Arthel Lane “Doc” Watson was an American guitarist, singer, and songwriter from North Carolina. His works included American roots, folk, blues, country, and gospel songs. His unique fingerpicking and flat-picking styles of guitar playing, along with expressive vocals and impressive knowledge of traditional folk tunes, helped him grow in popularity in the mid-60s.

In 1997, Watson was awarded the National Medal of Arts for his contribution to American music. In 2004, he was awarded the Recording Academy Lifetime Achievement Award by the Recording Academy of the United States at the Grammy Awards.