One of the greats of the guitar, regardless of genre or era.  And he came to the public eye relatively late in his life, his recording career began at age 40 in the early 60's and he is still playing today in his mid-80's.  His encyclopedic knowlege and mastery of various American Folk forms lead to a generation of players who returned to acoustic guitar after the 60's boom of electric music.  Bluegrass, blues, folk, ragtime, jazz, country and even new age music were vitalized by his career.

Truly one of the best guitar players of all time. We owe him so much.

You had to get me started. Doc Watson is single handedly responsible for making the acoustic guitar a lead instrument. Every country/bluegrass or flat top picker since Doc owes him a debt of gratitude , and they gladly acknowledge. The cleanest, purest notes ever to flow out of a guitar, and when he wanted to, the fastest,too. If you are not familiar with his work and you love country style,bluegrass and even a little folk song pickin', give him a listen. I am a relative late comer to Doc Watsons music. I purchased Doc and Merle Watsons Guitar Album (Flying Fish Records) in 1984, and have been a devotee ever since.

A lot better than the 'Dixie chicks......

I agree with John430et.

Whoever gave Doc Watson a single star is some kinda anti-american jerk. He's a fine musician and a great songwriter.