Eddy Merle Watson (February 8, 1949 – October 23, 1985) was an American folk and bluegrass guitarist.

Merle played and recorded albums together with his father from age 15 until his death in a tractor accident 21 years later.

[1] Merle was widely recognized as one of the best flat-picking and slide guitarists of his generation.

[2] MerleFest, one of the world's largest and most-prestigious folk music festivals, is held annually in Wilkesboro, NC and is named in his honor.

He was driving a tractor to a nearby house when it slipped down an embankment and pinned him beneath it.