Doc Watson-Deep River Blues

Doc Watson Performing Deep River Blues YOU GOT TO WATCH IT!!!!!

[@catfishfuku]

I was in a children's home when I was younger and Doc would come every Christmas and play for us. I even got to sing with him a couple of times and never realized I was singing with a legend. RIP Doc.

[@EliazMusicJuggling]

That's crazy! Do you still sing now?

[@catfishfuku]

@@EliazMusicJuggling not much. Destroyed my vocal chords in the military and have never been really comfortable in front of crowds. But I have the memories.

[@LouieGonzalezGolf]

What a memory

[@marshallkeyes2355]

Thats freaking amazing to have a legend play for you...its unfortunate it was under shitty circumstances...but mad respect

[@MO-qd6tm]

Awesome story thanks for sharing.

[@GixxerRider1991]

Singing on the beat and picking across the beat: you don't really appreciate just how hard that is to get right until you sit down and try it yourself. Country blues is one of the most unforgiving styles to learn, but also one of the most rewarding.

[@coryCuc]

Very true! There's no room for forgiveness when playing this type of music. There's no hiding lol

[@Heisenbrick]

Good luck to anyone who tries! Most of us just smash our guitar or burn it,..

[@Trdbrglr75]

100% agree. When I think I have reached “perfection” I throw on doc or Chet and realize how wrong I am. Lol

[@Glitch_Luminance]

and he was blind.)

[@samuelsholder2789]

good point he sings too

[@ancil57]

Guitar lovers know the majesty of this man and his lasting impact on his instrument.

[@jeremyreagan9085]

I am a guitarist for 26 years let me tell you Doc is a alien seriously people scoff at country blues or old time music because it sounds simple but, no sir I respect Jazz and such but, I will never get over how beautiful Doc Watson and Mississippi John Hurt were.

[@alexmidence274]

Yes, we do. Among us guitar players, Doc is pure royalty.

[@stevefadrosh6506]

100%

[@demolitionwilliams7419]

Absolutely. I've only recently understood this. I've been playing guitar for years but just started learning bluegrass. Doc Watson is underappreciated

[@thomasfoss9963]

Doc is one of the best flat pickers, and finger pickers of all time!!!!!!

[@newyorkslim2001]

um, shall we just agree this is the best version on the internet and call it a day?

[@robert1foley513]

Fair enough.

[@Soccasteve]

This version is really special, since there’s a lot of variation thrown in. I think my favorite version might still be the one from his fingerpicking DVD but that’s probably just because it’s the version I heard first. Definitely gotta learn me some of the licks from this. Took me about 6 months to really get the other version down lol. Didn’t help that it was one of the first Travis picking songs I learned, oh well. I’ve definitely gotten better, just gotta stick with it and refuse to quit.

[@limaimsong9682]

Gotta listen to Tommy Emmanuel's version... Respect

[@claytonmccoy8849]

I like doc's version he did on TV when he was a little older. A little funkier.

[@johnsidle]

Saw Doc at Club 47 (now Passim) in Cambridge, Mass in 1965. I was sitting in the front row, maybe ten feet away from him. When he did one of his low string chromatic octave runs between lines of a verse, I gasped and this devilish grin played over his face. Guess I made his night!,

[@stevesewall]

would have made mine too!

[@shagadelic4210]

Aww, damn he must've been like, "yeah I thought that sounded awesome too when I came up with it"🤣

[@alyssabartsch9134]

What a time

[@Mrrugbykid1]

Beautifully said friend

[@JerryGoralnick-ne8bb]

I saw Doc open for Commander Cody in Boston in 1974. His son Merle was getting tired of playing the country music with Dad and had his own rock band. Dad and Merle made a deal that Merle could bring his band along and play a set during their show. Doc came out and sat in with the band and played one of the most incredible rock leads I've ever heard.

[@randystein7374]

My wife and I were fortunate to hear Doc play in an old historic high school in Coleraine MN. He was in his 80s and sang and played like he was twenty. Doc was humble and pleasant. It's too bad more talented performers aren't like him. RIP Doc you made our lives richer in many ways.

[@joebeamish]

This is what a steel string acoustic guitar is born to do.

