Doc Watson’s legendary flat-picking style helped define the sound of North Carolina. But he would’ve been the first to say that he was one link in a long tradition of folk and bluegrass. Raised in a musical home in Deep Gap, his influence branched out far beyond Watauga County, welcoming new generations of musicians into the fold.
doc watson
An Our State Playlist: The Watsons: 40 Favorites
Forty songs that give a glimpse of Doc Watson’s life and legacy as an Appalachian folk singer, gifted musician, and pioneering flat-picker who created a distinctly signature North Carolina sound.
An Our State Playlist: North Carolina Mountain Music
The perfect background music for your fall leaf-peeping trip: Our curated Spotify playlist features a selection of 20 folk and bluegrass songs by North Carolina artists.
An Our State Playlist: North Carolina Folk Music
Take a deep dive into our state’s folk music with our curated Spotify playlist featuring 25 songs — from old standards to contemporary tunes.
A Locals’ Guide to Downtown Boone
The spirit of the mountaineers who settled here echoes through the streets of this High Country town.
An Our State Playlist: Gather ’Round
Shall we gather? Listen to our curated Spotify playlist featuring 10 songs by North Carolina artists about reunions, togetherness, and coming home.
Rock, Roll, & Remember
Across North Carolina and through the years, artists of all stripes have contributed to an ever-evolving genre of music that’s defined by its edginess and energy.
Walls of Fame: 17 Musical Murals
A muralist set out to honor North Carolina’s musical heritage by painting portraits of notable artists — some famous rockers and others musicians who inspired them — in the towns and cities that they once called home.
An Our State Playlist: Gardens & Growth
This spring, queue up tunes about blooms and hone your green thumb as you listen to our curated Spotify playlist featuring 10 songs by North Carolina artists.