Talkin' Guitar: A Story of Young Doc Watson

by Robbin Gourley

As she did with Edna Lewis in Bring Me Some Apples and I'll Make You a Pie, Robbin Gourley tells a story about the early life of Doc Watson (1923-2012), a blind musician from North Carolina who won 7 Grammy Awards and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and had a deep, enduring influence on how the flattop acoustic guitar is used in folk, roots, and bluegrass music.

  • Format: eBook
  • ISBN-13/ EAN: 9780544133464
  • ISBN-10: 0544133463
  • Pages: 40
  • Publication Date: 03/10/2015
  • Carton Quantity: 1
About the Book
About the Author
Reviews
  • About the Book
    Arthel "Doc" Watson (1923–2012) was a Grammy-winning guitarist, singer, and songwriter, high in the pantheon of bluegrass and country music greats. This picture book tells the story of a country boy, born blind, who found music in the sounds around him and learned to play that music on his guitar. Minimal text and breathtaking illustrations pay tribute to Doc's early determination, imagination, and musicianship. Includes additional biographical information. 
  • About the Author

    Robbin Gourley

    Robbin Gourley is an artist and art director as well as an author and illustrator of cookbooks and picture books. She divides her time between rural Pennsylvania and Brooklyn, New York.

  • Excerpts
  • Reviews
    "The paintings' rich colors and simplified, often rhythmically repeated forms suit the story well. A lyrical tribute to the childhood of a folk legend." 

    —Booklist 

     

    "A cadenced narrative and soft watercolors in a naïve style take readers through blind folk musician Arthel “Doc” Watson’s Appalachian upbringing." 

    —Publishers Weekly 

     

    "Uncluttered watercolor illustrations add to the spare text, which stresses Watson's joyful exploration of the sounds of his world...this enchanting introduction to a legendary musician is perfect for most biography collections." 

    —School Library Journal 

     

    "Gourley's affectionate biography is a great starting point for young readers, who are most likely unfamiliar with Doc Watson." 

    —Horn Book Magazine 

     

    "In twangy language and moody, brightly colored watercolor art, Gourley emphasizes his keen ear, subtle appreciation of both sound and silence, and loving, supportive family." 

    —New York Times Book Review 

     

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