BGS and MerleFest are so excited to once again partner to bring you exclusive clips and sessions captured on site during the incredible 2026 MerleFest event in Wilkesboro, North Carolina. We launched our off-season collaboration with the long-running bluegrass and roots music festival by sharing performances from the MerleFest Late Night Jam with the Grand Ole Opry, hosted by Old Crow Medicine Show. (Watch OCMS with Maggie Rose here.) For our second installment in the series, we stepped away from the rowdy and raucous Late Night Jam for a more traditional session and a wonderful set from none other than Charles Wesley Godwin.
Now we turn the lens to songwriter, guitarist, harmonica player and storyteller Willie Watson. MerleFest, of course, plays a crucial role in his award-winning career. In fact, as a pivotal early member of Old Crow Medicine Show, the string band received a hearty endorsement from none other than Doc Watson himself. Near the end of this clip, Willie tells the story about the band busking in downtown Boone, North Carolina, in the year 2000, and how Doc’s daughter, Nancy, just happened to come by and listen. Returning shortly thereafter with her dad, Nancy introduced the band to one of the most groundbreaking guitarists ever in American music.
Enjoy Willie’s acoustic renditions of “Sad Song” and “One to Fall” from his self-titled album, then stick around as he shares how a fateful wrestling match as a teenager changed the trajectory of his life. The session closes with a poignant performance of the Carter Family classic, “Sow ‘Em on the Mountain (Reap ‘Em in the Valley).”
Video Credits: I Know We Should, Brad Wagner and Juan Soria.
This content brought to you in partnership with MerleFest. Experience music and more at MerleFest.org.