[@nathano87]

Another true story about Doc: he refuses to receive disability checks from the government. He just says, "Send that money to someone who needs it more than me". Classy indeed!

[@alpacamybag9103]

This comment deserves way more likes than one every 14 years! Well said from a fellow Nathan

[@tedpeterson1156]

"We turn to Blues now..." Professor Watson's classes are the bomb!!

[@laurencedavies1104]

Doc Watson was born in 1923! His songs are still being played, thank heavens. Though he was blind he was showed wonderful remakable skills in his guitar playing. RIP Doc! Larry Davies.

[@DeimosPC]

I'm a Brit that moved to the US almost 8 years ago. I'd never really listened to much folk, bluegrass, country until I moved to the US.. I now feel it in my soul. Doc was truly a gifted musician. I felt like the guitar alone did all the talking. What an incredible talent the world lost when he died.

[@kcflygirl29]

I grew up in western NC and my dad went to his concerts and met him, Bill Monroe, and Merle many times. We saw him perform in Lenoir, NC. When I worked at a college radio station I found one of his albums “ on praying ground “ I think and gave it to my dad. He played it every Sunday before church. What a great man.

[@Romamb]

His right fore finger is putting in some serious overtime there 😮

[@HeatherSpoonheim]

I am so glad that Doc lived long enough to be immortalized by this thing we call KZbin. The world will miss this artist, but many to listen will never remember that he lived long enough to die - how cool is that?

[@popsforgeblacksmithing4793]

doesnt everyone live long enough to die?

[@popsforgeblacksmithing4793]

@@zachwilson4166 facts

[@thendrjazz]

He lived long enough and close enough to the present that we can hear him through youtube and other sources after he has died. Some of us were lucky enough to hear him in person in Cambridge, MA: Chicago, IL; Fayetteville, NC and Merlefest in Wilkesboro, NC

[@davivify]

Well, he lived long enough to be captured on videotape, anyway. Which was later converted to digital and uploaded to KZbin.

[@sicariusperemo3789]

He would even if he died 20 years earlier, the wonders of KZbin, and the stuff people sometimes upload :)

[@TheophilusBoone]

I sat right at his feet once. We applauded a song and he said: "I love ya'll!" I had my chance. I piped up: "We love you too, Doc!", and was rewarded with a smile. But I saw him lose his temper a little another time when folks were talking down front. He had just played the best Working Man Blues I ever heard, at least for me, including the original Merle's version, and I wanted to hear every sound he made. He left that gig in a black Rolls. You came a long way, Doc.

[@CindyJeann]

A guitar picker myself, I took a rocker friend who played drums, to see Doc in the mid eighties at the perot theatre in Texarkana, Tx. He was quite apprehensive and tried hard not to enjoy the show at first, but by the time Doc finished up my friend was cheering louder than anyone in the place. I realized then and there, that talent/ability transcends preferred musical style. What a wonderful lesson. Thanks Doc. R.I.P.

[@maxplanck8854]

It's true. I mainly listen to Hip hop and Metal but love Doc Watson.

[@mattkav684]

I realized then and there, that talent/ability transcends preferred musical style. Amen! and Doc had such transcendent talent.

[@dogeyes7261]

I grew up on stuff like Nirvana and Metallica, and still love it. I couldn't stand the country I heard on the radio, but I loved Johnny Cash and the blues. Come to find out, I didn't hate county music. I just didn't like what was getting airplay. The last few years I've been completely taken by all the different types of old country and blues, jazz, Cajun and Zydeco. You can hear the inherent rock and roll trying to bust out of all that music. It's really the foundation of modern pop

[@lordofthemound3890]

Funny thing is, when Doc was “discovered,” he was playing electric guitar in a rockabilly band.

[@michaeltilly6208]

It's a beautiful thing what music can do. Thanks for sharing

[@kathyjuneart]

I moved just in time to see you perform in N.C. I regret I didn't get there sooner. It was an honor. RIP. One of the finest folks the U.S. has ever turned their ears to.

[@AndyGalvan-of1wl]

Hi Kathy💐💐

[@john296]

They don't come any better than Doc Watson

[@bluesriot2]

saw him many times, with merle too before the tragedy, he was a very very special person

[@mcgraw8098]

Enter Billy strings😉

[@mrlinsalata]

They sure as hell don’t.

