American guitar player, songwriter and singer of bluegrass, folk, country, blues and gospel music. Born March 3, 1923 in Stoney Fork Township (later known as Deep Gap), North Carolina, USA. Died May 29, 2012 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Grandfather of .
In the 1940s, Watson performed on radio shows and at regional concerts around North Carolina, playing country music. Through much of the 1950s, he played rockabilly music on electric guitar in Jack Williams' band.
Watson recorded over 50 albums, won seven Grammy awards as well as a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
In 1997, Watson received the National Medal of Arts.
In 2000, Watson was inducted into the International Bluegrass Music Hall of Honor.
In 2010, Honorary Doctor Of Music, Berklee College Of Music, Boston MA.