He is perhaps best known for his roles in films such as Groundhog Day, The Fugitive, Natural Born Killers, and Soul Food.
After graduation in 1962, he planned to travel to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of being a musician, but stopped in Chicago to see a family member and never left.
Watson was also on other famous live recordings from the Regal Theater, including Gene Chandler's Rainbow '65.
Watson also worked as a band teacher during this time at Du Sable, Dunbar and CVS high schools.
Watson would later serve as the musical director of Operation Push, and continued to play in the band until the late 70s.
Of course he continued to perform around Chicago, first with bassist Cleveland Eaton, a longtime colleague who had since left the Ramsey Lewis trio.
His roster of acts he has played with is a veritable who's who in jazz music and includes Von Freeman, Franz Jackson, the Ellington Dynasty, Sonny Stitt, Ella Fitzgerald, Joe Williams, and many others.
Watson also was a Joseph Jefferson Award Winner for his work as Musical Director of Duke Ellington's Play "Jump for Joy" which had a successful run at the Royal George Theater.
He had 13 movies to his credit, including key roles as Bones Roosevelt in The Fugitive, the Bartender in Groundhog Day, and Uncle Pete in Soul Food.