What a great memory! I did the live sound for Doc and Merle back at a show in the early 80s and when he learned that I played guitar, Doc graciously invited me to "pick with him" during sound check the afternoon of the show. It's a memory I'll never forget. Sadly, no video...
Here is Doc and me at a family get together in 2000. I have just recently acquired a 48 min video from that day. What precious memories those 48 mins hold for me. There were 12 people there that day. 7 are now gone. This was the first time I ever heard Doc play this tune and the only tie I played it with him. Doc Watson plays and sings Freight Train
Stacy Thomas I grew up listening to Doc, and trying to play guitar. I would've had a stroke if he were playing in my living room. You're a lucky man. Thanks for sharing this video.
Nice. I love that song. First heard it played by Elizabeth Cotten at Philly Folk Festival. Was just learning guitar. But she played a right handed guitar left handed and upside down!!! No help there! So I had to watch Merle Travis to learn it. It was the first thing I learned that I felt I could show off with!! I then heard John Hurt. What wonderful days those were.
God he was something else that man. Rootsy picker singer and even when he spoke he sounded old timey. An absolute giant American musician. He's teaching the angels how to pluck their strings now and God is tappin his foot right alongside.
I’ve been helping take care of my parents (dad had foot surgery and mom broke her collarbone). I’ve been to so many appts my heads spinning most days. They are devoutly saved, me not so much. I needed new music to listen to on these rides to the doctors so I started scanning through my collection. “Of course, doc’s perfect” so I put together a play list of mostly the gospel songs so we could sing along. Well let me tell you, when I got home they asked me to play some more yt videos of doc. That lasted for 3 hrs !! They couldn’t believe they had never heard of your family’s music, being in their late 70’s themselves. Well now it’s what we listen to in the car everytime 💕💕 thanks so much for this beautiful glimpse into your family, and this special moment for you. After my parents go, my generation will be the old one. It’s a sobering thought for sure. As luck would have it for you, one of your wonderful relatives had the camera rolling on this day 💕💕
First time I have see Doc play Freight Train on video. My guitar teacher taught me a simplified version of FT, my first song ever. Bought my first LP of Doc Watson and became a favourite musician of mine’s since that LP purchase over 45 years ago. Became a bluegrass fan eventually in time.
Love you Doc, I hope your son is playing still. May you rest in peace good sir. I listen to top of the world daily. It will be the first entire song I will learn. Thanks Doc, I am very grateful to you sir.
Pure genius.I got to see Doc and Merle in Winfield,Ks in 1974,at the Flatpicking championships and then again,with David Grisman in Sacramento,Ca.in around 1995.He was great both times.And you fit right in with him.I heard this by Rusty Draper in the late '50's.R.I.P to both Doc and Merle.
bravo doc,jétais à votre concert à l'olympia à paris...un bon souvenir.merçi pour votre talent...jean-paul de la saintonge maritime...!!!! adieu merle que les anges te protège...
It surely must be a precious memory for you to have played with Doc back then. I have sweet memories of him playing this one over the years at different places. Seeing him wtih Merle here in Georgia In the early seventies made a real imprssion on me that lasted a lifetime.
I remember my childhood during holiday get togethers the old timers would break out the banjo and guitars and they'd play well into the night ..... we are the fortunate few that got to experience this first hand .. this video brought tears of fond memories passed , something I really needed during this Holiday season .. thank you for sharing and Merry Christmas
I too was lucky to have these same memories of holiday joy. But now so many have gone on that this time of year can be abit sad. I am glad this vid was a blessing to you as it is to me.
@@@stacythomas5433 Hope there are new, talented generations following us who carry on the amazing spirit and love of music for those who've gone ahead. Thank you for sharing a peek into this gathering of your remarkable real-life family. How wonderful that you have these treasured memories recorded! Wishing you, your family and your friends all a blessed, joyous Happy New Year.
I too had the same experience. My father would have friends over and they would have a break out session that lasted for hours. I was lucky enough to watch some incredible musicians walk thru our front door. My father was the late Don Stover.
