Folk music great Doc Watson is reported to be in critical condition in a Winston-Salem, NC hospital.
A friend told the Watauga Democrat newspaper that Watson originally entered the Watauga Medical Center on Monday for an unspecified infection; however, the singer’s daughter told the Associated Press that he went in after a fall. On Thursday, he was transferred to the Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem although the reason for the change in hospitals and his condition are not known.
Watson, who has been blind since before his first birthday, toured extensively for many years with his son Merle. He has been recording since the mid-60’s and, after Merle was killed in a tractor accident, he started up the annual Merlefest in Wilkesboro, NC. Doc has been a highly influential figure in folk music, known best for his flatpicking style and knowledge of traditional American music.
UPDATE: Doc Watson now reported stable but still critical