[@shagadelic4210]

Agreed, doc always seems like he was such a kind, gentle soul in video clips. Just also happened to be a legit guitar GOD yo😳

[@Ivearted]

Billy strings has received the passed torch! Please check him out! 😍

[@DROG.]

When music gives you goosebumps you know its something special :)

[@coocoocachooglin]

It might mean you're special too! :) neurosciencenews.com/music-chills-neuroscience-6167

[@cicibradley2809]

Try Tyler Childers.

[@chaoukibendi9738]

Absolutely dude !

[@kenneth9177]

If Billy Strings loved him, we should too!!

[@jasonhacker7270]

Yep and he loves Monroe too

[@agentorange9586]

Head banging to this in 2024, goes incredibly hard

[@TenThumbsProductions]

The fact that they put Jack White at 17 on the top 100 guitar players of all time and didn't even put this guy on the list shows you that Rolling Stone has either, A, no idea what they are doing, or B, care more about guessing what there audience likes than actually acknowledge the talent of real musicians. Frank Zappa and Mark Knopfler is are two other great examples of drastically under rating fantastic guitar players to please the reading audience.

[@Fatfingertunes]

those 'best 100' things are always a joke. Jack White is hardly what any musician would call a 'real' guitar player, but he's a great character and I know he loves the art. The only thing Rolling Stone is good for is keeping up with Katy Perry and the like, and serious political reporting... musically speaking RS has been lost for years.

[@jakescott1234]

How does Knopfler always get in with the "underrated" crowd?? I think his low ratings are pretty hard-earned to be honest.

[@paul29671]

Many ppl don't even know Frank played guitar to start with. (A lot of them haven't even HEARD of Frank)

[@derekcosten1136]

ya they also had that worst solos every and they put sympathy for the devil on there which might be a short and simple solo but its not always about how intricate you can play the guitar but if it sounds good and isnt sloppy, i agree though never heard of doc watson and didnt realize he was blind im always watching leo kottke , john fahey , chet atkins but you never really hear about them that much anymore either and they plat guitar way better than anyone today, country sucks rap sucks, metal sucks and now day rock sucks, and pretty much everything thats on the radio, even bob segers new shit sucks, good music is all dying

[@derekcosten1136]

Derek Costen Bob Brozman was badass

[@walkerman2503]

Damn! I first heard this played by a man when I was 17. It turned my whole style of playing on it's head. I began to get serious about practicing daily, and this was the one I practiced most. At 55, I'm still pickin' and still learning - God help me if I stop, I might have to die. And God Bless the Martin Guitar Company! The D-16 RGT is grand! First really good guitar I ever bought, and it has opened up it's voice like an angel....

[@YvesD91]

I have worked for two years in USA, and I had the unique chance to attend a Doc Watson concert in a small church in Berkeley, Ca where I lived (in 89, before the quake!). This was one of the greatest concert I went ! I love deep river blues. I still blow the them drivin' to work here in France. Thanks for the vid !

[@choctawironfist8634]

Most that knew Doc,or know Docs abilities often say he is genius...I was friends with Merles boy Richard,who was also exceptional when it came to music,naturally...But an example of what Doc means to folks here in the Gap...well,one day I take off up the Cat(Wildcat rd),to the place at the end of the road,where folks take trash,and recycling...I pull in, in my old bumpside 3/4 ton...Elvis,his ears dragging the pavement,his tongue beating his head in...he had been blowing the leaves off the trees on the ride up...I get out and see Doc putting some milk jugs in the container,as I approach with my various recycling,Doc turns to me and says,"Boy,that Bluetick shore has a pretty voice"...Doc had never met my Elvis...Doc cannot see...with his eyes at least....I was too floored to ask him how in the world he knew Elvis was a Bluetick...I've been around coondogs most of my life and I can tell my dogs from others,but only guess at their breed...Doc knew,without a doubt....So when I see a video,or when I saw him pick live,and he does something extraordinary...I reckon folks got used to him being so common,nobody was shocked when he displayed the humble genius he was....I'm happy to see,those traits shared with the rest of the world...we're proud of Doc here in Deep Gap.

[@19tractor52]

WOW!! What a COOL story-----------love hearing stuff like that----much thanks!!

