Doc Watson - Tennessee Stud

Doc Watson performs "Tennessee Stud" in 1979.

[@digeratidesign]

In 1975 or '76, in the rain, I had the privilege of sitting about 3 feet from Doc and Merle Watson at a small bluegrass festival in the Cumberland Gap (not sure if we were in Maryland, West Virginia or Pennsylvania)! All my friends were damp and irritated and they went back to our camp, but I stayed with just a handful of people as Doc played his heart out for us for 45 minutes. It was one of the great musical moments of my life - they were both just full of joy and so talented.

[@niitsukid]

Barbara Davis great memory ! Thanks for sharing

[@RogerDHicks-qi5eh]

If you were actually in the Cumberland Gap, you were in either KY, TN, or VA.

[@jeffalbillar7625]

You commented so long ago, but thank you for sharing. I envisioned your experience, through your memory. Too cool.

[@minniesfishies3024]

@@RogerDHicks-qi5eh Probably at Delfest (Del McCoury) at the Cumberland (Md.) Fair Grounds. Outstanding lineups year after year.

[@genehall8895]

Cumberland gap is in Kentucky, beside the Tennessee border.

[@jeddyhi]

Doc Watson. What more can you say? Legendary national treasure. Will never be another like him.

[@barbaralee6410]

You're absolutely right, there will never be another Doc Watson, but you should check out a young man called Billy Strings who does an amazing cover of this and many other Doc songs as well as other bluegrass standards and writes some great original stuff too!

[@mackdaddie222]

Fifteen people disliked this? Doc was and is a national treasure.

[@onemanmatt]

That is Bizarre! ? :-)

[@resipsaloquitur13]

Adam Blevins That’s for true.

[@DooDooBatterInPant]

Yes he was, I knew him my uncle used to play with him. He was the nicest most down to earth guy you'd meet if it wasn't for him I probably wouldn't play guitar today

[@nickmaille5951]

I feel as if there are just people out there who dislike every video they watch

[@davidlowney634]

Why do you care who doesn't like this..really?

[@billwindsor4224]

I stumbled on Bluegrass in my late high school and college years; I didn’t like country music, but I knew Bluegrass was different: the precision, expertise, and tempo were at such a high level. I became a great fan. This performance by Doc Watson and his associates is staggeringly good 🥇🥇; much respect and props to them. Miss you guys.

[@timmyles314]

The world was graced by Doc Watsons presence.... what a talent.

[@AlpineRyan]

Doc is the best guitar player I've ever performed with. Awesome. Im a fiddler.

[@lawsonshelton9053]

Saw him many times at the Birchmere. Never be another Doc.

[@195819581111]

This is so tight... will not leak a single drop. Doc and company play this to perfection and yes Doc is a national treasure.

[@AerosmithI0Rocks]

Proud to say Billy Strings brought me here... Pretty badass that such a young cat introduced an even younger cat like myself to banger classics such as this... I'm a 23 year old metal head but I can't deny the sheer talent displayed here. (Edit, dont let my username fool you. I grew up originally a classic rock junkie. Aerosmith became my favorite band at aged 8, i named my account Aerosmith10Rocks at age 10, then slowly throughout the years I was introduced to Slipknot and Avenged Sevenfold and converted to metal head, but i still love and appreciate all the classic stuff)

[@onisgagan2481]

I was lucky enough to hear him sing this when I was a kid in the 1980’s at the Washoe Theatre in Anaconda Montana..

[@mariemize9893]

My favorite Doc Watson song! I was lucky to have seen him and Merle around this time.

[@krisswegemer1163]

Dude... I envy you...

[@etherashe5164]

Man ... I saw Doc years ago, just after he came out of retirement from Merle's death. He was a phenom. Best musician I ever heard. Hands down.

[@keithp1417]

As much as I love this song and this artist, it makes my heart glad to read so many admiring comments here, and to know that people still respond to great, honest music

[@brianthompson7264]

How could anybody dislike this, they must be deaf philistines!

[@StephanieSmith-tx4oo]

Brian Thompson David get your rocks! Ha

[@revskull]

A philistine?? How ironic

[@ldhorricks]

maybe some redskins

[@iwaegian]

Rest in peace Doc. Love you. Thanks for everything.

[@johnnybox6070]

Doc is absolutely amazing. A true gift sent from God above for us to enjoy. RIP Doc. Looking forward to seeing you in Heaven ole buddy.

[@aggiemuster]

RIP Doc! Your music will live on forever and ever.

[@yyz4761]

I was intruded to this song from Johnny Cash. I love his vocals and the tempo of his version. This version is incredible.

