Doc Watson - Tennessee Stud

[@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.

[@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?

[@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!

[@Metalwheel]

Billy Strings is a badass, for sure ​@barbaralee6410

[@Dulcimerist]

@@barbaralee6410 Jimmy Driftwood wrote and originally recorded "Tennessee Stud" in 1959.

[@timmyles314]

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

[@randystein7374]

A great singer, musician and human being. RIP Doc

[@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

[@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)

[@mikebaird8648]

Better late then never.. God Bless...

[@mattcouch2965]

Came here via dust in a baggie.

[@Dulcimerist]

You might like the original version of the song by Jimmy Driftwood as well. Driftwood also wrote it. Eddy Arnold did the first cover of the song, and his version is also good, as is the cover by Jerry Reed & Chet Atkins.

[@mariemize9893]

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

[@krisswegemer1163]

Dude... I envy you...

[@Dulcimerist]

I'm so glad Doc Watson decided to cover this Jimmy Driftwood song! He does an awesome job!

[@monmixer]

One of the best in a genre. Blind man at that, since the age of 2.

[@SirNC89]

Skill at this level is often imitated, never duplicated.

[@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!

[@Dulcimerist]

Ironically, this song was written in the Ozarks by Jimmy Driftwood.

[@wrkndude1]

And Marty Stuart on mandolin. Doesn’t get any better

[@AlpineRyan]

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

[@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..

[@aggiemuster]

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

[@iwaegian]

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

[@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.

[@LisaCote-y5q]

Me too. I dislike modern country music, but I think I took an instant shine to Bluegrass when I heard "Fox on the Run" as a child. Love the banjo and fast tempo. I took a "bluegrass harmonies" singing class at our local folk music store a number of years ago, which was super fun.

[@RASmith-gt9mm]

If you don't have it already, find "Will the Circle be Unbroken" album.

[@billwindsor4224]

@@RASmith-gt9mm Thank you! 👍

[@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

[@lawsonshelton9053]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@Dulcimerist]

Jimmy Driftwood did an excellent job of writing the story and song.

[@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.

[@KaraLey98]

Just read his bio which said he went back on the road around a week or 2 after Merle’s death

[@muayen]

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

[@motesore]

Watson is a national treasure

[@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.

[@cwiles642]

A true American Legend. My friend Doc.

[@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.

[@jbdmed]

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

[@chuckjohannessen3330]

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

[@dennisdevine3382]

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

[@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.

[@Dulcimerist]

It's probably the best cover Doc Watson ever did.

[@kmas0407]

What a musical genius. RIP Doc

[@debishelton9647]

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

[@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.

[@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%

[@Dulcimerist]

Check out the original version by Jimmy Driftwood, too. I also like the covers by Eddy Arnold and Jerry Reed & Chet Atkins.

[@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.

[@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

[@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...

[@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 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@LaurenceGray-et7sb]

After reading through the comments, I am glad to see that a few people actually know who wrote this song in the first place. I play my acoustic string bass regularly once or twice a month with some older musicians who were friends with Jimmy Driftwood and used to play music with him.

[@user-jd9ve4ky8g]

Always loved this song ❤

[@melissaunde]

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

[@andrewphillips5509]

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

[@leftypick4854]

Respect.

[@reserrvoirman]

I could listen to Doc pic that box all day long

[@yung_sparrrow3533]

Hands down the best bluegrass song ever

[@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.

[@chanceburger3169]

I got to see Doc in 1999 in wv what a show,this man is an American Treasure

[@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

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@ianfeuerhake1859]

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

[@rcobb5081]

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

[@KaraLey98]

Ending of this song was SO COOL the way Doc and Merle played their guitars and the sound of it!!

[@hdrjunkie]

Billy Strings version of this brought me here and I’m not disappointed!

[@Evitaschannel]

Dude what a random crossover. Here I am thinking "Ohh, so Doc did the same song Cash covered" and now I'm reading in the comments that Billy has a version hahaha

[@hdrjunkie]

Yeah, Billy’s version is more like this one than cash’s cover.

[@BrandonStoudt]

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

[@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?🤔

[@RayNDeere]

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

[@KaraLey98]

Wow-excellent sound coming from these guys and their instruments..!

[@larrykrakow8927]

Thank you

[@jimchappell-u4b]

Thanks for sharing this, Bill! What an unforgettable experience! Dad used to sing thing this, off key of course!!

[@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

[@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.

[@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?

[@dancochrane617]

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

[@James-StJames]

A Masterclass.

[@QuantumMech_88]

Stunning and Thank You Bluegrass Library.

[@jaypaul4472]

"Jimmy Driftwood wrote this thing"...and god bless 'em for it!

[@missoceana22]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@samsnephew3209]

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

[@jerryw6699]

This is just so tight, perfect.

[@jennycooper5364]

doctor doctor please a dose of watson

[@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.

[@mojoman566]

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

[@SSchus87]

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

[@James-qh1wv]

One of the best ever❤ rip doc

[@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.

[@carolh1652]

How could one "dislike" it???

[@JusKat58]

Thank you, Doc.

[@JamesLeeJobe]

Awesome. Just wonderful.

[@iluvguildguitars]

AMAZING...and a young Marty Stuart just owning the mandolin on that!

[@thevinoman]

One of the greatest guitar players ever.

[@MMG-q1v]

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

[@vaibanez17]

RIP Doc Watson, the master of a lost art

[@folksurvival]

Billy Strings

[@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.

[@dannyedwards2221]

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

[@japicic]

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

[@agfrosty9371]

Thanks for what you gave us, Doc.

[@melvin100755]

Real country music, not like today.

[@boyneboxreviews]

That harmonic at 01:42 is the boss tho

[@boyneboxreviews]

or is it the plec action?!

[@marilykw]

so love this song Thank you

[@pthirlby1]

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

[@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!!!!

[@frankdiosadi6316]

Eszméletlenül fantasztikusan nagyon-nagyon jóóóóóó!