Grammy-winning folk singer Doc Watson passed away this week at the age of 89. His manager says he died Tuesday at a hospital in Winston-Salem, North Carolina where he had recently undergone abdominal surgery. Details on Watson’s health problems and exact cause of death have not been released.
Watson, who went blind at the age of one, began playing instruments as a child. He started his music career in 1953 as a guitarist for a country swing band. He signed his first recording contract in 1964 and released his self-titled album later that year. Watson, who was known for his fast flatpicking style, began recording with his son, Eddy Merle, in the mid-60s. They made music and toured together until 1985 when Eddy tragically died in a tractor accident. In recent years, Watson performed regularly with Eddy’s son Richard.
Watson recorded over 60 albums and won 7 Grammy Awards, including the 2004 Lifetime Achievement Award. The musician is survived by his wife of more than 60 years, Rosa Lee, and their daughter, Nancy.
###
Click here for more Entertainment News