[@FirstLast-dp8wb]

Go listen to Billy Strings do it. It will be your favorite.

[@hdrjunkie]

I agree 100%

[@kellyleach6270]

Nobody could do tennessee stud as good as Doc! Best ever!

[@mattfromwiisports7701]

Well maybe billy strings

[@rynoman3688]

Matt from Wii Sports my favorite version, maybe because it’s a more modern, or younger sounding tune w billy

[@tothepoint7258]

@@mattfromwiisports7701 Ridiculous.

[@tinman3952]

Billy Strings is better.

[@pedobear497]

ToThePoint How eloquent you are. I am in awe. Probably an American.

[@motesore]

Watson is a national treasure

[@RahRahRaharu]

Been there seen that. Can't say any other music is as real as this stuff from the Appalachians. Go Doc! Go Tennessee! Long live America!

[@debishelton9647]

Dad and I loved this pioneer picker~there was magic in those fingers. 🤩

[@asuvbchic11]

Doc and my great grandfather Ivan Younce were best friends and played together many times. When my great grandfather passed away Doc came and played at his funeral. Doc is truly a great man.

[@jhumptydumpty999]

My favorite Doc Watson song.

[@MoeSlislack]

James Lucas mine too!

[@tedpeterson1156]

NOBODY quite does it the way Doc did, it's fun to play, and he shows how. He had a great singing voice too, is part of it.

[@user-jd9ve4ky8g]

Always loved this song ❤

[@cwiles642]

A true American Legend. My friend Doc.

[@muayen]

It was 30 years ago when I first listened this song. Marvelous performance, thanks to Doc...

[@RayNDeere]

No doubt Merle was waiting at the gates of Heaven, guitar in hand, ready to start playing together again

[@captainjerryoutlaw3977]

I clearly recall the day that Merle died in the tractor accident that killed him. He was working on their farm. I heard the news on my radio very shortly after the tragedy. I was one of thousands of Doc and Merle fans who were terribly saddened by this. I held great sorrow in my heart for Doc. I sure do miss both Watsons and that special sound,but I bet those boys are picking in Glory!

[@scrjon]

If there is a heaven and I hope there is, they got one awesome band

[@kmas0407]

What a musical genius. RIP Doc

[@yung_sparrrow3533]

Hands down the best bluegrass song ever

[@dennisdevine3382]

There never was horse like The Tennessee Stud! What a horse!

[@rcobb5081]

AMAZING and what many say... in the pocket. I love this one because Merle and his dad are playing together.

[@jbdmed]

been watching Doc since he showed up on the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band album (1974?) "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" An American treasure

[@muayen]

he had the nerve, he had the blood, and never was a guy like Doc Watson.. Enormous song..., beautiful performance...

[@YeahItsMannie]

I danced around to this song on repeat from my dad's record player in my living room. There is no better song in American history. I'm going to go have the same adventure and get my girl no matter how long it takes.

[@neukertification]

What a pleasure to listen to Doc. A man and his guitar, telling a story. One of the simpler pleasures of life, listening to Doc Watson. What a marvelous talented man. Wow...

[@andrewphillips5509]

Love this song, I can't help but sing along!

[@melissaunde]

RIP Doc Watson.....You will be missed. :(

[@ducketh72]

Saw him myself about same time in Tallahassee in a bluegrass concert held out from town in what was just a wooded area. He was fantastic. Had about five or six other musicians sitting in half circle around him on stage but he was the star that evening.

[@davenorman6717]

I was in Tallahassee at that time...sorry I missed it...sounds awesome...i loved Tallahassee and the area around Tallahassee

[@GulfSouthGene]

A great story about a horse come's alive with Doc's chording-phrasing, meledy-note picking, little observation comments in certain bars, thunmping on sound board with horse hoofs sound, just such an entertaining personal performance. He was a master of telling stories with guitar accompanient. My grandad use to tell me the story about the strawberry roan horse, I just loved to listen to it.

[@dancochrane617]

Doc Watson. Beautiful brilliant playing. I miss him. He was like a breath of fresh air.

[@BrandonStoudt]

The first person to dislike this should feel ashamed of themselves.

[@ianfeuerhake1859]

My dad used to play this a lot when I was a kid. Good memories

[@wantsomecoffee]

omg. just listening and not watching i recognized the skillful playing of that mandolin as none other than Marty Stuart! i know that man & his music. just great.

[@JustinGray70]

Skill at this level is often imitated, never duplicated.

[@melvin100755]

Real country music, not like today.

[@sniperofwiz]

for the people coming across this at random, the man singing and playing guitar is also blind.

