For people like me who want to get some sort of real experience of this great American music without actually living there - what a treasure this record is!
Can you imagine being in the room with those two? The music and the humor combined with their simple straightforward affection and respect for each other would be almost too much to handle!
Perhaps the most significant thing that happened in this conversation between Doc & Merle was Travis' endorsement of Gallagher Guitars saying they "ring like a bell". If you listen closely, Maybelle Carter was impressed with Doc's Gallagher as well. Today, almost 50 years after this album was recorded, Gallagher remains a viable guitar maker with the 3rd generation of the Gallagher family leading the company. I would venture this impromptu endorsement was the best advertising Gallagher Guitars ever had.
I have watched this video maybe 20 times and still get a charge from it. Merle seems amazed that Doc did not play professionally until the early sixties It is indeed amazing that out of rural N Carolina Doc came to be world famous.Thanks John.we have the same tastes.
This album was made about the time my dad was born in 1970, he grew up with it, as have I, my kids will too. It's like a time machine - the Circle of music and country bluegrass character - coiling forward indeed.
Oh wow! Chills up and down my spine! I have heard the short banter between Merle and Doc on the album, but not this extended version of it. More of this, please!!!!!
I've been listing to the Circle album since it came out in '72 and didn't realize until recently that it captured the Doc-meets-Merle moment. American treasure, for sure. I've tried to put my fingerpicking to the test by copying both of these giants. But no one can play like they do. Thanks for the post, John. You're a treasure, too.
So cool! What a moment in music history. Doc and Merle Travis are two of my guitar heros. I must have listened to 'Will the Circle' album a thousand times back in the 70's! John M., I met you in Auxvasse, MO in the mid 70's playing an outdoor concert with Nitty Gritty. Wha a memorable night of incredible music! Now subbed!
As star struck as Doc Watson is, Merle sounds legitimately speechless that 1) Doc didn't get pro til only ten years before, 2) He named his CHILD AFTER HIM and 3) That one of the man's most favorite records of all time was a session that Merle considered insignificant and fleeting. How lucky we all were for this historic recording.
Mr. Mceuen, maybe you remember my mom Pauline Zingleman? I was in the audience all of 8 years old, that night at the Ash Grove. My mom and dad were friends of Doc and Merle. Many memories. My folks had a party for Merle's birthday and I remember all the talk about the idea of the album. Amazing to have seen it all unfold when you grow up thinking Doc Watson and Merle are coming to town, time to make banana pudding, like a neighbor coming down the road...I visited with Doc last at the Birchmere two years ago and it was like no time had passed at all. thanks for putting this up. A lifetime of memories.
Doc Watson is about to brim over meeting a man he so admired he named his son for. Merle clearly has a lot of admiration for Doc, but it's Doc that is a little star-struck here. He's playing it cool, but he's meeting one of his heroes. Love it. I always wondered what it was like for all those people to meet Maybelle Carter at that session.
I was listening to Merle's Songs of the Coalmines today as I was cooking dinner. My son walked through the kitchen and was trying to guess who it was. After a few misses I said "old brother Merle" as a hint, which is what I'd heard Doc call Merle Travis. After hearing that my son guessed "Merle Watson?". I said no but I think Merle Watson is named after the guy I'm listening to, but I'm not sure. I finally told him it is Merle Travis. Songs of the Coalmines is such an enjoyable album- and funny too.
I think it may have been.Merle who was star struck after meeting with dear old Doc Watson..ye I think it was that way round...I can almost hear the unbelieving sighs out of merles mouth..but...but....he's blind hows he doin that..??? Lordy lordy........very best regards Doc..I was just starting to find your work when I read about your Merles accident...it broke my heart...I'll always be so tough d by your music Doc..bless you
thanks for the comments! let's hear more and spread this wonderful time around. It was an historic moment, and I am glad some others will see this now. Please, spread it around to those you think might be interested. check out my website for more info at john mceuen site... thanks!
I am a pilgrim and a stranger Traveling through this wearisome land I've got a home in that yonder city, good Lord And it's not, not made by hand I've got a mother, father and a brother Who have gone this way before I am determined to go and see them, good Lord For they're now, they're on that other shore I'm goin' down to the river of Jordan Just to bathe my wearisome soul If I can just touch the hem of his garment, good Lord Then I know he'd take me home I am a pilgrim and a stranger Traveling through this wearisome land I've got a home in that yonder city, good Lord And it's not, not made by hand
Love this! Real people about to make real music and write real history. Can you imagine this kind of meeting happening in 2013, with today's surgically-enhanced artists and autotune? Ugh!
I love the way Doc talks idk how to explain it he just has a real dignified parlance
He's a polite christianly man with a wry suble sense of humor
For people like me who want to get some sort of real experience of this great American music without actually living there - what a treasure this record is!
Can you imagine being in the room with those two? The music and the humor combined with their simple straightforward affection and respect for each other would be almost too much to handle!
Perhaps the most significant thing that happened in this conversation between Doc & Merle was Travis' endorsement of Gallagher Guitars saying they "ring like a bell". If you listen closely, Maybelle Carter was impressed with Doc's Gallagher as well. Today, almost 50 years after this album was recorded, Gallagher remains a viable guitar maker with the 3rd generation of the Gallagher family leading the company. I would venture this impromptu endorsement was the best advertising Gallagher Guitars ever had.
I have watched this video maybe 20 times and still get a charge from it. Merle seems amazed that Doc did not play professionally until the early sixties It is indeed amazing that out of rural N Carolina Doc came to be world famous.Thanks John.we have the same tastes.
Super to have these two great artists meet! Thank you.
