“Just One of the People”

We depart this week from our usual “Photographer’s Choice” series to honor one of our own. Arthel “Doc” Watson left us on May 29th, with his guitar and banjo picking, natural baritone voice, and occasional harmonica, to join other great artists who helped to keep the musical heritage of genuine mountain music alive. He spread the sound of Country and Bluegrass all over the world and showed just how successful one could be with talent and hard work, overcoming a handicap that never slowed him down. Doc was born in Deep Gap and died in Deep Gap, never losing his love for home and the mountains of North Carolina, or his humility. Many of today’s “entertainers” could take note of the fact that one can be successful without sex and scandal, that a police record and headline grabbing antics are not a prerequisite to a career on the public stage. On the other hand, with meager talent perhaps that’s the only route available.

“Doc” Watson – a legend that will long be remembered.

Don Kimmer captured this excellent image on June 7, 2008.