RIP Richard Watson

AppinVA · Unread post by **AppinVA** » Mon Jun 01, 2015 8:52 pm

Richard Watson, son of Merle, and grandson of Doc has died, according to the Watauga Democrat.

http://www.wataugademocrat.com/news/ric ... l?mode=jqm

fjblair · Unread post by **fjblair** » Tue Jun 02, 2015 8:06 am

What a shame, he was the last one of the legacy.

asu66 · Unread post by **asu66** » Tue Jun 02, 2015 9:09 am

fjblair wrote:What a shame, he was the last one of the legacy.

From GoBlueRidge.net...

Notable Watauga Passing: Richard Eddy Watson PDF Print
Written by Steve Frank
Tuesday, 02 June 2015 06:21

There’s another notable passing in the Watson family of Watauga County, with reports from the family of the death of the grandson of Doc Watson. Richard Eddy Watson, son of the late Merle Watson and grandson of the late Doc Watson has died. The death came three years and two days after the death of his famous grandfather. Richard Eddy Watson was a renown guitarist in his own right, often performing with his grandfather Doc, especially in appearances at MerleFest until Doc’s death in 2012. Merlefest was named for and dedicated to his dad, Eddy Merle Watson, who died in 1985 near Lenoir. Richard Eddy Watson dedicated his 1992 recording of "Feeling the Blues,” to his father, and he also joined Doc on the Grammy-nominated “Third Generation Blues," according to Merlefest releases on Richard Eddy Watson. Funeral arrangements have not been announced.

Photo: Merlefest.org

asu66 · Unread post by **asu66** » Wed Jun 03, 2015 8:15 am

From the Wilkes Journal Patriot...

Musician Richard Watson, grandson of Doc Watson, dies on Monday

Richard Eddy Watson, who regularly performed with his grandfather, the late Doc Watson, at the festival at Wilkes Community College named for his father, the late Merle Watson, died Monday at age 49.
According to media reports, he died from a heart attack. Like his father and grandfather, Richard Watson lived in Watauga County’s Deep Gap community. He was known for playing the guitar in the blues style of his father.
"The entire MerleFest family was saddened to learn of the passing of Richard Watson,” said Ted Hagaman, director of MerleFest. “Richard has been a fixture at MerleFest for many years, helping to carry on the Watson legacy. He was a talented musician and he will be missed,” Hagaman added.
Hagaman said festival records show Richard Watson first performed at MerleFest in 1991. He continued performing with Doc Watson at various venues until Doc’s death in 2012. They occasionally toured together across the country and in Europe.
In 1992, Richard Watson recorded “Feeling the Blues,” dedicated to his father, Merle Watson, and he joined Doc on the Grammy-nominated “Third Generation Blues."
Talking about Richard, Doc once said, “I could retire, but my grandson Richard plays a good blues guitar. One of the most gratifying things that happened to me after Merle left is the fact that Merle’s son Richard started playing the guitar.”
“I’m just happy that MerleFest happened in memory of Dad,” Richard said. “He’d be overwhelmed and find it hard to express how much he appreciated it. He would be surprised at how many people turn out for the festival and follow his music.”
Doc said his grandson had a family to look after and a job, but that he loved music with a passion.
“I’m proud of him for two reasons. He’s got a wonderful personality, just like his dad had. He loves his family and he loves me and his mam’ma (RosaLee) awful good. The other reason is that he’s a fine musician and he’s finally got over stage fright. He has a lot of Merle’s attributes.”
When asked about his famous grandfather in an interview for the September 1999 issue of “Guitar Player,” Richard said, “I’m intimidated by him. He teaches me something new every time we sit down together.”
Richard also joined Doc and David Holt in the “Hills of Home” tour, which was derived from a special they did as a fundraiser for the UNC Center for Public TV.