[@antonewilliam7627]

Forty six years ago, in Portland, OR, I went to see Doc and Merle, and a couple of friends of Merle, play at the Euphoria Tavern. We got there after the good seats were taken, but my girlfriend had some friends who asked us to sit with them up front of the stage. Doc was taking requests and I asked several times for When The Work's All Done This Fall, but it did not get played. I didn't mind. As a picker only ten years into learning I was overjoyed at seeing/hearing one of my heroes so close. After the show while using the men's room I bumped into one of Merle's buddies and asked him to please tell Doc how much I loved their performance. As I left the restroom my girlfriend was chatting with the same gentleman I had spoke to and he said to me, 'hey come on back and give your message to Doc yourself. We stepped into the dressing room and Merle's pal said, 'hey Doc, this young man wanted to meet you'. Doc stuck out his hand, shook mine, and said, 'say there, young fella, I wanted to do that song for you but the other guys didn't know that tune. You come see me again and I promise I will do it for you'. Needless to say, I was stunned that he recognized my voice. And six months later when the same girl and i went to see them at the Bottom Line in NYC, we met Merle. The circle was complete. If one ever gets to feeling a bit down, just get Doc doing Deep River Blues at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass with David Holt in '08. He was 85 years old at that time.kzbin.info/www/bejne/p4LCkpiXrZeYfqM

[@stevesewall]

@@antonewilliam7627 THIS story makes MY day, thank you

[@giannirocco7492]

@@antonewilliam7627 I mentioned Doc to a guitar playing friend who said "if he's so good how come I never heard of him?",well I was floored!Showed him this video and he says "wow,he never looked down at his guitar!",I still get a chuckle!

[@antonewilliam7627]

@@giannirocco7492 This world if full of wonderful songwriters/pickers/singers that we unfortunately never get to see/hear. It's even possible to miss, like your friend did, one of the truly great ones like Doc. Doc was much more than one of the truly great musicians. He was great in who he was as a kind and humble man.

[@pearlmarley3833]

Being from the foothills of NC, Doc was a big part of the music I grew up listing to. The music of Appalachia is something all its own, and it is a big part of the culture in the mountains. Doc will never be forgotten, and MerleFest every April commemorates this amazing man and his family along with the music!

[@laurencedavies1104]

Doc is wonderful singer! It is amazing how good he was playing his guitar although he was blind! RIP Doc! Larry Davies

[@JudiKenney]

There is a memorial to him in Boone, NC, down the road from where he lived in Deep Gap, a bronze memorial of him on a bench playing his guitar titled Doc Watson,"Man of the People" - well deserved. Such a talented musician and singer. When I saw it, it took me back to all his great music.

[@jerry-st7rc]

Flawless performance.

[@softailspringer9915]

Doc was a genius, pure and simple!!!

[@johngroeneveld9013]

With all due respect... Pure, I agree... But simple...? My ass...!

[@urbanflow101]

this is actually a pretty simple song to play. it sounds like there's a lot going on but, there's really not.

[@softailspringer9915]

I think you missed the point brother. Lots of guitar players can play this tune but almost no one can play it with the soul Doc puts in it. Listen to Tommy Emmanuel's version for example. It's all flash No substance. It's not all always what you do it's how you do it

[@tedpeterson6999]

+urbanflow101 BS. Git yer box tuned up and let's hear it.

[@jean-marieboucherit4716]

Did he write the songs?

[@robertbrown3064]

I am thankful for Doc Watson, for preserving and carrying on so much of American heritage that otherwise may have been lost. This music is a time machine. I feel like I'm on a raft with Huck Finn.

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Been to two Doc Watson live performances, and they were among the musical highlights of my life. Sadly, never got to see him perform with Merle, but have many albums of them together... tragic, no father should lose a son that way. Doc is a giant of American music, and a sure-enough genius in the old-time traditional style.

[@adcockbob]

Yes Old Doc was the master flatpicker but this tune shows he had a pretty good grasp of Travis finger style as well! What a singer he was as well! Had the great fortune to see him live many times and evey one was a great show!