This was my first song I learned to finger pick on (the 2nd song I learned to play!) I was 11 years old...next song I learned was "Alice's Restaurant"....I still get asked to play /sing it. I've loved playing music for always....Doc Watson was such a master! 😁👍
Thank you so very much for sharing this absolute treasure with all of us, Stacy! I am beside myself with joy! And you are a mean guitar picker too! Ed V
This is such a great run on this tune. Many thanks for posting this great moment. Doc is by far and away my favorite picker and this really makes it feel so real. Such a blessing to have been able to spend some time picking with him. Many Thanks :)
Much loved classic song, played by much loved troupador. I get such a variety of great musical entertainment from YT and Firestick. Just found out about Elizabeth Cotten while watching John Hartford/Mike Seeger videos.
Those people talking the whole time.... Don't they realize that's Doc Watson playing!? Imagine Doc playing and singing around you so much that it's just background music. Most Doc lovers cling to a concert they saw decades ago.
@@BrooklynXpat exactly.. just simple folks.. working people just sittin in the living room visiting with friends.. your a pretty hot picker there Stacy keep up the good work .
Saw him live in Berkeley years and years ago. Think the small venue was a church…? But I sat in the first row about 3-4 feet from him. Fast fast licks, and so clean!
I wonder how many people know that this is cover of Elizabeth’s Cotten the originator of freight train. While I love this version nothing will move you more than her performance which can be found on UA-cam. Lots of respect from doc to Elizabeth and John hurt
Amazing post, thank you so much. It's great to see the folk music process happening in real time, and see people who simply appreciate great music playing the heck out of it. Mad props to you and Doc, and also to the great and criminally overlooked Elizabeth Cotten. She wrote this song as a teen in the pre-WWI 1900s, but it wasn't discovered until she was 60+ years old. It inspired the early Beatles to perform, and her other songs were inspirations for Bob Dylan, the Beastie Boys, and the Grateful Dead among others. She's a towering talent, and you and Doc (also a towering talent) did her proud here with a joyous rendition!
Ciao Stacy, first i got to say how great this is!! But here is the thing that I am trying to find out. Freight Train Blues is attribuited to John Lair at around 1930, but then again I hear and read that this sound was produce by Elizabeth Cotten at the age of 11/12, so around 1910, just how of curiosty. Is it then Elizbeth Cotten thatx came up with this sound?...just wonder if you could help. Thanks, and once more what a fantastic playing!!
Yes she called it cotton pickin she was at work her boss came home and found she had took the guitar off the wall as he heard music when he approached he did not know she played. After he found out they recorded it and the rest is history. There is a video of her playing this song that is hers she said she was cotton picking. She deserves far more credit than what she gets . Thankyou Robert Harden
I saw another video on UA-cam of Doc playing in his later years and he was plugged into an amp in that one, too. Why was he plugged into an amp there in the living room? Was his hearing going bad? Was he just used to hearing it that way from playing so many gigs?
Playing very softly on a guitar with low string action, I think. The low action is easy on the chording fingers. Playing softly diminishes string buzz. It is easy on the fingernails, too. I watched Doc warming up before a set at Merlefest in 2002 or 2003. He played very softly.
What a great memory! I did the live sound for Doc and Merle back at a show in the early 80s and when he learned that I played guitar, Doc graciously invited me to "pick with him" during sound check the afternoon of the show. It's a memory I'll never forget. Sadly, no video...
I can’t believe some of the riffs Doc is playing within the chords and changes...jezzz! So cool, legend forever.
That and I cannot believe people in the same room are talking behind this glorious music and not paying attention
15 years later I met Doc in Philly also. He was a gentle man. He was a good man. It was obvious.
This video is an historical document
Mighty fine, and as Doc said, plum purty. Thanks for putting it on. 🌈
Here is Doc and me at a family get together in 2000. I have just recently acquired a 48 min video from that day. What precious memories those 48 mins hold for me. There were 12 people there that day. 7 are now gone.
