Doc Watson in critical condition after surgery
Grammy-winning folk musician Doc Watson has regained some strength after undergoing colon surgery at a North Carolina hospital.
Agent Mitch Greenhill of Folklore Productions said in an e-mail Friday that Watson is resting and responsive following the surgery Thursday at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. A hospital spokeswoman said he remained in critical condition Friday afternoon.
Watson’s daughter (Nancy) told the Associated Press that the 89-year-old Watson fell Monday.
The blind singer and guitarist has won several Grammys, including a lifetime achievement award. He also received the National Medal of the Arts.
He’s known as a master of the flatpicking style of guitar playing. He also started Merlefest – an annual gathering of musicians in Wilkesboro named after his son, who died in a tractor accident in 1985.
Doc Watson.
“He came through that pretty well” – Mitch Greenhill, of Folklore Productions, Intl., said today.
Watson (89) is still listed in critical conditions, because he is in the hospital’s intensive care unit.
“It’s critical, but we’re all feeling a lot better than we did at this time (Thursday)” – Greenhill said this afternoon.
Watson was hospitalized at Boone’s Watauga Medical Center after a fall earlier this week at his home in Deep Gap. His daughter told the Associated Press on Thursday that he didn’t break any bones, but was “real sick.”
Doctors at Watauga Medical Center determined he needed more care and he was transferred by ambulance to Wake Forest Baptist.
“His condition remains critical but he’s better” – longtime manager Mitch Greenhill told The New York Times. “He’s in the intensive care unit and he’s probably going to be there for a while.”
Watson became ill and fell down at his home in Deep Gap earlier this week – according to the Times. He was taken to the hospital in the nearby town of Boone, but was sent to the medical facility in Winston-Salem when doctors determined he needed surgery to remove a blockage in his colon.
A statement on Folklore Productions International’s website said Watson was “resting and responsive” following his surgery, reported Reuters.
“The family appreciates everyone’s prayers and good wishes” – the statement said.
The blind singer and guitarist has won several Grammys, including a lifetime achievement award, according to the Associated Press. He is known for being a master of flatpicking and for starting Merlefest, a gathering of musicians named after his son, who died in a tractor accident in 1985.
Among his hits are “Tom Dooley,” “Shady Grove” and “Rising Sun Blues” – reported Reuters. His most recent Grammy win was in 2006 in the best country instrumental performance category for his playing on “Whiskey Before Breakfast.”