[@sonniepretzel]

This is too awesome 🔥 A true guitar genius! Greetings from Sweden! 🇸🇪

[@johnnyrockittunes]

Doc I will miss you so much! I do look forward to one day finally meeting you good sir in that sweet by and by! God Bless your sweet soul and thank you for the music, the love, and the Legacy! God Bless your sweet soul!

[@jbizzle7616]

What a great performance!!

[@parkestanley2436]

Who better to learn this song from, then Doc!!! 😀

[@jerryvandiver7227]

Doc was the Best ever. He and Merle were so Great. He played this old Delmore Brothers number to Perfection.

[@sriiski]

One of the greatest guitar tunes that every guitar picker should know. I'm still working on it with mine, but nobody does it like Doc did. :-)

[@Littlewing4201]

This right here is what you CAW.. down right Pure Character Elegance,, such control and finesse.. and Soulful honesty.

[@maximelepage5928]

He is a legend, he will live forever inside our hearts. Whenever I play guitar, I feel Doc's warm presence behind me.

[@petefl1818]

My 10 year old granddaughter loves this, she sings along with it as she knows all the words and whenever I hear it she's there with me.

[@archiet2205]

I don’t have the literary prowess to articulate why, but when he sings, he sounds like a man who’s seen the world 10 times over…

[@schoontube]

My god, what a gem this is, and what an incredible talent he was. And he's playing this wish just his thumb and forefinger. Crazy. And that swing feel is so hard to do and get it right.

[@hammertownpavao]

Outstanding-Forever in your debt forever your apprentice!

[@christophmb]

An astonishing video. The man is a tremendous gift to us all. Thank you.

[@hookalakah]

What a gifted artist. Doc can never be replaced.

[@MaabudZ]

Saw Doc once in Berkeley in about "65. He played this then and I've been listening to it and loving it ever since. Thanks Doc. We'll miss you.

[@thomasvonkrafft834]

I love this groove, it never gets boring

[@mussie302]

Completely effortless. Beautiful.

[@danielcrook9504]

A true master of the instrument...R.I.P. Doc

[@taildragger53]

Truly unique artist.....what precision in his guitar work. I'd give this film 10 stars! Thank you.

[@knivesandpeppers]

Genuine talent and heart. God bless this man! Won't ever be another like him.

[@tubahead16]

So smooth and clean. A very gifted man indeed

[@PauletteW]

Love it now. Nice memories with this song. Nice to hear it again

[@petephillips2545]

An absolute master at work.

[@johnnyguitar335]

The Great Doc Watson... inspiration to millions of guitarists. Listen to those fingers pick that thing and the voice....Wow! Met him a number of years ago southbound on an airliner to North Carolina. What a Gentleman. The real thang, Doc Watson.

[@ciscokid516]

Thank you so much for posting this great tune from Doc Watson. An American treasure for sure.

[@DavidDavid1980David]

I heard him in the '60s and that one concert completely turned my sense of good music on its head. Up til then it was all Beatles, pop and rock. Doc put the solo voice and guitar into music for me, and I felt as if I had just discovered a new world. I never stopped being a huge fan of his and have loved folk and blues acoustic music ever since. His time was up, but I will also grieve a little.

[@sionyevans]

Absolute genius...I love you Doc

[@simonlockstone2736]

An amazing guitarist. Every note clear as a bell.

[@jeffrey6244]

This is one of my favorite tunes, which I learned to play early on (starting in college). It took some work but the sense of accomplishment was worth it!

[@rodrirm]

Amazing tune, amazing singer, amazing player, amazing blues!

[@jbuell311]

Listening to Doc speak is just as enjoyable as listening to him play. This guy was truly one of a kind and God obviously broke the mold after making him. What a legend. Rest In Peace Doc, and Merle.

[@williamalbritton1867]

I was lucky to see Doc and Merle play in Sonora CA. At a place called raspberries. I got my courage up and walked backstage and met Doc and Merle. He shared how when as a kid he got stung on the temple by a hornet.I was flabbergasted that he shared with me some of his life. I shook their hands and went and watched the show. A memory I will treasure forever.

[@genevieve133]

a good life lived, a great contribution made. we should all strive to do so well.

[@michaelbeavers5028]

One word... BRILLIANT!

[@Dang...]

Excellent, thanks for posting! I saw Doc and Merle at Stompin' 76. They blew us all away!