This was the first time I ever heard Doc play this tune and the only tie I played it with him.
Doc Watson plays and sings Freight Train
Stacy Thomas docs music is like sittin next to a cool mountain stream on a hot summer day, you just never want it to end.
Stacy Thomas
I grew up listening to Doc, and trying to play guitar. I would've had a stroke if he were playing in my living room. You're a lucky man. Thanks for sharing this video.
thanks Stacy...
Amen to that! @@royelmo38
Which one are you in this video?
A voice like syrup...I could listen to him all day long, singing any song.
Thanks Doc. You are missed. I never met Doc, but you can tell he was the real deal, so humble and modest person.
Nice. I love that song. First heard it played by Elizabeth Cotten at Philly Folk Festival. Was just learning guitar. But she played a right handed guitar left handed and upside down!!!
No help there! So I had to watch Merle Travis to learn it. It was the first thing I learned that I felt I could show off with!! I then heard John Hurt.
What wonderful days those were.
God he was something else that man. Rootsy picker singer and even when he spoke he sounded old timey. An absolute giant American musician. He's teaching the angels how to pluck their strings now and God is tappin his foot right alongside.
I’ve been helping take care of my parents (dad had foot surgery and mom broke her collarbone). I’ve been to so many appts my heads spinning most days. They are devoutly saved, me not so much. I needed new music to listen to on these rides to the doctors so I started scanning through my collection. “Of course, doc’s perfect” so I put together a play list of mostly the gospel songs so we could sing along. Well let me tell you, when I got home they asked me to play some more yt videos of doc. That lasted for 3 hrs !! They couldn’t believe they had never heard of your family’s music, being in their late 70’s themselves. Well now it’s what we listen to in the car everytime 💕💕 thanks so much for this beautiful glimpse into your family, and this special moment for you. After my parents go, my generation will be the old one. It’s a sobering thought for sure. As luck would have it for you, one of your wonderful relatives had the camera rolling on this day 💕💕
Mister Doc Watson, you are alive. In my heart, and in hearts of the millions human ones of all the World. Thank you. sir "one of the people". Thanks!
This is absolutely gold! Bet he was such a nice gentleman too
Thank you for sharing your precious family moments and memories with us all !!!! ❤
It's not often I am speechless. Geeeeez! Thank you.
Thank you for sharing this Stacy. Watching Doc live always felt just like this; sittin’ around the living room with family. Beautiful!
Thank you.
so awesome! you are so fortunate to have known him!
Thanks
First time I have see Doc play Freight Train on video. My guitar teacher taught me a simplified version of FT, my first song ever. Bought my first LP of Doc Watson and became a favourite musician of mine’s since that LP purchase over 45 years ago. Became a bluegrass fan eventually in time.
Love you Doc, I hope your son is playing still. May you rest in peace good sir. I listen to top of the world daily. It will be the first entire song I will learn. Thanks Doc, I am very grateful to you sir.
Merle's died in the 80s
Thanks for posting this. I got here from listening to Elizabeth Cotten play it, what a great combo
Pure genius.I got to see Doc and Merle in Winfield,Ks in 1974,at the Flatpicking championships and then again,with David Grisman in Sacramento,Ca.in around 1995.He was great both times.And you fit right in with him.I heard this by Rusty Draper in the late '50's.R.I.P to both Doc and Merle.
+tippimail1 Thanks
Dear Doc Thank You for this wonderful gift you gave us - you truly are beautiful person ! PAUL J. Pavao an apprentice of Chet Atkins
bravo doc,jétais à votre concert à l'olympia à paris...un bon souvenir.merçi pour votre talent...jean-paul de la saintonge maritime...!!!! adieu merle que les anges te protège...
He could stay on one chord and create more magic than i will ever get out of a guitar
Doc is the man !
what a treasure! An important document for the history of folk singing, guitar picking and jazz!
That would be called LIVING THE DREAM by any guitar player. Loved it.
Had a chance to see Doc in 1999 at a festival in West Virginia. He's been a big inspiration. Thanks for sharing.
