Doc Watson - Little Sadie, best version ever!

[@Forcd2CreateChannel]

Doc Watson was America's Greatest practitioner of American Folk Music. His voice was deep and calm, always giving one a sense that he is on your side, and understands life the way only a man who has experienced great tragedy can know it and express it. Yet it didn't defeat him, it strengthened him and gave him another level of the incredible depth he possessed in reaching our hearts. His music has an ethereal quality that few if any can match, and we mourn our loss. Rest in Peace, Doc

[@SkeligMichael]

Doc Watsons baritone voice. I´ll never forget it. Reast in Peace, Doc. You were blind, but now you see the eternal light.

[@leftypick4854]

Just imagine having a dad playing like that. Bless you both!

[@nateherman8804]

Not just his voice, but his wonderful banjo playing!

[@KimIrby]

Doc is one of my all-time favorite guitar pickers! Thanks

[@tonybaggett1984]

I’m always amazed at how precise and efficient both of them are. Every note is played as clear as a bell.

[@AlexColberg]

He has such a feel for the banjo and guitar. I have rarely heard such feeling in such fast picking. A national treasure.

[@dhoulkarnain]

those good old murder ballads

[@FuneralsInTheRain]

Lay down your head Tom Dooley. Romanticize it all lol

[@josephfryfogle1841]

Pretty polly

[@InjuriousPersonalities]

The way he says “it’s kind of a ballad” comes off rather glib. The whole point is to show that actions have consequences, even if the consequence is relatively light. If his intention is to sing a catchy song and downplay the story it’s actually kind of worthless.

[@writerrad]

Such murder ballads of women were much more common before penicillin, birth control, and abortion became legally available.

[@graciemaye6381]

@@writerrad 100% true

[@adamjacobrogers9155]

so fortunate to have seen him live circa 2008. A true national treasure

[@jssgopman]

Banjo is THE most underrated genre!

[@abigailwintersinkdrinker4097]

Genre?

[@emanuelneagu14]

no, that's lofi hip hop

[@ElonMuskrat-my8jy]

​@@emanuelneagu14*overrated

[@austinvallejo9696]

Imagine this in red dead

[@masteryuda7444]

Yep

[@alfredo7375]

This in the last Of Us 😎

[@timj6121]

"I got a girl in valentine"

[@Dicedude]

If you want to hear a "clean" version of this, it's on his album "Doc Watson on Stage (featuring Merle Watson)".

[@aluminio1207]

Beautiful music. There's a certain joyous yet somber feel to this. Doc Watson and Merle's music will be remembered.

[@neux64]

I am 20 years old as of writing, and when I first listened to this, I knew this has to be one of the last songs I must hear again before I die.

[@maddie9947]

This song is really special to me because my dad used to sing it to me when I was little. I love it so much, and I think you did a great job!

[@maddie9947]

@@charlieboy1201 Thanks!

[@garyclontz7011]

Doc was the speaker at my graduation from Appalachian State University. Put on a great concert with his family and received the honary Doctorate of Music. I still listen to his music routinely. One of my favorites.

[@writerrad]

LOL Wayne Henderson once pointed out how that was a big contrast to the way that the Boone cops used to run Doc off the streets for trying to make money busking, Was the concert in Legends, I have picked there?

[@wvmiller]

he song comes in many flavors and titles, but it seems to have originated in East St. Louis and was an actual event. The story began in the blues tradition, and was supposedly from around the turn of the 19th century (to the 20th).

[@friendlycreature6375]

Nice backstory

[@joannehack7588]

The best rendition I have ever heard

[@SinisterGerbils]

Never heard this before, but it's a precursor to Johnny Cash's "Cocaine Blues" from the Folsom Prison album. Goes to show how folk music never dies, it just evolves.

[@writerrad]

Both of these are versions of a song more widely known as "Bad Lee Brown." Watson is singing a version he learned from Clarence Ashley a banjoist and guitarist from the East Tennessee Western North Carolina area Watson came from who recorded this in the 1920s and introduced the song into the old time music revival in the late 1950s and the 1960s with Watson as an accompaniest.

[@peterpohl9414]

me n my friends wanted to listen to the album "independent worm saloon" from the Butthole Surfers. But it was a mispress. So we listened and listened to Doc Watson on an on. until we got what was goin on, we became somehow bluegrass fans. Or at least Doc Watson fans. that occured in 1993! and this music, this man makes me sad and happy at the same time, and i really love this stuff! i just realized it's 25th anniversary. cheers!

