As we reported yesterday, legendary flat picker Doc Watson died at age 89 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Watson was an incredibly influential figure in the development of American bluegrass music and touched the lives of many in the music industry. Tributes to Watson have begun appearing on Twitter demonstrating his wide ranging impact. The first tweet, from Steve Silberman (@stevesilberman), includes a link to the Appalachian State University digital collections website where you can stream what is believed to be the first recording made of Watson, picking and singing at age 14.
Doc Watson's 1st recording as a teen. Rarely heard, sent by former member of Bill Monroe's band. RIP. http://t.co/BSZlWI0Y
— Steve Silberman (@stevesilberman) May 30, 2012
To lose Earl Scruggs, Levon Helm and Doc Watson in one year is just too, too much. http://t.co/0dzzVkLg
— rosanne cash (@rosannecash) May 30, 2012
[blackbirdpie url=”https://twitter.com/jaketapper/status/207623199851151360″]
R.I.P. Doc Watson
— Warner Records (@warnerrecords) May 30, 2012
https://twitter.com/SteveMartinToGo/status/207662864343908352
Prayers are with the loved ones of bluegrass legend Doc Watson. May he rest in peace. http://t.co/MX7OUIaJ
— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) May 30, 2012
We lost a legend today, RIP Doc Watson
— Tom Colicchio (@tomcolicchio) May 30, 2012
RIP Doc Watson. http://t.co/yGQw3jeY via @rollingstone
— TRI Studios (@TRI_Studios) May 30, 2012
One of the great guitar innovators, Doc Watson died today. RIP.
— Slash (@Slash) May 30, 2012
Such sad news, one of our all time favorites, Doc Watson passed away at 89…. http://t.co/tRTt8ZDP
— iClips.net (@iClips) May 30, 2012
So long, Doc Watson. You're surely sittin on top of the world.
— Elijah Wood (@elijahwood) May 30, 2012
RIP Doc Watson. You were an inspiration to generations of musicians. http://t.co/SUSe7Sib
— Guitar Center (@guitarcenter) May 30, 2012
R.I.P. Doc Watson
— Michelle Branch (@michellebranch) May 30, 2012
RIP Doc Watson… We thank you for music. http://t.co/6E1IUq0S
— The Greencards (@thegreencards) May 30, 2012
Here's Doc Watson doing "Deep River Blues." He'll be missed deeply. http://t.co/eIC2zj7p
— Tedeschi Trucks Band (@DerekAndSusan) May 30, 2012
Our thoughts are with Doc Watson and his family today. We were so honored to share a bill at MerleFest with him just last month.
— Tedeschi Trucks Band (@DerekAndSusan) May 30, 2012
You could hear the mountains of North Carolina in Doc Watson's music. The rush of a mountain stream, the… http://t.co/aAkUnwiN
— Pollstar (@Pollstar) May 30, 2012
quite a few Doc Watson shows, including soundboards are up for download on http://t.co/hmkW7OXk, including this gem http://t.co/4LXq0KuG
— 4.0 is just 2.0 ² (@PhanArt) May 30, 2012
RIP to legend Doc Watson, who I always loved. Here's us covering "Omie Wise," some years back, based on his version: http://t.co/UN81Kbji
— Okkervil River (@okkervilriver) May 30, 2012
RIP Doc Watson, influential folk musician at the age of 89. http://t.co/BMcrHdlE
— Dust & Grooves (@dustandgrooves) May 30, 2012
Another Man Done A Full Go Round: We knew that Doc Watson was in the hospital… I heard about it when I went to I… http://t.co/E8c7SfIV
— Jorma Kaukonen (@JormaKaukonen) May 30, 2012
Doc Watson will be missed by many of us around Hidden Track. Send a tweet to @Hidden_Track and share your thoughts on the truly legendary figure in American history.