Doc Watson's 100th birthday celebration - part 1

Doc Watson's 100th birthday celebration - part 1

Author: Matt Hutchinson March 1, 2023 Duration: 2:07:27

Hi everyone.

Today (March 3rd 2023) would have been Doc Watson's 100th birthday, so I've put together a couple of really special episodes to celebrate. 

I spent the past 3 months interviewing people who knew, played with, worked with, were inspired by or just loved Doc and his music. I ended up with hours and hours of wonderful conversation and have edited it all into two episodes. This is the first....

This one focusses on those who worked and played with Doc, plus a couple of people responsible for carrying on his legacy.

You'll hear from:

  • Happy Traum, founder of Homespun Music on getting to know and working with Doc
  • John McEuen from the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band on recording the seminal Will the Circle Be Unbroken record with Doc
  • T. Michael Coleman on 15 years playing and touring with Doc
  • Jack Lawrence on his 20 years with Doc
  • Lindsay Craven, Artist Relations Manager at MerleFest on making sure Doc's vision lives on at the festival
  • Ted Olson, who wrote the book that accompanies the box set Life's Work: A Retrospective


All of these are brand new interviews carried out for these episodes. They've been a joy to put together. 

I hope you enjoy them (and don't forget to check out episode 2).

Happy picking (and happy birthday Doc!)

Matt

Support the show

===

Thanks to Bryan Sutton for his wonderful theme tune to Bluegrass Jam Along (and to Justin Moses for playing the fiddle!)


Bluegrass Jam Along is proud to be sponsored by Collings Guitars and Mandolins

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Hosted by Matt Hutchinson, Bluegrass Jam Along is an IBMA Award-winning conversation that feels like pulling up a chair in the middle of a lively, expert picking session. It’s built for anyone with an ear for the intricate stories and sounds of bluegrass and old-time music, going far beyond just the recordings. Each episode brings thoughtful interviews with the people who shape the scene, from legendary performers like Alison Krauss and David Grisman to the skilled instrument makers and writers whose work forms the foundation. You’ll hear from voices such as Sierra Hull, Tim O’Brien, Jerry Douglas, and Sarah Jarosz, discussing craft, history, and the personal journeys behind the music. Alongside these deep conversations, the podcast weaves in updates on new releases and notable news, keeping you connected to the evolving string band world. The result is a rich, weekly listen that offers both education and genuine camaraderie, mirroring the collaborative heart of a jam itself. Tune in to this podcast for an authentic and engaging exploration of the music, hosted by someone deeply embedded in its community.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 516

Bluegrass Jam Along
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