[@dontgetgrabbed]

The high note he hits at 0:49 gives me shivers

[@aidanmarley2932]

Amazing I'm from scotland and this music is awesome. Check out John Martyn

[@gorblimey61]

Great singer and player. Doc's a multi-talented, multi-instrumentalist and a true gentleman. His style crosses over many genres of traditional roots music.

[@CoreyHarrisinterviews]

I met Doc at MerleFest a few years before he passed away. He was one humble guitar legend.

[@alphadesignerone]

I feel like I've lost a friend. His music and his larger-than-life personality have been a part of my life for over 50 years. I'm grieving, and feel that a major light has been taken away. I remember going to the Fiddler's Convention at Union Grove in 71 0r 72, and he was there. Such a treat to be with him in that kind of setting. He always reminded me of my grandfather, who played guitar, fiddle, and harmonica, and sang those old country blues. It makes me cry.

[@miaamaali]

I saw Doc in 2005, possibly the best live performance I've ever been to

[@dannydoc1969]

He was great, effortless finger picking. Saw him in concert whenever I could. Thanks for the post. More please.

[@dads_diy]

This song always reminds me of my grandfather. Rip to the greatest man I've ever known

[@smcilrath7940]

each note is like a pearl.

[@curtn7076]

Doc represents some of the truest American music ever recorded..with natural talent and a sweet honest voice. Love it.

[@maxi1049]

needed to hear a great man like this, thanks to Shari gellar for reminding of all the past music I always loved! and thanks for posting, awesome!

[@fedehenning82]

This is solid gold❤️

[@BlindTom61]

I saw Doc in 1964 when he was sponsored by the Columbus Folk Music Center, a place I worked while going to Ohio State. He was young and so was I. Made me put down the banjo and pick up a guitar. Thank you doc, you're a great inspiration on so many levels...

[@velocityJE]

my dad was a folk singer and used to sing this all the time. wonderful song

[@montygraham145]

I'm blessed to have a guitar signed by the great legend

[@pennlarry]

An American original who will be sorely missed . . . RIP Doc.

[@adcockbob]

Doc was a treasure! RIP Doc!

[@nasty5oh]

Thanks for posting this. We'll miss you Doc.

[@jaber4774]

What a great musician

[@fretkillrlives]

RIP Doc. His flawless flatpicking has been an inspiration to countless guitarists.

[@rlo829]

Billy strings brought me here and am so very grateful 🙏 True American roots music

[@williamgreenfield9991]

Only got to see this legend once at a festival in Concord CA, probably in the 80's (memory fades when you're old). His son Merle was playing with him. At the end of their amazing set they played a medley of Chuck Berry/Little Richard songs that rocked harder than most full on electric rock bands I've seen (and I've seen a lot, starting with Cream and Hendrix in '68). That medley tore me up and I'll never forget it. RIP Doc and Merle. You are missed.

[@sdg1685]

This is one of the most amazing musical performances I've ever seen

[@zucchdog]

What talent - Thanks for posting!!

[@edfreshwater2026]

Doc is one of the true jewels of Americana. For guitarist, a master to be studied.

[@savagesanity]

This man embodied dedication. To be blind and be able to play like this, and also to sing at the same time. It's amazing.

[@billygoins6013]

I have been working on this song for quite awhile, and I still have not mastered it. So beautiful, Doc made it look so easy. Talent like this is so rare, Doc is sorely missed. A true inspiration.

[@98auzzy]

Doc is the all time best...no one has ever or will ever compare to him. RIP Doc

[@sbbudj]

That was awesome

[@lizzyvance]

I like this guy. He is one of my favorites.

[@johnwilcox3013]

I grew up in a musical family, and my grandfather was friends with Doc and Merle, i was around him for a long part of my life and loved to hear him pic and sing, this song, another called Dig a little deeper, and an old Irish folk tune he would do as a duet with his wife and on e with Dolly was That was the last thing on my mind were my favorites.

[@unstoneable]

I m glad this video is still here I was learning from it how to play with my thumb and fingers like 10 years ago :D. Doc Watson was/is and will remain Legend ! At least to me anyway :D

[@brooksnorton]

Wonderful music. So good. Thanks Doc.