Doc Watson ~ Sitting on Top of the World ~ Bristol 9-20-08

Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion ~ the legendary Doc Watson with David Holt, doing a little story telling and performing Sitting on Top of the World.

[@RushAustin]

Early 1980's. I was a sullen young teenager when my mom begged me to go see this fella I'd never heard of play at Mars Hill college. I relented and huffed and puffed my way there only to witness this incredible player and singer and then learned he was blind. That was my introduction to Doc Watson. Years later, at MerleFest, we were sitting on the front row in a small tent watching the Blind Boys from Alabama (who were phenomenal). As they wrapped up a guy came out and said, "Folks, if you want to keep your seats, we have special treat for you." And Doc and Jack came out and played a set. I was close enough to touch Doc. Brings tears just thinking about the joy and love that man gave to the world.

[@taylordiclemente5163]

Grace, peace, and joy. Rewards of a life savored and contemplated.

[@jessisdad]

If and when i get to heaven i hope i am reunited with my dog and sit and listen to Doc and Merle

[@darrenbrown9644]

. l

[@alicelovell3905]

Thats a Fine Dream

[@JerrySmith-ih9rd]

Yeah….I’ll go along with that.

[@The900custom]

and jj

[@paulbrent4159]

Had the honour of meeting Doc and shaking hands with him at the 1979 Cambridge Folk Festival in England. For once here was a man that truly deserved the epithet 'great' in all regards. The whole world is poorer for his passing. RIP Doc.

[@theflash1425]

I did the live sound for you and Merle once, and twenty years later, we crossed paths and you actually remembered me! Like many others, I miss you, Doc.

[@Ledprostate]

Doc crossed over and can now see! Great man.

[@rodsreel]

+Robert Schmitt - What a great thought, cheers fae Bonnie Scotland.

[@maryplaidy6814]

Robert Schmitt Great comment. Love the sentiment.

[@kikapoo44]

Thanks for this posting this Video That was my Mom he pulled up in the cherry tree. She told me about that the first time 40 years ago. She really was thrilled to be up in that tree with him and all thoes cherries. The one thing he does not tell that she told me was that before he let her down he made her promise not to tell Mama about this episode and she promised and never told cause if she had Arthel would have been in BIG trouble.

[@dannypetty4308]

this is family this is my mother's cousin Doc Watson I met him when I was a little boy and he was awesome he sure has some stories to tell wish I'd known him better

[@AccordionJoe1]

David Holt is a grossly under-rated musician. He plays banjo, mandolin and guitar, including the dobro, which he is picking in this video. I know Doc Watson appreciated having David as his side man.

[@Theo_Philus]

I think that is a round-neck resonator guitar. I have played both, although I use a round-neck. He is quite accomplished if he can play all of those instruments that well! A square-neck reso, what most call a dobro, sits on the lap and has a much higher nut and is played using a steel bar. A round-neck plays like a regular guitar, although it can be tuned to an open tuning as he seems to have done here.

[@rodsreel]

Real folks, real music - all day long. Doc can pull more music out of a song than anyone else I know. Both great musicians here. Thankyou boys.

[@iamised1]

Was going to reply, but Mike said it for me. Brought tears to my eyes.

[@tylerhurd9569]

What legend, not just with a guitar but his old stories.

[@USNAVDC]

Doc Watson Thanks for all the music! R.I.P.

[@FrancescoAlcozer]

R.I.P. Doc Watson ✝ kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWS5aaONZpl2hZo *LOST💜FRIEND* - Song dedicated to friends who have left this world. Guild Guitar cover by *Duane🎸Eddy*

[@filobloomz]

Doc knew that God is always with us. He wanted his sister to experience that divine presence - the three of them 20 feet up in a cherry tree sharing a very special moment that he, and I'm sure his sister, never forgot. His efforts to raise her up to be with him was an act of pure love and charity. Doc was not blind, the scales had fallen from his eyes a long time ago

[@meleeECI]

Innocent and open, but not Naive. Experienced but not jaded. Simple but only because he realizes that many things do not equal happiness. Self sufficient even through severe handicaps. Loves the Lord even through great turmoil. This is what America was made of and the only thing that will bring us back to greatness. The 2 people I look up to most in life are Doc Watson and Zig Ziglar. Both amazing men of faith and character. I can't say enough good things about them.

[@danielberry9610]

Doc is a freaking legend. Rest in peace.

[@JoJoTandTheJuice]

Doc Is The Best Story Teller I've Heard ever Heard , And There's A Friend Of Mine May He Rest In Peace * Gamble Rogers * Now He Could Tell A Great Story Also , And Gamble Was Also One Of The Best Guitar Pickers I've Ever Met , Gamble Was One Of My Guitar Teachers .. God Bless Them Both .. !

