Document of Time, with the wonderful Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson and their Boys. Thanks so much for uploading it👏👏👏👏👏.

[@danielhickmott5800]

Pure Americana. Thank you David, for this historic documentation.

[@jameswyork7225]

Earl,Doc, Merle, and Stevie (Scuggs)

[@daremillsaps2299]

I cannot believe it this is where I went when I was a kid. My dad drove us there and we visited whit Doc for the day. He was so cool to let us just drop in even though he never met us before. Amazing memory