This is the banjo picker Earl Scruggs playing with his friend Doc Watson at Doc's home in Deep Gap, North Carolina. Also picking are his 16-year-old son (at the time) and a great picker in his own right, Randy Scruggs, and sitting in the back and just learning, Stevie Scruggs. To the left, sits Doc's son Merle.
Although I filmed this scene more than 50 years ago, it is still new to me every time I see it. Doc and Earl were eager to be filmed. I was eager and felt fortunate to record. I set up a single microphone on a pole in the ground, sat in a seat with my 16mm camera and said to Earl" okay let's go". And this clip shows what happened. It is part of a 90 minute film that I made called "Earl Scruggs: His Family and Friends" that was a PBS special in 1972. The film presents Earl Scruggs with Bill Monroe, The Morris Brothers, The Byrds, Bob Dylan, & Joan Baez. Here is a link: https://youtu.be/OlneqC0mVsk
To be around Earl as he sought out various musicians to play with was like being in the presence of something greater then an ordinary human. Everything that came from him, the music, the picking, the family relationships, his treatment of me, indicated that he was an extraordinary man.
He called what he did bluegrass on occasion, sometimes mountain music, sometimes old-time music, sometimes rock 'n' roll, sometimes he called what he was doing country and sometimes - just picking.
Arthel Lane "Doc" Watson (1923 – 2012) was a guitarist, singer and songwriter. He was a highly influential figure in the world of folk, bluegrass, country, and blues music, known for his fingerstyle and flatpicking techniques on the acoustic guitar. Born in Deep Gap, North Carolina (where I filmed him for this clip) Watson was blind from infancy due to an eye infection.
Doc Watson gained national attention in the early 1960s where he performed at major music festivals such as the Newport Folk Festival. Watson's playing style was characterized by a unique combination of traditional Appalachian music and the blues, which resulted in a highly distinctive sound. Some of his most famous recordings include "Deep River Blues," "Black Mountain Rag," and "Tennessee Stud."
In addition to his solo career, Watson also performed with his son Merle Watson (also in the film clip) until Merle's untimely death in a tractor accident in 1985. Following Merle's death, Doc Watson established the annual MerleFest in Wilkesboro, North Carolina which has since become one of the largest and most prestigious roots music festivals in the United States.
Throughout his career Watson received numerous accolades and awards including seven Grammy Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Endowment for the Arts. Doc Watson's contributions to American music continue to be celebrated and admired, and his innovative techniques and signature style have influenced generations of musicians including my current favorite, Billy Strings.
Doc Watson and Earl Scruggs both came from the Appalachian region. While Doc and Earl did not have an official collaboration they performed together during the folk revival period. Both were part of the same music scene & they appeared together on TV programs such as "Will the Circle Be Unbroken" which brought together a diverse group of folk, bluegrass, and country musicians for collaborative performances.
My documentary not only demonstrates the virtuosity of both musicians but also captures their camaraderie and mutual respect for each other's talents. This intimate performance at Doc Watson's home serves as a testament to their shared love for traditional Appalachian music and their lasting impact on American folk and bluegrass music.
I would like to thank the sponsors who placed their advertisements on my clip. They make it possible for me to present more of these. They include: Billy Strings. Merlefest. Nothin fancy bluegrass. Classic bluegrass. Bluegrass country. Bluegrass near me. Live bluegrass near me. Appalachian bluegrass music. Charm city bluegrass 2023. Billy strings doc Watson. Doc Watson. Earl Scruggs. Randy Scruggs. Merle Watson. Merle and Doc. Doc Watson and Earl Scruggs.
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Thank you
David Hoffman filmmaker
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