[@ricksara3319]

Forever thanks Doc !!

[@edwardmcmann5925]

David has done much to support and promote the musicians in North Carolina. He is always promoting someone else and helping them tell their story. He plays all kinds of instruments, has hosted radio and television shows and been successful on his own. Saturday he was in W-S visiting Doc and playing him a little music. Doc chose his friends and who he performed with. He chose well when he chose David as a friend.

[@GMAW56]

R.I.P. Doc - thanks for all the wonderful music. Tell them all I'm coming there tooo.

[@AMYV3]

What a beautiful soul... . thank you to Doc and my late mother for introducing me to his beautiful music xo

[@imdrs]

Love you, Doc. And, thank God for David Holt!!

[@browser007200]

Thanks for this its wonderful and so is Doc

[@chuckyt9083]

I only discovered this awesome man a year or so ago. My loss. I coulda been listening to one of the absolute very best musicians all my life. He has improved my guitar picking and my love of music!

[@vtwin2006]

Thanks for sharing this video . I was there in Bristol and got to see Doc perform. It was a great night!

[@monroe1285]

What a wonderful piece of music. I will sorely miss Doc: he was an amazing musician to see and hear. In all the years I've listened to his music, I never knew why he was blind until this very moment! Rest In Peace, Doc: now you can see all that you missed in this life "seeing" with your other senses!

[@downtroddenmusic]

doc is simply peerless. thank you for posting this.

[@swingrfd]

This great song, recorded by the Mississippi Sheiks 02/17/1930 has become a blues standard and has found its way into Bluegrass and Western Swing. Bob Wills recorded it 5 times.

[@Bluesmanstrat1]

Just priceless!

[@smallaxe707]

RIP Doc thanks for the memories.

[@martinaxman2033]

I've never been able to see Doc in person so this is a greatly appreciated look. For me a big part of the performance are the little pieces of his personal life that helps fill out the full picture. You did pretty well considering the angle you had to shoot from. Doc's a pleasure in any event. Thanks.

[@7550375503]

martinaxman: Doc never got to see any of us either.

[@lindalong756]

Saw Doc Watson live in small venue near Ocoee River. Wonderful, will never forget it

[@cphillips123]

Oh yeah? Which venue,if you remember? I'm from the area also,and thought I might know where/when you're speaking of

[@lindalong756]

The old Grumpies that was part of Ocoee Outdoors. It burned several years ago and the good music died up there.

[@cphillips123]

+Linda Long Boy,are you ever dead on about that! When places like Grumpies close,people's attention passes not only from the musicians,but from the music as well...The venues are kind of a concentration point if you will,to focus on the older forms that are so often the bread and butter of these places.A sad passing of the art forms,actually

[@lindalong756]

This was in the old Grumpy's before it burned. They always had good music and introduced artists like like this to a small community.

[@zenmeister451]

There's such honesty in his/their music. Such a great man…such great men.

[@ratsozellie115]

God bless Doc.....He was the best

[@timmyles314]

Doc Watson is GREAT ! Thanks for the post.

[@4sixLostSouls]

One of the greats and true original picking or singing Now he will be rewarded completely for the joy he brought us.Pay Day, sweet Pay Day! Can't replace Doc he was a Master performer

[@FranzRobertWILD]

Nothing heals me better than Doc singing and playing guitar. Thanx for sharing! The second guitarist is real good at slide guitar.

[@Lonboy730]

David Holt is now doing a tribute show to Doc. I saw what I think was the first show at the Heritage Hall in Mt City TN. It was Outstanding with lots of history of Doc and his family and career. If you get a chance to see him...jump on it. You won't regret it. Rest in Peace, Doc. You are amazing.

[@fuxgood]

@kikapoo44 The whole truth comes out sooner or later LOL. Thanks for sharing the rest of the story. Amazing how well Doc has held up. He can still play and sing beautifully. I've seen him perform with David Holt several times. They compliment each other very well.

[@billprindle1613]

Heart-breakingly beautiful

[@danbradley6742]

I was blessed with seeing Doc and David twice. Doc was the best!

[@kikapoo44]

Thanks for the comment. Yeap it is true. Mom and Doc were close all her life. She was proud of him and he was proud of her.

[@duececaboose]

i feel so lucky i've been fortunate enough to have seen him live. he's an american treasure.

[@MrElefantungen]

RIP D. W Many good memories 💚 Thanks ❤❤❤

[@philippewillefert9606]

From Chti Will: so nice old fellow, Doc, I'll never forget you, as sitting on top of the best american folk singers. Rest in peace, and hope to meet you in Heaven

[@deneicee]

Thank you for sharing that with us!

