Richard Eddy Watson, son of the late Eddy Merle Watson, grandson of the late, beloved guitarist and folksinger, "Doc" Watson, has passed away unexpectedly at the age of 46, on Monday, June 1, 2015. "Bluegrass Today" reports that he died of a heart attack at his home in Deep Gap, Watauga County, NC.
Richard regularly appeared on stage with his grandfather after the tragic death of his father, Merle.
Richard most recently performed at Wilkes Community College's "MerleFest" this past April. (Sadly, I was a dunderhead and missed his set.)
Doc Watson once said of his grandson:
“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.”
Ted Hagaman, MerleFest Festival Director:
“The entire MerleFest family was saddened to learn of the passing of Richard Watson. 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.”
There is a recording of Richard performing with Doc and David Holt at MerleFest, it's available at "FestivaLink" (a site which offers downloads of live performances) and it's calked "FestivaLink Presents Doc Watson, David Holt, Richard Watson at MerleFest, 4/29/06"
Life is short and fragile. Don't miss an opportunity to see a performer you care about.