Austin City Limits was saddened to learn last night of the passing of the great Doc Watson. Fluent in so many musical languages – folk, blues, country, bluegrass, rockabilly, gospel – the legendary singer/guitarist had an almost incalculable influence on American music. His work affected, in some way, everyone who ever picked up a guitar and dug deep into this country’s musical heritage.
Watson graced the ACL stage only once, in Season 3, though he was also one of the many artists to appear in the special ACL Presents: Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival. The wayfaring pilgrim has found his way home at last, and we mourn the loss of a musical titan. May he rest in peace.