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US state honours music legend Doc Watson

Raleigh - The North Carolina House honoured music legend and native son Doc Watson with a resolution on Thursday.

Lawmakers said the late guitarist forever changed the genres of folk, blues, country and bluegrass with his signature style and voice.

Born in Deep Gap in 1923, Watson is credited with developing the flatpicking style of guitar playing and leaving his mark across a broad range of American roots music over a decades-long career.

The Town of Boone dedicated a life-size statue to Watson in 2011 inscribed with the phrase, "Just one of the people".

Meanwhile, Wilkesboro's MerleFest music festival, named after Watson's son, kicked off its 26th year on Thursday for the first time without Watson.

Festival organisers said the four-day event will include a jam session on Saturday featuring many of Watson's closest musician friends, who will tell stories and play some of Watson's favourite songs.

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