Merle Watson, who was the son of North Carolina’s legendary musician Doc Watson, died in a tragic tractor accident in 1985. Merle was 36 when his life was snuffed out.
It was a bizarre occurrence. Merle was driving a farm tractor when he lost control of the vehicle on a hillside. It rolled over and he was crushed to death beneath the tractor. Doc and his wife Rosa Lee were distraught. It was definitely a low point in Doc’s musical career.
He had nurtured Merle, and the father-and-son duo had performed together for many years. Merle was a gifted guitarist and banjo player. They had perfected their act and routine, much to the delight of the audiences they entertained.
He had nurtured Merle,
and the father-and-son duo had performed together for many years. Merle was a
gifted guitarist and banjo player. They had perfected their act and routine,
much to the delight of the audiences they entertained.
This year’s event is scheduled for April 27-30, marking the 35th consecutive year of MerleFest. The four-day musical extravaganza is expected to attract upwards of 75,000 music fans who come for the “music, moments and memories.”
MerleFest celebrates what Doc Watson termed “traditional plus” music. He explained: “When Merle and I started out, we called our music ‘traditional plus,’ meaning the traditional music of the Appalachian region…plus whatever other styles we were in the mood to play.”
“Since the beginning of
MerleFest,” he said, “the people of the college and I agreed that the music of
MerleFest” would forever be ‘traditional plus.’”
Organizers have continued
to uphold that commitment. Headliners this year are The Avett Brothers and
Maren Morris. Returning popular MerleFest veteran entertainers are Sam Bush,
Jerry Douglas and Peter Rowan.
Among other noted performers
are Ali McGuirk, Alison Brown, High Road, Jim Lauderdale, Kruger Brothers,
Laney Lou & The Bird Dogs, Miko Marks, Nickel Creek, Tanya Tucker, The
Local Honeys, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys and Wayne Henderson.
Dozens of additional artists will participate as well. The musical action will be non-stop. The venue features 12 stages.
MerleFest’s mascot is
Flattop, a raccoon character who was associated with Merle Watson’s band Frosty
Morn. The group often was the opening act for Doc and Merle.
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MerleFest 2023 will pay tribute to Doc’s birth 100 years ago in 1923. The festival coincides with the April 28 release of a new album by Dolly Parton and Steve Earle, “I Am A Pilgrim: Doc Watson At 100.”
“Doc Watson is everyone’s
hero and a great guitar player,” Dolly Parton said. “Some say he is the
absolute best, and I was honored to get to work with him a few times in my
career.”
The album, released by FLi Records/Budde Music features new renditions of some of Doc Watson’s most beloved recordings by a cast of all-star artists.
The record company’s publicist said: “‘I Am A Pilgrim’ is bursting with the influence of Watson’s talent and charisma.”
“An impressive collection of musicians from a range of musical genres illustrates the depth and suppleness of Watson’s music as it crosses from bluegrass into jazz and beyond.”
Executive producer Mitch Greenhill said he hopes the album serves two purposes: “I want people to get a sense of how influential his music has been beyond the bluegrass, old-time, country world.
“I’m also hoping that people who are fans of some of the artists on the album will be introduced to Doc’s music and seek out Doc’s music.”
Amen and amen.
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