The Essential Doc Watson cover

The Essential Doc Watson

Doc Watson · 1973

69 min · 26 tracks · blues · country · folk

A rich tapestry of American folk traditions woven through Doc Watson's virtuosic guitar and warm storytelling vocals.

The Essential Doc Watson is an album by Doc Watson, released in 1973. A rich tapestry of American folk traditions woven through Doc Watson's virtuosic guitar and warm storytelling vocals. This album is notable for its role in popularizing traditional American folk music and solidifying Doc Watson's legacy as a pivotal artist. It has received acclaim for both its musical craftsmanship and its cultural significance, influencing countless musicians and contributing to the revival of interest in American roots music during the 1970s. Here's what makes it worth your time and what to listen to next.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does The Essential Doc Watson sound like?

A rich tapestry of American folk traditions woven through Doc Watson's virtuosic guitar and warm storytelling vocals. Rooted in blues and country.

What makes The Essential Doc Watson by Doc Watson notable?

This album is notable for its role in popularizing traditional American folk music and solidifying Doc Watson's legacy as a pivotal artist. It has received acclaim for both its musical craftsmanship and its cultural significance, influencing countless musicians and contributing to the revival of interest in American roots music during the 1970s. By the time 'The Essential Doc Watson' was released in 1973, Doc Watson had already established himself as a leading figure in American folk music, following his breakthrough album 'Doc Watson' in 1964. This compilation came during a period when Watson was gaining significant recognition for his contributions to bluegrass and folk, showcasing his wide-ranging influence on the genre.

How many songs are on The Essential Doc Watson?

The Essential Doc Watson has 26 tracks, running approximately 69 minutes.

Tracklist

26 tracks·69:44

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Tom Dooley Standout 3:16
  • 2 Alberta 2:43
  • 3 Froggie Went A-Courtin' 4:05
  • 4 Beaumont Rag 1:40
  • 5 St. James Hospital 3:28
  • 6 Muskrat 2:52
  • 7 Down in the Valley to Pray 1:59
  • 8 Blue Railroad Train Standout 2:44
  • 9 Rising Sun Blues 4:20
  • 10 Shady Grove Standout 2:59
  • 11 My Rough and Rowdy Ways 2:31
  • 12 The Train That Carried My Girl From Town 3:45
  • 13 Black Mountain Rag 1:46
  • 14 I Was a Stranger 2:30
  • 15 Blueridge Mountain Blues 2:30
  • 16 Country Blues 3:30
  • 17 Groundhog 1:47
  • 18 Little Orphan Girl 3:15
  • 19 Blackberry Blossom 1:16
  • 20 Going Down This Road Feeling Bad 2:14
  • 21 Rambling Hobo 0:56
  • 22 Little Omie Wise 4:15
  • 23 Handsome Molly 2:17
  • 24 Whitehouse Blues 1:39
  • 25 I Want to Love Him More 2:32
  • 26 Way Downtown 2:41

Release Date

January 1, 1973

Genre

blues

More albums in blues

Artist Origin

United States

Runtime

69 min 44 sec