Frank Watkinson: A Simple Voice in the Vast Noise of YouTube
How an Elderly Englishman’s Acoustic Covers Captured Hearts Across the Globe
In an April 2020 article for The Daily Campus, Daniel Cohn spotlighted a little-known YouTube creator who embodied the internet’s lost sense of simplicity: Frank Watkinson. Then a modest presence on the platform with just 3,700 subscribers, Watkinson—a retiree from England—uploaded acoustic covers of songs with no fanfare. His videos were unedited, shot in his home, often featuring his dog sleeping peacefully in the background. With nothing but his voice, guitar, and the occasional heartfelt response to a comment, Watkinson offered a poignant alternative to YouTube’s commercialized mainstream.
Cohn discovered Watkinson through a fan group for artist Sufjan Stevens, after someone shared Watkinson’s cover of "Casimir Pulaski Day." The raw performance resonated deeply, not only for its emotional authenticity but also for the community it fostered. Commenters often shared personal stories, grief, and gratitude, with Watkinson responding in kind. In a landscape often marred by negativity and competition, Watkinson’s channel became a haven of warmth and humanity.
Cohn reflected on how Watkinson’s music brought comfort during the isolating early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. At a time when people longed for reminders of pre-pandemic life, Watkinson’s straightforward performances felt like an antidote to the complexity of the modern world. Today, as Watkinson’s channel surpasses one million subscribers, his story continues to remind us that simplicity, sincerity, and connection are as valuable online as they are in life.
NOTE: The Daily Campus is University of Connecticut's independent, student-run newspaper.
