The Watson Family, recorded in 1963 and released originally on Folkways, offers an intimate and ethnographically significant portrait of the musical world Doc Watson came from. Rather than a solo showcase, the album presents Doc alongside family members including his father General Dixon Watson, his mother Annie Watson, his brother Arnold, and Gaither Carlton, a celebrated old-time fiddler. The repertoire draws from the Appalachian songs the family carried as living practice rather than as revival performance. For listeners who know Doc Watson primarily through his virtuoso flatpicking and festival performances, The Watson Family reveals the communal roots of his remarkable musicianship.
Tracklist
- 1 Groundhog alt version 2:21
- 2 Every Day Dirt 2:08
- 3 Bonaparte's Retreat - Instrumental 1:32
- 4 The House Carpenter alt version 4:33
- 5 I’m Troubled Source Recording 2:42
- 6 Your Long Journey alt version 2:37
- 7 When I Die alt version 2:18
- 8 The Train that Carried My Girl From Town alt version 2:21
- 9 Down the Road alt version 2:40
- 10 The Lone Pilgrim 3:08
- 11 Texas Gales / Blackberry Rag - Instrumental 1:58
- 12 Darling Cory alt version 2:38
- 13 The Triplett Tragedy 5:31
- 14 Muddy Roads - Instrumental 1:25
- 15 The Lost Soul 3:01
- 16 Keep in the Middle of the Road 1:15
- 17 The Old Man Below 1:35
- 18 Pretty Saro 1:42
- 19 Cousin Sally Brown (Instrumental in Two Parts) 2:21
- 20 Look Down That Lonesome Road alt version 3:28
- 21 Doodle Bug 1:02
- 22 Rambling Hobo - Instrumental 1:38
- 23 The Cuckoo alt version 2:49
- 24 Frosty Morn - Instrumental 1:41
- 25 Shady Grove alt version 2:59
- 26 Southbound 2:41