This is just fantastic. Legends in a simpler time.
This album was made about the time my dad was born in 1970, he grew up with it, as have I, my kids will too. It's like a time machine - the Circle of music and country bluegrass character - coiling forward indeed.
One of the best albums ever released.
It got a lot of people into great mountain music.
With so many legendary talents and history, what album could be greater?
Oh wow! Chills up and down my spine! I have heard the short banter between Merle and Doc on the album, but not this extended version of it. More of this, please!!!!!
I have the original 3 album set, very formative stuff for me. I was born in 74 and my Dad had it ever since I can recall and I now have it.
I've been listing to the Circle album since it came out in '72 and didn't realize until recently that it captured the Doc-meets-Merle moment. American treasure, for sure. I've tried to put my fingerpicking to the test by copying both of these giants. But no one can play like they do. Thanks for the post, John. You're a treasure, too.
So cool! What a moment in music history. Doc and Merle Travis are two of my guitar heros. I must have listened to 'Will the Circle' album a thousand times back in the 70's! John M., I met you in Auxvasse, MO in the mid 70's playing an outdoor concert with Nitty Gritty. Wha a memorable night of incredible music! Now subbed!
As star struck as Doc Watson is, Merle sounds legitimately speechless that 1) Doc didn't get pro til only ten years before, 2) He named his CHILD AFTER HIM and 3) That one of the man's most favorite records of all time was a session that Merle considered insignificant and fleeting. How lucky we all were for this historic recording.
Mr. Mceuen, maybe you remember my mom Pauline Zingleman? I was in the audience all of 8 years old, that night at the Ash Grove. My mom and dad were friends of Doc and Merle. Many memories. My folks had a party for Merle's birthday and I remember all the talk about the idea of the album. Amazing to have seen it all unfold when you grow up thinking Doc Watson and Merle are coming to town, time to make banana pudding, like a neighbor coming down the road...I visited with Doc last at the Birchmere two years ago and it was like no time had passed at all. thanks for putting this up. A lifetime of memories.
What a glorious time to be alive.
it has been reissued in vinyl a few months ago with liner notes, new photos, and a poster.. a great package.
Doc Watson is about to brim over meeting a man he so admired he named his son for. Merle clearly has a lot of admiration for Doc, but it's Doc that is a little star-struck here. He's playing it cool, but he's meeting one of his heroes. Love it. I always wondered what it was like for all those people to meet Maybelle Carter at that session.
Paul Hogue yes indeed Maybelle was the mother of them all RIP
always love listening to this...
Great Stuff John!! Hopefully you can add more historic meetings like this down the road.
Thanks a whole lot for sharing this!!!
It's getting dusty in here. Thank you for this.
Move it to a tape. From a record. Awesome
Found an original, barely played copy of this at a 'vinyl' used record shop on Jackson St. in Petone, NZ. Ten dollars. Couldn't believe it.
Fantastic stuff and fantastic memories! John my old friend, thanks for the great music in general and this particular vid.
I was listening to Merle's Songs of the Coalmines today as I was cooking dinner. My son walked through the kitchen and was trying to guess who it was. After a few misses I said "old brother Merle" as a hint, which is what I'd heard Doc call Merle Travis. After hearing that my son guessed "Merle Watson?". I said no but I think Merle Watson is named after the guy I'm listening to, but I'm not sure. I finally told him it is Merle Travis. Songs of the Coalmines is such an enjoyable album- and funny too.
I think it may have been.Merle who was star struck after meeting with dear old Doc Watson..ye I think it was that way round...I can almost hear the unbelieving sighs out of merles mouth..but...but....he's blind hows he doin that..??? Lordy lordy........very best regards Doc..I was just starting to find your work when I read about your Merles accident...it broke my heart...I'll always be so tough d by your music Doc..bless you
Love this thanks for posting!
This is great stuff, John! Thanks for sharing.
David Mathis now owns Gallagher Guitars, relocating to Murfreesboro, Tennessee. And they still “Ring like a bell”!
thanks for the comments! let's hear more and spread this wonderful time around. It was an historic moment, and I am glad some others will see this now. Please, spread it around to those you think might be interested. check out my website for more info at john mceuen site... thanks!
I had this record don't know what happened to I wore it out great record.
Serious guitarmanship.
Doc quickly veers away from the conversation when Merle calls him Doc Hopkins.
Great video but I wish it was longer
I am a pilgrim and a stranger
Traveling through this wearisome land
I've got a home in that yonder city, good Lord
And it's not, not made by hand
I've got a mother, father and a brother
Who have gone this way before
I am determined to go and see them, good Lord
For they're now, they're on that other shore
I'm goin' down to the river of Jordan
Just to bathe my wearisome soul
If I can just touch the hem of his garment, good Lord
Then I know he'd take me home
I am a pilgrim and a stranger
Traveling through this wearisome land
I've got a home in that yonder city, good Lord
And it's not, not made by hand
Very, very special.
Two geniuses...
“People ALWAYS ask me, you know Doc Hopkins?”
Did anyone notice that Merle called Doc Hopkins instead of instead of Doc Watson.
Love this! Real people about to make real music and write real history. Can you imagine this kind of meeting happening in 2013, with today's surgically-enhanced artists and autotune? Ugh!
I heard Merle say, “Doc Hopkins”. Has anyone else heard that?
Yes
What I've always heard is "Doc Watkins."
It was Roy Acuff that said, "Take it, Doc Watkins..."
Who asked them 'first time you two have met?' near the beginning there?
Will the Circle Be Unbroken I meant to say.
why the dramatic music!!!
¡CHHHH ...no tocan ni úna gueá!