[@partickaljamested5146]

love Gibby and the Buttholes!!

[@randysharp6756]

what a fine example of pure talent and pure performance. Bravo!

[@bloodnabil4693]

2021 and I'm still love that song 💕💜❤️

[@thejulies]

This is from the album "Doc Watson on Stage." It's definitely worth hearing it from the source. It's even more amazing.

[@maj8979]

hedy west's little sadie is my favorite but no one can deny that doc is one of the greats

[@NoRosesForMe]

Great quality of sound! Im certainly happy to find this on YT. Thank you so much. I still have many Doc records/albums and his work with Merle was something not of this world. REAL folk music. Peace to you ~"Jenny"

[@davidkitchens5009]

No apologies necessary a true gem Thank you so much for sharing it with us all

[@ladyleesutter]

Doc is tops. The picking, tone, mood, pace. Re younger groups, I first heard song when Freight Hoppers performed it at Live Oak Music Festival and knocked me out. Excellent musicianship, vocals, harmony, old-timey sound. Crooked Sill is over the top soft and sweet; come on, this is a murder ballad for cryin' out loud! And vocals do NOT sound hillsy, southern oror old-timey, enunciation is too precise,.

[@QuantumPyrite_88.9]

Thanks Charlieboy 1201 !! The sound is fine & Much appreciated .

[@jimmybrooks5902]

If you know more melodies like this, please share. I have only recently been introduced to this kind of music, wouls appreciate it.

[@darlenefarmer4679]

Try to find anything by Jimmy Driftwood. He does a lot of Americana type songs, writes a lot of his own songs. He’s very good but lost to most people. T. Farmer

[@joannehack7588]

It does not get any better than this.

[@Edified86]

best version ive ever heard

[@Doc19700]

Terrific song and even better playing

[@dentalned]

Thanks so much for sharing!! Doc and Merle are the best!!

[@nathanp.3909]

heady west on peat seger show is my fav. This is good.

[@peanisface3950]

thanks for this amazing upload!

[@Yngeldorf]

RIP Doc, Always on top of the world! Sleep tight!

[@Boviss1Bovis]

BEST VERSION EVER!!! (and sorry about the sound quality) seriously

[@VioletGiraffe]

Thank you so much! I have quite a few Doc's recordings, but never knew he did "Little Sadie". However, I still like Crooked Still's version more :)

[@TheVatonaught]

Got to see them together a long time ago...unforgettable night.

[@gregriddle3042]

Doc and Merle …..just so thankful for them!

[@soultylive]

Thanks so much Charlieboy1201 for sharing that piece of History

[@Bob.W.]

Happier times. Miss them both.

[@jessicafalstein]

Is this Merle on the banjo?

[@PETER-rj4he]

Praise you Jesus for delivering my life from the wickedness of sin..😇

[@bikeboatski5692]

Could listen to Doc play and sing all night long....and KZbin makes it easy!

[@saddlebum38]

I just love D.W. songs & this one is just GREAT!

[@clydeen1]

Doc Watson was aweesome.

[@americanmuscle8356]

Sounds like Johnny cash used some of this song for cocaine blues

[@fuzzfac3942]

Johnny cash didn't write cocaine blues

[@yellowkidfortynine4689]

Okay, I checked out "Crooked Still", I have to admit they can give Doc a run for his money. I'm sure he's sittin' somewhere and doesn't mind.

[@TheBuck1283]

Try Tony Rice. His version will make your blood run faster!

[@vicx224]

There's a better version on the gredes album. Doc opening on his first solo live album. Yet. This version is really great. Doc seldom let you down. We miss you Doc. Thanks for uploading. Vx

[@joukokulhelm6844]

Soulfull rootmusic that hits just the right spot's in me

[@gretchenhangleton9603]

Wow, this is great. Thanks for uploading!

[@thefirefelon]

the Tony Rice Unit can't be beat.

[@michaelwebster8389]

Great version.

[@SkeligMichael]

Little Sadie. A classic in american folkmusic.

