LEGACIES: DOC WATSON MUSICAL TRIBUTE

Performances and stories by artists who were influenced by the music of late bluegrass pioneer Doc Watson.

The series features T. Michael Coleman, Jack Lawrence, Wayne Henderson, and Jack Hinshelwood performing during the Doc at 100 tribute concert hosted at Blue Ridge Music Center in 2023.

About Doc Watson

Born near Deep Gap, N.C. in 1923, Watson was blind from infancy. He learned to play guitar at the encouragement of his father and went on to develop a flat-picking style that redefined the sound of traditional music. In his over 70-year career, Watson became one of the most influential acoustic guitar players in the world and was a noted influence on scores of musicians from across genres. 

About the Performers

T. Michael Coleman, Jack Lawrence, Wayne Henderson, and Jack Hinshelwood — all have deep ties to Watson, having played, recorded, and toured with him for a combined 40-plus years.

Coleman toured with Doc and his son Merle Watson from 1974 to 1986. Several years before Watson’s death in 2012, Coleman re-joined him on the road. The pair’s many years of traveling and playing together amassed a trove of stories and music.

Lawrence began playing with Watson in 1983, filling in for Merle as he pursued other interests. After Merle’s death in 1985, Lawrence and Watson became full-time musical partners. They played side-by-side for over 25 years in a “guitar partnership” that capitalized on both of their strengths.

Henderson is well-known for his guitar playing and instrument building. He and Watson first met in the late 1960s and went on to form a long friendship, one that was especially strong in Watson’s later years when he would make regular visits to Henderson’s guitar-making shop in Rugby, Va. Henderson also made several instruments for Watson, including a mandolin and guitar.

Hinshelwood began playing bluegrass guitar in the early 1970s and was strongly influenced by Watson’s guitar picking and repertoire. 

Videos

Eight More Miles to Louisville
Performed by T. Michael Coleman and Jack Lawrence

Sittin’ on Top of the World
Performed by Wayne Henderson and Jack Hinshelwood

Nothin’ To It (I Don’t Love Nobody)
Performed by Wayne Henderson and Jack Hinshelwood

Old Camp Meeting Time
Performed by Wayne Henderson and Jack Hinshelwood

Steel Guitar Rag
Performed by Wayne Henderson and Jack Hinshelwood

Deep River Blues (I Don’t Love Nobody)
Performed by T. Michael Coleman, Jack Lawrence, Wayne Henderson, and Jack Hinshelwood

My Creole Belle
Performed by T. Michael Coleman, Jack Lawrence, Wayne Henderson, and Jack Hinshelwood

I Know What It Means To Be Lonesome
Performed by T. Michael Coleman, Jack Lawrence, Wayne Henderson, and Jack Hinshelwood

Windy and Warm
Performed by T. Michael Coleman, Jack Lawrence, Wayne Henderson, and Jack Hinshelwood

Tennessee Stud
Performed by T. Michael Coleman, Jack Lawrence, Wayne Henderson, and Jack Hinshelwood

Videographer: John Jordan Films
Sound: Frank Martin, Media Production Associates