This four-CD collection contains 64 tracks from Watson's years on the Vanguard label recorded from 1963 to 1968. There are 16 previously unreleased performances included that are live duets between Doc and his son Merle. It includes guests such as Gaither Carlton, Clarence White and Merle Travis.

Music critic Richie Unterberger praises the release in his review for Allmusic writing "This was Doc's best period recording-wise, and certainly you couldn't hope for a better document of his virtuosity" but also qualifies his review, writing "It's too much, however, for listeners who aren't big fans; Vanguard's Essential Doc Watson is a more economical survey. If you are a big fan, though, you'll be especially interested in the 16 previously unreleased performances."

Mark Ray of No Depression wrote "By definition, The Vanguard Years is not a completist’s collection, although it is an expansive project , and much of Watson’s most popular work is represented here. More interesting, though, is the lesser-known material, on which Watson can be heard evolving his famous flatpicking style... The Vanguard Years is a definitive statement on Watson as an innovator. But it also stands as a testament to the effect a musician’s label can have on their career."

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Wikipedia