It surely must be a precious memory for you to have played with Doc back then. I have sweet memories of him playing this one over the years at different places. Seeing him wtih Merle here in Georgia In the early seventies made a real imprssion on me that lasted a lifetime.
I remember my childhood during holiday get togethers the old timers would break out the banjo and guitars and they'd play well into the night ..... we are the fortunate few that got to experience this first hand .. this video brought tears of fond memories passed , something I really needed during this Holiday season .. thank you for sharing and Merry Christmas
I too was lucky to have these same memories of holiday joy. But now so many have gone on that this time of year can be abit sad. I am glad this vid was a blessing to you as it is to me.
@@@stacythomas5433
Hope there are new, talented generations following us who carry on the amazing spirit and love of music for those who've gone ahead.
Thank you for sharing a peek into this gathering of your remarkable real-life family. How wonderful that you have these treasured memories recorded!
Wishing you, your family and your friends all a blessed, joyous Happy New Year.
I too had the same experience. My father would have friends over and they would have a break out session that lasted for hours. I was lucky enough to watch some incredible musicians walk thru our front door. My father was the late Don Stover.
Don was a wonderful banjo player. I have 2 of his albums in my collection. Doc spoke highly of as well.
i miss family get togethers like this. everyone is getting older and not wanting to visit like this anymore :(
Wonderful and so touching. One of my favorite songs and I am glad you shared this with the rest of the world. A grand moment in time! Thank you!
What an awesome experience. I would have loved to have been there! Any music from Doc Watson is the best!
This was my first song I learned to finger pick on (the 2nd song I learned to play!) I was 11 years old...next song I learned was "Alice's Restaurant"....I still get asked to play /sing it. I've loved playing music for always....Doc Watson was such a master!
😁👍
Thanx to share this precious moment (Mchel from France)
Thanks for posting this Tracy, it's great! You're a fine guitar picker, and a very lucky man to do some pickin' with Doc.
Thanks
instablaster.
This is just amazing...I have watched this probably 5 times in the last day or two
Very fun song to pic,i plug up my headphones &pic along with ya guys.awesome video
Sheer beauty!!
you have been blessed ,i am so happy for you
Excellent guitar work.
Great song by you and Doc! I grew up listening to this played by Uncle Roy in the 1960's. Thanks for posting.
thanks for sharing y'all 🙏 such excellent pickin.. now I'm grinnin
that was awesome,,,thanks for sharing, love Doc.
Thank you for sharing this priceless gem with the world.
Lucky stacy...a special moment with the best there is
Thank you so very much for sharing this absolute treasure with all of us, Stacy! I am beside myself with joy! And you are a mean guitar picker too! Ed V
You are very welcome. Thanks for the kind words.
I owe him so much! Such s great person ! Idol of every flat and fingerpicker! RIP!🙏❤️
This is such a great run on this tune. Many thanks for posting this great moment. Doc is by far and away my favorite picker and this really makes it feel so real. Such a blessing to have been able to spend some time picking with him. Many Thanks :)
Woohoo! Love how Doc always added his own flavor to songs with the added lyrics and pickin and stuff
He's got a lifetime worth of riffs, and then some. He may likely have learned this tune from playing with Elizabeth Cotton, who knows
Awesome vid. Treasure the memory.
Great video of you and Doc thanks for sharing.
This is fantastic. Thank you, for sharing this.
This is a very good version!
Thanks for sharing the video. This is so awsome! love Doc Watson!
Absolutely Brilliant. I’m not American either, but this man is a legion and I really really wish I could have heard before now
love doc 's music ... specially with Merle
Very cool picking from you as well, Stacy. Thanks for sharing. As we say in German, it touches a string inside me.
Thanks
I love the tune and the W on the screen door.
Thank you so much for posting and sharing this precious memory.
Love his voice. Thanks for sharing.
Much loved classic song, played by much loved troupador. I get such a variety of great musical entertainment from YT and Firestick. Just found out about Elizabeth Cotten while watching John Hartford/Mike Seeger videos.
wonderful .
