Chester Burton Atkins, nicknamed by throngs of fans as “Mister Guitar,” changed the world of guitar music, developing and elevating an innovative guitar playing style that has inspired scores of musicians including Mark Knopfler, George Harrison and Paul McCartney, Earl Klugh, Tommy Emmanuel, Doc Watson, Lenny Breau, Jerry Reed and many, many others. His style and sound are often duplicated but none can completely capture the sound of Chet. He possessed a true love of the guitar and played as a young man for hours until sleep would overtake him.

A noted record producer as well, Chet Atkins worked his way from low playing radio gigs to success as a recording artist and also became one of the most prolific record producers in history. While on Music Row in Nashville, Chet discovered and signed many talented artists as Vice President of RCA and ushered in what was later to be known as the “Nashville Sound.” Artists included Jim Reeves, Eddy Arnold, Dolly Parton, Jerry Reed, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, Charley Pride and many others. Of course, fans loved not only his unique and capivating music but also his humble and down to earth demeanor. His last recording, “Solo Sessions” was a treasure trove of Chet playing solo in his home basement recording studio, tracks which he had laid down over the years. The tapes were discovered by Chet Atkin’s grandson Jonathan and rhythm guitarist Paul Yandell.

Although Chet Atkins has passed, the legacy of his playing will never pass, and scores of young new players are seeing on YouTube and other online sources vintage video of Chet and his unique and special talents. He was an admirer of the music of Merle Travis, Les Paul and Django Reinhardt; they are influences that shaped him and fueled his creativity. Were he alive he might be uncomfortable with this heaping of praise, but as Lenny Breau once said, “There’s only one Chet Atkins.”

Tom Redmond, June 2019

A large variety of biographical information is available on the life and works of the man known as “Mister Guitar” - Chet Atkins. No one man has had more influence on the guitar than Chet. Here are some sources for information on Chet, his recordings and life achievements.

Chet Atkins c.g.p. - by Bob Oermann
Chet Atkins biography - by Stephen Erlewine, All-Music Guide
Keeping it interesting for over 40 years - by Richard McVey, Music City News
Grammy Awards

Biographical information on some of Chet's musician friends:

Jerry Reed - by Jason Ankeny
Django Reinhardt - by Wayne Jeffries
Suzy Bogguss
Merle Travis - courtesy Microsoft Music Central
Lenny Breau - by Jim Ferguson
Steve Wariner - courtesy Countrystars.com
Doc Watson - courtesy Country.com
Paul Yandell - by John Schroeter
Les Paul - by Richard S. Ginell


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