[@duaneholcomb8408]

Grew up in the mountains. Listing to doc , and a lot of other boys who could play , there used to be and old general store where folks came brought there banjo fiddle guitar or mandalin and they would pick and play till about oh 11,00 clock at night. Then the owner would say well folks we got to call it a night best time of my life. Right there,,,

[@shamoo58]

Doc is Why People Want to play the Guitar peorid

[@browser007200]

Thanks or this its wonderful and so is Doc

[@albertgerace9737]

LOVE THAT PICKIN' GREAT TUNE!

[@pegxxx]

Excellent !!! Thank You for the posting !! LB

[@irisfiamma]

Thanks for sharing!

[@knierman]

Top of the world, Doc. R.I.Pickin' heaven.

[@timtipton5071256]

What a treasure he remains to be...

[@JanPistorius]

great video ,, thank you for posting it

[@wenditube100]

Doc Watson is my 4th cousin. I have never met him although my mom has. I truly hope to get that opportunity sometime soon.

[@gaylordhart2465]

this is great thanks

[@jimchumley2982]

My favorite cover version.

[@mekes12]

Kikappoo44, thanks for the great story. we all love the good Doctor!! He is an American treasure and I am so glad to have seen him live quite a few times. These stories and videos are precious to us all.

[@josephpetrillo2243]

Doc. I love you old friend.

[@johneidson2008]

You can;t beat that, great!!!!!

[@Exploro]

Love it!

[@rjwh67220]

I just can’t believe that Doc Watson would have used some kind of pickup to electrify a fine sounding guitar and make it sound like a Harmony with a Barcus Berry.

Kids must be taught to keep our culture,history,traditions and patriotism alive.

[@kennethclark9037]

Doc you are amazing on guitar, an singing great yah, you have a subperb style on guitar.

[@clyde21641]

Doc will be missed but I know God is glad to get him home.

[@deneicee]

Truth. Earlier post from 4 yrs ago: by Virgil Hackenbush Thanks for this posting this Video That was my Mom he pulled up in the cherry tree. She told me about that the first time 40 years ago. She really was thrilled to be up in that tree with him and all those cherries. The one thing he does not tell that she told me was that before he let her down he made her promise not to tell Mama about this episode and she promised and never told cause if she had Arthel would have been in BIG trouble.

[@bboorideau5253]

Good little sister, wonderful brother,-love to all...x

[@IBG67]

Please Doc, come back to Bristol.

[@hotelcaliforniarazor6950]

Grand, très grand monsieur de l'Americana. Un des trésors américains...

[@adamschmalenberger]

a legend

[@michaelerickson3301]

Beautiful song. The melody reminds me a lot of I Am A Pilgrim/Not Made By Hand.

[@imsteelersfan]

awesome!

[@jamieholmes5443]

Legend

[@deneicee]

@WILDAIR David Holt is pretty good! I've seen him with Doc a few times and on his own a few times. Like Doc, he's a good story teller.

[@heatmanable]

pretty darn nice

[@morleybolero]

RIP, Doc.

[@KevCooperman]

check this,great job guys,i love the curtis gordon version.

[@1313RAH]

IF u like this song u will love SOULMOBILIN both beautiful songs

[@wildrose58]

@kikapoo44 awww...what a sweet story !! What an amazing grandpa you have

[@JordanMedina]

Sweet

[@dannyhupp5223]

STEVE HOLT!

[@cwsturgeon]

@kikapoo44 thats cool, thanks for sharing

[@jpswonderfulworldofcycling1540]

Klingonz did a cover called "springtime". Crazy music

[@CClovestar]

fare you well Doc

[@Bpartney21]

whoever dislikes ol' Doc Watson obviously was in the wrong place

[@gorblimey61]

R.I.P. Doc. Tell Merle I said hello.

[@suffisance]

David Holt :)

[@Sarangpathak]

God❤

[@Vesuvius5117]

w.o.w...!

[@shirleyst.charles3126]

😍

[@1starshot]

2 dislikes........2 very sad humans

[@dobroanjo]

where can i find these recordings?

[@donling2237]

David is playing a Biscuit Bridge Resonator guitar. It is Not a Dobro per se. He is playing it also as a slide guitar. However the Dobro and David's guitar are not synonymous.

[@MarkSmith-wo4cp]

Some come see and others can''t see all..

[@KFost1030]

Doc mentions "pecks" of cherries. Know that 1 peck = 1/4 of a bushel.

[@wayneconn1079]

Is this Bristol in the UK or the States ???

[@deneicee]

Tennessee/Virginia, it’s a border town.

[@Devibas]

Doc you pick a mean guitar

[@denniegh]

It is you....isn't ?

[@martam518]

Post a tabs. Would like to learn how to play it.