He is missed.
This is awesome!
"Now That was plum pretty."
I would loved to have been there! Thanks for sharing your video.
Wow this is beautiful, thanks for sharing🎸
Those people talking the whole time.... Don't they realize that's Doc Watson playing!? Imagine Doc playing and singing around you so much that it's just background music.
Most Doc lovers cling to a concert they saw decades ago.
If only we could all be so lucky. He is still always playing even in the background for me.
pablpfanque that’s what I said about a couple of these videos, like DUDE Doc’s playing and y’all are yapping it up like nothing’s happening !!!!
That’s the way it was, and it’s normal. Watching Doc on stage always felt like I was sitting in his living room just like this - at home.
@@BrooklynXpat exactly.. just simple folks.. working people just sittin in the living room visiting with friends.. your a pretty hot picker there Stacy keep up the good work .
So Good !! Thank you!!
That’s beautiful!
Amazing , thank you
Totally love this!! So thankful you shared this treasure!!
I’m pretty sure that is Doc’s grandson Richard who was also a great flatpicker. He died young of a heart attack in 2015
I miss him.
Saw him live in Berkeley years and years ago. Think the small venue was a church…? But I sat in the first row about 3-4 feet from him. Fast fast licks, and so clean!
I like the Watson window.
I'm playing the natural E part of Freight Train along with you this morning.. perfect :)
I wonder how many people know that this is cover of Elizabeth’s Cotten the originator of freight train. While I love this version nothing will move you more than her performance which can be found on UA-cam. Lots of respect from doc to Elizabeth and John hurt
Legend forever ♥️
Love the screen door.
This is really solid! Very nice!!
Wonderful
Another great rendition from The Flat Pickin Genius from North Carolina.
Awesome!
Rare insight into Stacy Thomas.
It's Doc, so it has to be good.
Amazing post, thank you so much. It's great to see the folk music process happening in real time, and see people who simply appreciate great music playing the heck out of it.
Mad props to you and Doc, and also to the great and criminally overlooked Elizabeth Cotten. She wrote this song as a teen in the pre-WWI 1900s, but it wasn't discovered until she was 60+ years old. It inspired the early Beatles to perform, and her other songs were inspirations for Bob Dylan, the Beastie Boys, and the Grateful Dead among others.
She's a towering talent, and you and Doc (also a towering talent) did her proud here with a joyous rendition!
Great...!
Thanks for posting this
Great job--thnx for posting--real history made. Do you remember what amplifier Doc liked best? You sounded great
Ole Boy's can pick can't they???
Like it!
Ciao Stacy, first i got to say how great this is!!
But here is the thing that I am trying to find out. Freight Train Blues is attribuited to John Lair at around 1930, but then again I hear and read that this sound was produce by Elizabeth Cotten at the age of 11/12, so around 1910, just how of curiosty.
Is it then Elizbeth Cotten thatx came up with this sound?...just wonder if you could help.
Thanks, and once more what a fantastic playing!!
Yes she called it cotton pickin she was at work her boss came home and found she had took the guitar off the wall as he heard music when he approached he did not know she played. After he found out they recorded it and the rest is history. There is a video of her playing this song that is hers she said she was cotton picking. She deserves far more credit than what she gets . Thankyou Robert Harden
Totally Americana!!!!!
Yes. Doc was right. It sure was plum pretty.
I saw another video on UA-cam of Doc playing in his later years and he was plugged into an amp in that one, too. Why was he plugged into an amp there in the living room? Was his hearing going bad? Was he just used to hearing it that way from playing so many gigs?
Playing very softly on a guitar with low string action, I think. The low action is easy on the chording fingers. Playing softly diminishes string buzz. It is easy on the fingernails, too. I watched Doc warming up before a set at Merlefest in 2002 or 2003. He played very softly.
yes
mmm hmmm, now that was plum pretty son, yes it was
Wow
Like velvet!
Hey How much did you weigh there? Must've been close to a quarter ton eh?