[@ncsufan81]

This is by no means the best recording of Doc playing this song, but to say Crooked Still plays it better is right out idiotic. Playing this song on a guitar vs. a fiddle and Cello is akin to bird hunting with a rifle vs. a shotgun. You're entitled to your opinion, but I'll say a prayer for your taste in music. :)

[@booradley9640]

HAHA best comment i've read in a while :))))))

[@jigartalaviya2340]

Matthew potter I like the female version of crooked still more doesnt mean i dont like doc playing.Crooked still is just more calming for my head. But i understand that different people with different mindset prefering different versions. I dont go around internet Being an ASS...and using words like "Out right idiotic" and throwing stupid analogies. You're entitled to your opinion, but I'll say a prayer for that thing behind your eyes and between your ears. :)

[@booradley9640]

this is 100 % better than anything crooked still could ever do...BUT... for anybody here (old folks I'm look at you) who doesn't know crooked still's music...yall should check it its really a breath of fresh air

[@raybin6873]

I'm working on this song to include in my set list...the banjo playing is awesome! I'm playing it on mandolin without accompanying instruments. Seems to sound ok.... 😁

[@InstruMentalCase]

I believe this version is from the "Doc Watson On Stage" live album.

[@jwnagy]

Doc was a treasure.

[@NoRosesForMe]

And....yes rest well Doc & Merle♥ Doc was in Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center (hospital) the same time my grandfather was there after his triple bypass. Doc passed away and made it to a better place Im sure. My grandfather came close to death a few times afterwards - other serious things that came along. He was there for 3 months. It was a hard time for us to see my Papa suffer but at least hes still here for now. Sad that Doc passed but Im sure he is happy. Somewhere . Paradise perhaps.

[@joannehack7588]

Agreed

[@kaf890890]

Greatness! Thank you

[@hanniffydinn6019]

Murder ballads should come back

[@CeciltheDiesel1]

The Playbill reads something like this: Presenting for the pleasure of those in Heaven, a performance on the front porch. Doc Watson reunited with Merle Watson. God plays bass.

[@randalmcmurphy1893]

lovely stuff

[@williejones1000]

Sounds fine... beautiful...

[@armand41]

Another great version is Tony Rice's, cut three in the Manzanita album. Listen closely for Jerry Douglas' dobro.

[@wilsonrains]

thank you!

[@daydream1577]

How is nobody here in 2021

[@bennybootz84]

2024 , still here 🤘

[@samb8369]

Also Merle is either using a bluegrass style, or employing some of the best drop thumbing I have ever heard. I know he does both.

[@mikeburks9641]

This man is a national treasure.

[@tonymabe545]

He's actually playing drop thumb claw hammer with his picks on, and switching back and forth between that and three finger. Not an easy feat!

[@PHJimY]

Are you sure it's Merle playing the banjo? If it is, he uses the exact same licks as Doc uses when he plays it on guitar. I always assumed it was Doc's banjo playing.

[@writerrad]

Merle preferred to play finger picking style on both guitar and banjo. I dont think there is any recordings of him down picking. He was really fascinated with the finger style playing of Mississippi John Hurt. This isnt bluegrass style 3 finger picking with rolls, but two finger picking, thumb lead. On the other hand, it isnt the kind of 2 finger with clawhammer brushing that Doc played either. Of course, at least according to Earl Scruggs--and what did he know--his style of banjo was just adding a 3rd finger to 2 finger thumb lead.

[@writerrad]

@@PHJimY No this is a live recording that I think I purchased in 1970 and matches seeing them perform the tune once around then as well. This came from a live double album of Doc and Merle,

[@TheBENNY1943]

A first for me , this is brilliant .

[@themischeifguide]

When I sing this song, I usually substitute 44 smokeless for older cartridge like .46 Remington. I think its a great old tradition of tweaking lyrics.

[@Rustydymon]

One of my favorite tunes!

[@joannehack7588]

🌷

[@chris-mp2py]

Yes Doc the best. mollie tuttle rocks it

[@friendlycreature6375]

So this is the real thing? Just a TLOU fan wandering around ...

[@Mariam-if2su]

well the version they used in tlou was croked still's

[@HSet77]

Actually, I like the sound quality - and the banjo sounds fine - not harsh

[@dianestockton3089]

I cant wait to see the -WATSONS, RICE, and GARCIA- IT WILL BE THE BEST

[@rockandrollbaker375]

what's up with the line through your comment?

[@williamnorkelun1468]

The Pizza Tapes version is my favorite.

[@thefirefelon]

the manzanita is by far the best version.

