I made my first trip to the States, in 1998, specifically to hear Doc Watson play, at Burlington VT.
At that time I figured he couldn't have long to go, so I'd best catch him while I could. I was totally knocked out by his performance, and by his rapport with the audience. Little did I know that he would go on playing and singing superlatively for another 12 - 13 years ...
It is simply miraculous that he continued as active as he did for as long as he did, and although we all grieve, we could not, in all conscience, have asked for any more from the man than he was allowed to give.