[@benneterbaugh3652]

I work at a thrift store and came across a couple of his albums today. Curiosity got the best of me, so I looked him up on Pandora. Needless to say, his channel is one I plan on keeping around.

[@Berniewahlbrinck]

Thank you, sir!

[@GeorgiaBoy1961]

Being blind never held Doc back. The man was a musical genius, and that's no lie. He could play just about any instrument he set his mind to and was equally-adept at writing songs, doing arrangements, or telling stories and jokes. He was such a wonderful vocalist, too - always told a story and took his listeners along. His sense of time was superb, as was his sense of pitch. If he didn't have perfect pitch, he came darned close. And talk about taste in his selection of songs, delivery and just the way he presented a song! There will never be another Doc Watson. Seeing him in concert a couple of times was one of the highlights of my musical life. Sure do miss you Doc!

[@stiffyvokes2404]

Man...I've known about Doc Watson for years, but this comment was the first time I heard he was blind. I must've been sleeping.

[@svenleeuwen]

Than how did he ride that horse all over the land?

[@hollyzukowski4216]

I noticed he left out the first part of the last verse: "Stirrup to stirrup and side by side we crossed the mountains and the valleys wide We came to big muddy and we forded the flood on the Tennessee Mare and the Tennessee Stud" Then continues with Pretty little baby on the cabin floor.... I never get tired of hearing this song. Brings back such memories.

[@jennycooper5364]

doctor doctor please a dose of watson

[@garyharris3159]

I Been In Docks House Down on Elk He Was Blind But He Didn't Let it Get Him Down one Of My Favorites ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@randystein7374]

A great singer, musician and human being. RIP Doc

[@gladyskravitzjr825]

This has to be one of my favorite song performances of all time.... I remember when I first heard Doc singing this way back in the 1970s on the local FM station in Tucson, Arizona. That was a great station.... used to play all different genres of music and comedy. Good times.

[@alouettewhisper2151]

I remember my Pa would play this on his radio in his big old truck when I was little. I miss those sweet summer nights

[@GeorgeHead456]

When I bought my Epiphone Jumbo in Boulder, CO in 1974, Doc & Merle came into the store while I was trying it out - so I played with them (or rather, played along while they were playing). Fond memory; I still have the guitar.

[@TheAmosmaki]

Don't know how to explain this but I'll try. I'm from Memphis, the capital of the Mississippi Delta. I'm a Deadhead, learned in the ways of Robert Hunter and Jerry Garcia. This is a great piece of Americana. Incredible. When I was following the Dead some girls would love my (our) accent (which are really negligible) and we'd always say we're from "Memphis," no need to include the state because Memphis is a state unto itself. The lyrics about the Tennessee stud and Tennessee mare, whippin' her brother and slappin' her 'paw, man, that's just great stuff. And then the little foals to cap it. It's that outlaw flavor combined with earnestness and tenderness - imbued throughout so many Dead songs - that connects this Memphian to the broader bluegrass/country flavor here in TN. Our state is backwards politically in many ways, but just think about the cultural impact of two Tennessee cities, Memphis and Nashville. World changing. Amazing stuff. Sorry for rambling

[@mikepatterson8812]

Backwards politically?🤔

[@ivykat9009]

What a great man. He was friends with my Dad, I remember when he came to our house for dinner, I was such an impressed lil girl by Doc. Such a kind guys. Rest In Peace Doc.

[@billdornan4379]

August 2023 ❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻🇨🇦

[@James-StJames]

A Masterclass.

[@jerryw6699]

This is just so tight, perfect.

[@chuckjohannessen3330]

Doc was something else. I had the Three Pickers CD and wore that thing out. Walk on Boy.

[@samsnephew3209]

Phenomenal level of skill. Family traditions in the Smoky Mountains.

[@RayNDeere]

I've heard a lot of versions of this song, but I think I can say this without much argument, this is the definitive version of the song. Doc is still going and performing. He is an American Treasure.

[@thevinoman]

One of the greatest guitar players ever.

[@carolh1652]

How could one "dislike" it???

[@rickatica]

Gone but will NEVER be forgotten as long as I am around anyway!!!! Had the pleasure of seeing him play live once at Bogart's in Cincinnati Ohio !! Great show small place with great acoustics!!

[@jeffreyabelson7171]

I just recently discovered this great tune!

[@missoceana22]

Love this song! It's always been one of my favorites!

[@JamesLeeJobe]

Awesome. Just wonderful.

[@irishsteve209]

I love how he talks to the horse, there was a mutual understanding between the pairing of them. Respect, both man and horse understood that their fate was entwined.