[@HEADSUPBERKELEY]

Gosh I am astounded that someone here likes a Califonia band doing a song that Doc Watson memorialized, saved and played in the authentic tradition better than some band in California that has never even been to North Carolina. Just astounded at the traditional disrespect of the way things were done. So disrespectful. Guess she is pretty young but she might live to get old enough to appreciate tradition, they cannot ever be as good as the real thing. This is how so many songs and tunes are lost after a few generations people want to know the Timeline and who changed it and how. I just want to know why cause I hear all kinds of bands making off with the music sometimes it is ok but taking things to a place where the next few generations do not even get the chance to here the authentic version is kin to theft. Free country though.

[@HEADSUPBERKELEY]

God Bless You Victoria! I used to live in Ashe County

[@garymorris9571]

I'll take Hedy West's version, live, on Pete Seegers Rainbow Quest show and easy to find here on KZbin.

Oh Yeah. I can feel the climate of 60's America

[@nakogamez1561]

The Last Of Us squad where you at

[@gammeltfossil]

Let me just ramble about computergames in a thread about one of the greatest musicians of the 20th century.

[@dillonwalsh8219]

I wish everyone hadnt begged for a sequel

[@KTMSparky]

When did this play during the game?

[@ludomirsteinbruck9376]

What?

[@myri_the_weirdo]

I listened to it for years and I haven't noticed it was in the games before today

[@matdive7634]

Happy winding.

[@samb8369]

Anyone know what key this is in? Thanks

[@nuclearjanitors]

The Sadies cover of this song is awesome, better than Crooked Still's. I seriously suggest all of you find it.

[@yellowkidfortynine4689]

Doc was like Ray Charles, others did good versions of his stuff, but the "originals" are the best.

[@eckmacdonald]

How can anyone dislike this? Maybe the subject matter? Musically it's genius!

[@PHJimY]

I recall playing a show a couple of decades back and having a lady chew out our guitar player for a murder ballad, saying that it condones spousal abuse. Studying murder ballads, I've found that: -If it is a man killing a woman, the song is usually first person and the guy is a scumbag, often named Willie, who has little or no reason for his act and ends spending his life in prison or hanging from a white oak tree. (Little Sadie, Banks Of The Ohio, Tom Dooley) -If it's a woman killing a man, it's usually third person and, though she's sometimes hanged or put in prison, she's usually a sympathetic person, since he "done her wrong". (Frankie And Albert/Johnnie, Miss Otis Regrets, Monongahela Sal) -If it's a guy killing another guy, it's third person and he's unsympathetic. "At twelve o'clock they killed him; we were glad to see him die." (Jesse James, Stack O'Lee) -There are fewer songs about women killing women, but some, like The Cruel Mother are about women murdering their children. A singer is playing a part. If I sing Little Sadie, it doesn't mean that I condone murder or spousal abuse any more than an actor who plays a bad guy in a movie or TV show does.

[@allenjalaligmail]

RIP Sir.... You made me See the World in a Better, Brighter Light..... Thank You.... Rest in Your Everlasting Peace....

[@writerrad]

Watson learned this from Clarence "Tom" Ashley who recorded to song playing five string banjo around 1927. Watson started as an accompanist to Tom Ashley and can be heard backing Tom on guitar in many recordings they made in the 1950s and 60s,, Here is Ashley's 1920s banjo recording kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4mqcp1nmpiGmqc

[@charliehorse8112]

Good one charlieboy

[@nick1602games]

While this is good, I respectfully disagree that this is best version, though I’m biased toward the version I heard first by crooked still.

[@yellowkidfortynine4689]

PS I will check out "Crooked Still."

[@stephenhenion8304]

Doc Watson... 2007 ... Philly Folk Festival..... great music.... my advice to y'all.... get off the couch and get a guitar!!! I did!🎵🎵🎵🎶

[@michaelsloanthegang1530]

....do you think that's two banjos?

[@dannyboydeluxfromthebigitybay]

what a dark creepy ass song

[@Seanamenra]

The story of little Sandy's real?

[@Texicus_Reddicus]

*sadie

[@perduk1]

The sound quality would have to be a lot worse than this to keep me from enjoying Doc and Merle Watson's music. I was working in Vermont back in the 80's and Doc made an appearance somewhere in Vermont every year. Happy to say I saw him in an old country church once and at an elementary school the second time. Both venues were small and very packed. I felt like I had reached a pinnacle in my life as I listened to him play. There will never be another Doc Watson.

[@alexmason420]

Thanks the last of us 2😍😍