My son Jacob with the late great Doc Watson in the background, Norris, Tennessee, October 2002

Doc Watson died a few weeks ago, aged 89. He was one of the greatest country-blues traditional guitar players. We saw him playing when we were in Tennessee in October 2002 at the annual Homecoming at the Museum of Appalachia in Norris. But he had the benefit of being recorded, of being respected, of his ability and authenticity being recognised. That he was blind from childhood made his musical talent all the more remarkable - he once said he could strip and engine and rebuild it despite not being able to see. He was 'discovered' in middle age, having spent his life up till then playing at country socials and dances. How many others have passed away here in Ulster in recent decades, unrespected, unrecognised, unrecorded, and how much tradition has been lost?

Here's an obituary. And here's what Doc Watson thought to be the most important -