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Arthel “Doc” Watson, the legendary North Carolina guitarist and one of the most iconic American musicians of the 20th century, died Tuesday evening at Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. He was 89 years old.

The subject of picking parties arose naturally from some recent events: the coming of summer, the news that the biggest event in bluegrass music will unfold in Raleigh next year, and, sadly, the death of Earl Scruggs.

Arthel “Doc” Watson is in critical but improved condition after undergoing colon surgery at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem, according to David Holt, his longtime onstage playing partner.

Gregg Allman is getting married for the seventh time.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame member Bernie Worrell has made a career out of being an essential collaborator.

Paul van Dyk is vocal about those he thinks are just DJs with market-driven campaigns behind them.

Classical Picks:  Cary’s Booth Amphitheatre begins its Summerfest season and hosts the Triangle Wind Ensemble.

Jane’s Addiction: A band with no particular reason for existing anymore. And yet they do.

Music Review:  Give any band enough time, and it will turn into an oldies act. Consider Jane's Addiction, once the coolest band in the land but now a group that evokes an aging stripper who still has the moves and not much else.

Lady Gaga has the go-ahead to put on a second concert in the Philippines after Manila authorities decided her first show did not violate the law.

“Bring Me Home – Live 2011” captures the singer giving someone a backstage tattoo to relieve stage stress.

Grammy-winning folk musician Doc Watson remains in critical condition at a North Carolina hospital after undergoing colon surgery this week.

Coming in second on "American Idol" may still be a path to superstardom, but it no longer offers guaranteed paychecks worthy of the next pop idol or rock star.

“I Feel Love,” Prince’s “Purple Rain” album are two of the 25 sound recordings enshrined in the Library of Congress’ registry.

Rock Picks:  Have a feel-good experience with Polyphonic Spree at the Cat’s Cradle.

Country Picks:  Chris Young brings his chart-toppers to the Longbranch Saloon in Raleigh.

The only child of Elvis and Priscilla Presley started writing music again after moving to England several years ago.

From the moment he first stepped in front of the judges and unleashed a folksy take on Michael Jackson's "Thriller," guitar-playing crooner Phillip Phillips seemed preordained to win "American Idol," and not just because he's another white guy with a guitar, the all-too-familiar profile of the previous four "Idol" champions.

Saunders:  The recent deaths of Donna Summer, Robin Gibb, Chuck Brown and Belita Woods make us reminisce about some great ’70s music.