Douglas Watkins (1934 – 1962) was an American hard bop bassist from Detroit. An original member of the Jazz Messengers, he later played in Horace Silver's and freelanced with Gene Ammons, Kenny Burrell, Donald Byrd, Art Farmer, Jackie McLean, Hank Mobley, Lee Morgan, Sonny Rollins, and Phil Woods among countless others in jazz. He was a cousin by marriage to bassist Paul Chambers, who was similiarly prolific on record during this era. Watkins was known for his superb tone and distinct phrasing.