Tradition And Innovation: Doc Watson And The Folk Revival, 1960-1964

This thesis is an examination of the role of the folk revival in the beginnings of Arthel "Doc" Watson's career as a professional musician from 1960-1964, as well as a survey of his different musical influences, with a focus on those seminal to his fingerpicking and flatpicking guitar styles. The primary historical events discussed include Watson's discovery by Ralph Rinzler, his early concert appearances as part of Tom Ashley's group in New York City and Los Angeles, his first solo engagement at Gerde's Folk City at the end of 1964, and the beginning of the revival's popular decline in 1965. In addition to his family, musicians he heard on recordings and the radio, such as Maybelle Carter, Jimmie Rodgers, and Merle Travis, are also thoroughly discussed in relation to Watson's musical style.