[@ltbarkley]

I went to school at App State in Boone, NC - he played near there quite a bit. Unfortunately, at the time I was not a fan of bluegrass and didnt even know of him. Many years later, I became a fan of this style of music and learned to play quite a bit of it on guitar, learned of him, but he had passed away by that time. I wish I had the opportunity to see him live.

[@pthirlby1]

Magic .... one of the greatest guitarists that ever lived

[@katahdin1979]

What a loss! I saw him in concert in Augusta, Maine several years ago and loved the performance. I believe it was shortly after Merle died.

[@mrdogmoon]

I was in the front row at Maryville college on a Friday night at the Steve Kaufmann’s Flatpicking Camp I’m thinking it was 2002. Doc was there with Jack Lawrence and Docs grandson. They were tuning up by ear when I overheard Doc tell his grandson son that E string is a little off. His grandson was tuning and Doc said now you have it. I was shocked this was before battery tuners. And the show was the best I ever seen. Amazing! Rest in piece Doc Watson you are missed.

[@JusKat58]

Thank you, Doc.

[@vaibanez17]

RIP Doc Watson, the master of a lost art

[@folksurvival]

Billy Strings

[@leftypick4854]

Respect.

[@agfrosty9371]

Thanks for what you gave us, Doc.

[@andreiferrera9981]

I'm learning this piece on guiitar and just stumbled upon this. Wow! This version is crackling with energy. Full throttle pickin from start to end. Amazing.

[@RayNDeere]

@dex2345 Yes. The lineup together: Doc Watson: vocals, lead guitar Merle Watson: guitar T. Michael Coleman: bass, vocals Marty Stuart: mandolin

[@fretkillrlives]

I saw Doc and this exact band back in the 70's. That's Marty Stewart on mandolin. Doc is at the top of his game in this clip. This song was written by Jimmy Driftwood who also penned "The Battle of New Orleans". Thanks for posting.

[@ronnieroberts6830]

fretkillrlives doc watson

[@enrirodz5067]

Lucky you!

[@SSchus87]

Thanks for sharing!!! Doc rules, and anything with Merle in it is a special treasure!!!

[@johnmarsh139]

At least one Tennessee boy loves this.

[@TheMargarita1948]

Beautiful man, beautiful music. The first three times I saw Doc and Merle was 3 nights in a row at the Riverboat in Toronto in 1969. American folk music aficionados all over the world are playing Doc's and Merle's records tonight. RIP two fine pickers

[@Alan62651]

Back when acoustic instruments were mic'd. I first saw Doc and Merle in about '72, and fell in love with their music.

[@marilykw]

so love this song Thank you

[@scottiecampbell6933]

I’ll be honest, if it had not been for PBS a few years ago, I would not even know Doc Watson or David Holt even existed! Mr. Watson was one heck of a musician (flat picker) and I will forever admire him, RIP Doc Watson!!!!

[@dannyedwards2221]

I'm the Tennessee stud! Doc Watson rode me :)

[@japicic]

dann edward did he whip you too?????????????????????????????? did you enjoy the ride?????????????????????????????????????????????

[@QuantumMechanic_88]

Stunning and Thank You Bluegrass Library.

[@mojoman566]

Merle was the man. Saw him play with his father several times in the 70's and it was always awesome.

[@fentonjames]

that's a young marty stuart on mandolin.

[@chrismcloughlin163]

Well spotted ... the volume of hair hasn't changed... just the shade. (Johnny Cash does a version of this song but the verse about the 'Indians' has been excised on the recording I've heard.)

[@bluegrassboy7544]

Wow

[@bbldga427]

I was just thinking whowere the manalinnist

[@dennisrocker]

I don't tbink that's Marty.

[@f5mando]

@@dennisrocker It is Marty.

[@jimnem1]

amen this is the real country

[@deancamf]

How sweeeeeet it is!

[@WMM0729]

This is amazing.

[@larrykrakow8927]

Thank you

[@stratognat100]

Here lies a piece my life... part of what made me what I am. I will pass this on and they will pass it on in turn. So it never really dies. He is gone-- but IT is eternal. Bye Doc. I love you.

[@scottsheldon4788]

Rob from SB? Scott

[@rbud57]

\o/ Yay, love it!! It's some kicka** stuff, for sure. Have loved this song since back in the day when my friends used to jam all night. Doc's the best!

[@deemic654]

Fabulous!!

[@90dimple09]

Miss you Doc !

[@colindominy]

Oh, yeah !! Real sweet !! Fantastic footage + an 'as-usual' A-Class performance from these famous pickers. Superb post .. thank you.

[@FGCUprof]

RIP Doc. We've lost a giant among acoustic pickers.